Education and Employment Specialist

Education and Employment Specialist

First Place for Youth, a leading non‑profit organization in Compton, California, supports foster youth in their transition to adulthood. The organization focuses on education, employment, and housing, empowering young people to overcome challenges and build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to succeed.

• Meaningful Impact:
  Transform the lives of foster youth on the cusp of adulthood.
• Innovative Approach:
  Contribute to programs that redefine these young lives’ futures.
• Collaborative Environment:
  Work with a supportive team that values every member.
• Comprehensive Benefits:
  Health, wellness, retirement plans, and more.
• Diversity & Inclusion:
  An inclusive workplace where all voices are heard.

The Education and Employment Specialist (EES) is energetic, youth‑centered, and passionate about supporting current and former foster youth in achieving their educational and employment goals. The EES manages a caseload of up to 30 youth in the My First Place housing program, providing targeted case management and coaching.

• Support youth to identify and work toward employment and educational goals.
• Meet with individual youth regularly to develop career‑related goals and identify actionable steps, including post‑secondary education planning.
• Provide continuous coaching, identify barriers, and develop joint success plans with Youth Advocates.
• Lead workshops on career education, job‑seeking skills, resume development, interview preparation, and job maintenance.
• Document and track all meetings with youth in the internal database within required timelines.
• Coach youth on work‑related issues and promote self‑advocacy.
• Assess educational status and interests through standard assessments and 1:1 sessions.
• Develop individualized educational plans and short‑term steps toward self‑sufficiency.
• Plan, organize, and lead monthly events for youth.
• Establish and maintain external collaborations with employers, educational programs, and community resources.
• Collaborate with colleagues across departments and the organization.
• Complete documentation, including action plans, assessments, and progress notes on schedule.
• Attend weekly program meetings, monthly agency staff meetings, and weekly supervision with the Program Manager or EES Supervisor.
• Monitor employment and education data, identify trends, and present findings to the team.
• Participate in agency committees as assigned and provide orientation and training to staff as needed.

• Bachelor’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, education, or a related field (required).
• Two years of full‑time social work or casework in family or child welfare services (preferred).
• Strong dedication to cultural competency and inclusive practices.
• Two years of workforce development experience (education systems, workforce development, career coaching) (required).
• Excellent knowledge of education and employment resources for youth in the Bay Area.
• General knowledge of issues facing transition‑aged homeless youth.
• Excellent communication, professional demeanor, sound judgment, and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently.
• Dependable car, valid driver’s license, and proof of insurance.
• Willingness to meet clients in person and pass a Community Care Licensing background check.
• Availability for occasional evenings, weekends, and travel as needed.

• 15 days of vacation in the first year
• 12 days of sick time
• 2 floating holidays
• 15 paid holidays
• Health and dental/vision coverage (up to 90% premium covered)
• Healthcare and dependent‑care FSA plans
• Life insurance and voluntary life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Paid sabbatical

First Place for Youth is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants who have a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. Applicants do not need to disclose a criminal history or undergo a background check until a conditional job offer is made.