JOB TITLE: Education and Employment Specialist

REPORTS TO: Education and Employment Supervisor

SCHEDULE: Monday-Friday (9:00 AM - 5:30 PM)

LOCATION: Venice, CA, Access Center, On-site

STATUS: Full-Time, 40 hours/week, Non-Exempt

DRIVER POSITION: Yes [If yes, please reference driving policy] 

SALARY RANGE: $24.00/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. 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 values community collaboration and a deep commitment to the well-being of youth. If you have the skills, passion, and collaborative spirit, join our growing team.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

Provide education and employment services to youth who are at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness, supporting them in achieving positive educational and workforce development outcomes, developing career pathways, and securing and maintaining employment.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Provide direct education and employment services to youth ages 18–25 who are at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness.
• Collaborate with youth to develop individualized education and employment case plans tailored to their goals and needs.
• Coordinate, implement, and monitor all aspects of participants’ education and employment plans, including GED preparation, high school completion, post-secondary enrollment, career exploration, resume development, interview preparation, and life skills training.
• Develop and facilitate educational and life skills programming focused on job readiness, career preparation, and workforce development.
• Plan and coordinate workshops, guest speakers, and community presentations related to education, employment, and professional development.
• Facilitate groups, workshops, and youth engagement activities in a supportive and trauma-informed environment.
• Conduct outreach and cultivate partnerships with employers, hiring managers, human resource professionals, and business owners to create job and internship opportunities for youth with diverse educational and employment backgrounds, including justice-involved youth.
• Organize and supervise educational outings, job fairs, career fairs, college tours, and other enrichment activities.
• Support youth in navigating personal, social, and interpersonal challenges that may impact educational and employment success.
• Maintain ongoing supportive engagement with youth who complete or graduate from the program and help develop an alumni peer support network for current participants.
• Assist with coordinating volunteer activities and supporting staff with program operations and special projects.
• Prepare monthly program reports, funding documentation, case notes, and other administrative materials related to education and employment services.
• Participate in staff meetings, multidisciplinary team meetings, trainings, and community collaborations as required.
• Transport and accompany youth to employment, educational, and community resource events as needed.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• Bachelor’s degree and 2 years experience in social service setting with youth desirable.
• Minimum of 2 years experience in an educator or employment services environment.
• 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: All SPY employees are ‘mandated reporters’ and are legally required to report any reasonable suspicion of child, elder, or dependent adult abuse or neglect.

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. 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 not guaranteed.

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.

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. 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 ample paid time off. We also offer unique perks including 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