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 First Place for Youth? MAKE AN IMPACT Be a part of our diverse, mission-driven team striving across the country to ensure foster youth lead opportunity-rich and choice-filled lives.

BUILDING A JUST WORLD First Place is dedicated to removing barriers and creating a more equitable future for foster youth. Our team believes in the limitless potential of every individual.

CHANGING THE ODDS Since 1998, First Place has pioneered California's extended foster care programs, providing housing and comprehensive services to transition-age foster youth. Our 25-year track record speaks for itself.

CREATING EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS Since our inception, we have been providing results-driven service to young people, building evidence, and changing public policies to improve the lives of as many transition-age foster youth as possible.

JOIN US Become part of a transformative organization that drives lasting change and ensures a brighter future for all transition-age foster youth

POSITION SUMMARY:The Direct Care Floater is responsible for providing direct youth supportive service coverage during times a position is vacant and or when current staff is on leave of absence. This is a temporary position and the hours and schedule will vary depending on the needs of the organization. As a floater you are expected to have a flexible schedule and hours aren't guarantied for this position weekly, but will be an as needed basis. Floater staff will support Youth Advocate (Case Manager), Education and Employment Specialist, and Housing Specialist position to provide case management, skills development, assessment, crisis management and implementation of intervention strategies that directly support youth to build skills towards independent living. The Floater staff is active in developing, supporting and implementing an individualized, strength ‘based, culturally competent, youth-centered approach. A successful Floater staff understands how to motivate, coach, and mentor young adults to achieve goals while transitioning into adult lives from the foster care system.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Direct Care and Interventions 35%

• Provide direct care to an assigned caseload of youth in person, via video calls and via phone throughout the community.
• Support in developing goals and working towards goal obtainment in partnership with each youth 
• Gathers and analyzes on-going information to ensure youth safety, well-being and progress towards goals 
• Provides on-going assessment of youth well-being and develops plans to ensure safety and de-escalate crisis as needed
• Provides direct support, coaching, mentoring and interventions to increase youth self-sufficiency and goal attainment 
• Case Management/Coordination 35%
  • Collaborates with community providers including county workers, courts, professionals, vocational and independent living skills programs, schools, family members and significant others 
  • Keeps key team members informed and Works with team members to identify and engage appropriate natural supporters.
  • Provided targeted support in assigned role:
    1. Youth Advocate - healthy living and life skill development to support barrier removal for education and employment goals
    2. Education and Employment Specialist - develop career and education related goals and identify steps to achieve goals, including post-secondary education planning.
    3. Housing Specialist – support housing team in maintaining units, completing service requests, turning units for move ins and move outs, and maintaining relationships with landlords
  • Collaborate with the other members of the youth team and supervisors/managers to ensure a team-based approach

• Documentation/Administrative Duties (30%) 

  • Completes documentation including but not limited to Care and Services plans, needs assessments, and progress notes. 
  • Ensures all needed paperwork and consents are completed for each client at time of entry. 
  • Participates in agency committee meetings as assigned. 
  • Completes on-going orientation and monthly training as assigned. 
  • Other duties as assigned by Supervisor

Qualification and Requirements:

• BA in social work, psychology, counselling or equivalent required with Minimum four years of experience working in a child welfare social services setting or with transition age youth with complex presentations including chronic trauma.
• Master's Degree in a social work, psychology, counselling or equivalent preferred.
• Professional License is a plus.
• Must be comfortable working in community settings.
• Willingness to work collaboratively, but with the capacity to work independently
• Must be able to pass a Community Care Licensing background check 
• Must have a car, a valid CA drivers license and auto insurance.

If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of transition age foster youth and want to join a dynamic and impactful organization, we invite you to apply. Together, let's empower transition age foster youth to achieve their dreams and build a brighter future. To learn more about First Place For Youth and view our current job openings, please visit our website at www.firstplaceforyouth.org/careers.

We are unable to sponsor work visas now or in the future. 

First Place will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and applicable law. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting the California Civil Rights Department Fair Chance Act webpage or reviewing this guidance provide by the City of San Francisco. For additional information regarding your rights, please also review the Summary of Your Rights Under the FCRA.