ILSP Intake Specialist

First Place For Youth-Join Our Team Video!

Are you dedicated to empowering and supporting youth, regardless of their background? We're searching for passionate individuals to make a positive impact on the lives of foster youth. Become an integral part of their transformative journey and join the First Place for Youth team.

About First Place for Youth, we’re a leading non-profit organization dedicated to supporting foster youth in their transition to adulthood, with a focus on education, employment, and housing. We believe that all young people deserve the opportunity to thrive and lead successful, independent lives. Our comprehensive programs empower foster youth to overcome the unique challenges they face and build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to succeed.

Why

Work at First Place for Youth:

Meaningful Impact:  Help to transform the lives of foster youth on the cusp of adulthood.

Your role will support them in their journey to conquer challenges, achieve independence, and fulfill their aspirations.

Innovative Approach:
We thrive on innovation, pushing the boundaries of foster care support. Your voice here matters, and you’ll contribute to programs that redefine the futures of these young lives.

Collaborative and Supportive Environment:
Embrace a dynamic and supportive workplace, where every team member is valued. Together, we're a force dedicated to uplifting youth. Expect professional growth, fueled by teamwork and collaboration.

Comprehensive Benefits:
We value the well-being of our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package. From health and wellness benefits to retirement plans, we ensure that our team members are taken care of so they can focus on their important work supporting foster youth.

Culture of Diversity and Inclusion:
We celebrate diversity in every form. At First Place for Youth, inclusivity reigns, creating a workplace where all voices are heard, respected, and empowered.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Intake Specialist is responsible for ensuring program census through ongoing outreach, assessment, and eligibility verifications of applicants. Adhering to program elements, the Intake Specialist provides or oversees all aspects of the admission process for all youth including verifying youths’ eligibility, program day, pre-admission assessments, initial service planning, coordination with housing, and presentation and warm hand-off to the services team. The Intake Specialist works directly with county placement partners including convening initial team meetings and encouraging participation and providing outreach to youth services teams to increase awareness of programs and generate referrals.

The Intake Specialist individualizes the approach for each young person including gathering relevant documents, consulting with appropriate stakeholders and vital supporters (as identified and consented by youth), and initiating conversations about goals and expectations of participants. This position is required to work onsite and in the community Monday – Friday.

DUTIES + RESPONSIBILITIES:

Oversee and be the point person for both Alameda and San Francisco Counties referrals. Stay in constant and positive communication with both county representatives to facilitate clear and concise time lines.

Verify youth’s eligibility via foster care county social workers, documentation or homeless verification letters. If youth are not qualified, provide resources or referrals to other programs. Provide walk-in hours for youth inquiring about program.

Complete and document applicant interest in program, assessment, participation in program day and all other intake related activities.

Liaise with county workers from child welfare, probation, and/or YDS workers. Invite and ensure participation in assessment activities and, where possible, initial team meetings.

Develop (as needed) and provide tools to youth to assist with decision making and to ensure youth participation in strength and needs assessments and goal setting.

As appropriate, and with release of information, gather information from stakeholders – e.g., teachers, social workers, family members, behavior health providers, etc. – as…