Education and Employment Specialist

ABOUT US:

Safe Place for Youth (SPY) is the leading service provider for youth experiencing or at-risk of homelessness in West Los Angeles. Founded in 2011, our agency offers trauma-informed, low barrier programs that support young people in exiting the streets and achieving stability so that they can thrive, not just survive. Our robust continuum of care includes street outreach, drop-in services, health and wellness programming, case management, education and employment services, and housing programs.

SPY is a unique social impact agency that is committed to overcoming structural barriers to equity, community collaboration, and innovative youth-focused programming. If you have the skills, passion and collaborative spirit, join our growing team of over 100 employees.

SPY strives to attract and develop individuals who reflect a broad spectrum of diversity, including (but by no means limited to) racial, ethnic, gender identity and socioeconomic dimensions. We believe that inclusion of diverse perspectives is essential to achieving long-term, systemic change. We explicitly seek applications from those who self-identify as coming from historically marginalized populations to enrich and elevate our equity-centered approach to problem-solving.

JOB TITLE: Education and Employment Specialist

REPORTS TO: Manager of Community Programs

SCHEDULE: Monday-Friday (9:00am-5:30pm)

LOCATION: Venice, CA

STATUS: Full-Time, 40 hrs/wk, Non-Exempt

CELL PHONE: Reimbursement for use

DRIVER POSITION: Yes [If yes, see driving policy below]

SALARY RANGE: $21.00 - $24.00/hr

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

Provide direct education and employment services to youth aged 18 to 25 years.

Work with youth to develop their individualized education and employment case plans.

Assign, administer and review all elements of the education and employment plan; including GED, high school, further education enrollment, career planning, resume writing, interview techniques, life skill development, etc

Develop education and life skill programming specific to job readiness and preparation.

Plan and coordinate guest speakers and workshop presenters.

Supervise and/or facilitate groups and other activities.

Market, develop, outreach and cultivate job and/or internship openings with hiring managers, human resource personnel and business owners for hiring of youth with various employment and educational backgrounds, including ex-offenders

Plan, arrange and oversee outings to education and job fairs, and other field trips

Assist youth in dealing effectively with personal and interpersonal issues as they arise.

Maintain supportive contact with youth who achieve and/or graduate from their education and employment case plan and establish a youth alumni to provide peer support to youth undertaking educational and employment services at SPY.

Assist staff and management in the assignment and coordination of duties and tasks for volunteer involvement.

Prepare month end reports and funding reports and other administrative duties as well as the creation of education and employment development aids.

Participate in staff meetings, team meetings and other community meetings as needed.

Other duties as assigned to support the mission of the program and organization.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

Bachelor’s degree and 2 years experience in social service setting with youth desirable is preferred, but not required.

Minimum of 2 year experience in an educator or employment services environment is required.

1-2 years of experience working in homeless services is preferred.

1-2 years of experience providing and building individualized case plans for clients experiencing homelessness is preferred.

1-2 years of experience leading an employment workshops is preferred.

Strong computer skills and knowledge including word processing, database operations, spreadsheets and other software systems.

Ability to coordinate and/or oversee the successful completion of projects.

Experience working with homeless and at-risk youth.

Good verbal and written communication skills, including organizational, detail, and interpersonal.

Must have reliable transportation, valid California driver’s license and proof of current insurance.