Description

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 - $22.60/hr 

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.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

Provide education and employment services to youth at-risk of, or currently experiencing homelessness, to assist them in obtaining positive educational outcomes, developing career plans and attaining and maintaining employment.

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.

Requirements

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.
• 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.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Changes in the environment, such as the office or outdoors.
• Physical effort/lifting, such as sedentary- up to 15-20 pounds at times.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS:

Mandated Reporting Requirements: The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements: Effective August 9, 2021, the State Health Officer has mandated that all workers, paid or unpaid, in homeless services organizations must provide proof of vaccination. If eligible for a booster shot, proof of booster is also required. If not fully vaccinated, weekly COVID-19 testing is necessary depending on the program. Please submit proof of vaccination to HR@safeplaceforyouth.org. To request a reasonable accommodation or exemption, please get in touch with HR at the same email address. It's important to note that these accommodations are limited.

Driver Positions:

Applicants are required to provide a copy of their driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles, along with a copy of their valid driver’s license and proof of insurance. Job offers are contingent upon a satisfactory driving record. Examples of an unsatisfactory driving record include:

• Suspended or revoked license
• Three or more moving violations in the past 36 months
• Any violations, including drugs, alcohol, controlled substances, within the past 24 months
• Reckless driving, including hit and runs, within the past 24 months
• At fault accidents, resulting in fatality or serious injury, within the past 5 years

The motor vehicle record will need to include a review of all states listed on the individual's employment application and resume. See instructions on obtaining your driving record below:

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/customer-service/request-vehicle-or-driver-records/online-driver-record-request/

For driver positions, driving is an essential job function and cannot be reasonably accommodated, employment may be discontinued.

NOTE: All staff members will be considered introductory employees for the first three months of employment and will not be considered regular employees until the conclusion of this period. SPY reserves the right to extend an employee’s introductory period. In no way does the expiration of this introductory period change the fact that all employees are at-will. It is the supervisor’s responsibility to orient the employee and to communicate the expectations of the supervisor and SPY, as well as to evaluate whether the employee has the necessary level of skill, job knowledge, motivation, and attitude to become a regular member of the SPY staff. New employees are also encouraged to seek guidance and assistance during this period. Employees who fail to demonstrate the expected commitment, performance and attitude may be terminated at any time during the introductory period. However, completion of the introductory period does not change or alter the “at-will” employment status. Employees continue to have the right to terminate their employment/business relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, and SPY has the same right. The organization, in its sole discretion, may change the job duties, responsibilities and assignments of any position, at any time.

BENEFITS & PERKS:

Safe Place for Youth offers a competitive benefit package including comprehensive health coverage, 403b with agency contribution, and vacation/sick time. We also offer unique perks including weekly meditation/mindfulness and professional development opportunities that are tailored to your individual career growth. 

EEO STATEMENT:

All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. Safe Place for Youth does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under federal, state, or local law. 

Safe Place for Youth is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. In addition, the organization will consider employment-qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

Please include references in your application