Career & Employment Specialist

AGENCY OVERVIEW

Since our founding in 1895 in Marin County as an orphanage – and through subsequent years as Sunny Hills Services – Side by Side has been at the forefront of best practices in child welfare, working with the most vulnerable youth in our community. Today, Side by Side operates in four counties – Marin, Alameda, Sonoma, and Napa – across the Bay Area, reaching nearly 2,000 children, young adults, and family members per year with much‑needed services related to behavioral and mental health, early intervention in schools, LGBTQIA+ support, transitional housing for foster youth, and special education.

Side By Side places high value on individuals with a passion for helping underserved youth and families in a collaborative and inclusive work culture. We strive to work together to create a trauma‑informed workplace where we walk the walk of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging principles.

This nonexempt position has an hourly rate of pay between $32.00 to $34.67 based on experience.

• 3 weeks of paid vacation for F/T employees increasing to 4 weeks of vacation after 2 years of service (for all non‑school based employees)
• 2 weeks of sick leave for F/T employees with 2 additional sick days for direct service staff
• 10 paid holidays per year and 1 Self‑Care Anniversary Day each year
• 99% employer‑paid Medical for F/T employees including platinum level Kaiser Permanente insurance, Sutter Health or Anthem options
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Long Term Disability insurance up to $9,000 per month, plus $50,000 Life and AD&D insurance. Employees also have the option to purchase additional life insurance at their own cost.
• 403b Retirement Plan with agency match after one year of employment
• Professional development and other learning opportunities including unlimited access to over 1,000 behavioral health courses online. Side By Side is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness certified employer
• FREE Employee Assistance Program including up to 10 complimentary personal counseling sessions per problem, per year for staff and dependents
• Employee recognition program with $500 bonus awards
• Employee referral bonus of up to $1,000
• Pet Insurance

The Independent Living Program provides every eligible youth in care with independent living skills training to assist in the transition to a successful and independent lifestyle. ILP services are currently delivered to youth ages 14-21 by Side by Side and partnered with Alameda County Social Services.

There is an option for this position to become hybrid based on an on‑going demonstration of autonomy and continuously meeting program deliverables.

The ILP Career & Employment Specialist will support current and former foster and probation youth ages 14–25 with employment readiness, career exploration, workforce development, and job placement support. Holding a caseload of 40-70 youth. Cultivating at least 2 employment partnerships per month with a minimum of 20. Engaging with 15 youth per month. Facilitating at least 2 workshops a month virtual or in‑person.

This role focuses on helping youth build sustainable career pathways while developing the skills necessary for long‑term independence and self‑sufficiency.

The ideal candidate is energetic, youth‑centered, organized, trauma‑informed, and passionate about supporting Transitional Age Youth.

• Provide one‑on‑one career coaching and employment support to ILP youth.
• Assist youth with career exploration, vocational planning, and goal setting.
• Support youth in identifying career pathways aligned with their interests, strengths, and educational goals.
• Conduct employment assessments and help youth create individualized employment plans.
• Assist youth with resume writing, cover letters, job applications, and interview preparation.
• Conduct mock interviews and teach professional communication skills.
• Support youth with job search activities and online employment platforms.
• Assist youth in obtaining employment documents such as IDs, Social Security cards, work permits, and direct deposit set up.

• Develop and…