ILSP Manager

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 Work at First Place For Youth:

• Meaningful Impact:  Help to transform the lives of foster youth on the cusp of adulthood. Your role will support them in their journey to conquer challenges, achieve independence, and fulfill their aspirations.
• Innovative Approach: We thrive on innovation, pushing the boundaries of foster care support. Your voice here matters, and you’ll contribute to programs that redefine the futures of these young lives.
• Collaborative and Supportive Environment: Embrace a dynamic and supportive workplace, where every team member is valued. Together, we're a force dedicated to uplifting youth. Expect professional growth, fueled by teamwork and collaboration.
• Comprehensive Benefits: We value the well-being of our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package. From health and wellness benefits to retirement plans, we ensure that our team members are taken care of so they can focus on their important work supporting foster youth.
• Culture of Diversity and Inclusion: We celebrate diversity in every form. At First Place for Youth, inclusivity reigns, creating a workplace where all voices are heard, respected, and empowered.

POSITION SUMMARY: The ILSP Manager is responsible to ensure high-quality services and effective daily operations of all aspects of the Independent Living Skills Program and associated programs in San Francisco. Duties include contract, site, services, and human resource management including hiring, evaluation, coaching, and training. The Program Manager is responsible to ensure program outcomes, managing external relationships, and developing and promote the reputation of First Place for Youth at all times.  The Program Manager provides leadership congruent with agency policy, values and mission provides management reports as required, and leads significant program committees or functions as assigned. This work is done in the ILSP center and in the community in person. The ILSP Center is open 10-6:30pm to provide a safe and healthy space for youth to spend time in. This is currently a hybrid position requiring onsite work in San Francisco, Four days per week-Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m-6:30 p.m. and can be remote on Fridays. However, it is subject to change and may require up to 5 days on site. 

The Program Manager ensures timely and accurate budgeting, reporting, and operations in accordance with agency policy, contracts, and budgets.  Meets or exceeds program outputs and outcomes in all domains.  Ensures the highest quality service and program delivery.  Integrates values and regulatory (agency, local, state, and federal) compliance in all aspects of documentation and record management.  Support high-quality internal collaboration to meet youth goals across agency programs. 

DUTIES RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Program Development/Implementation:  

• Assumes responsibility for every aspect of the daily operations of the assigned region and staff team.  
• Provides leadership and training ensuring excellence in provided services including congruence with agency and program values and design.  
• Acts as a systems specialist in assigned program areas (E & L, Safety, Chart Audits, Collaborative liaison) as assigned.  
• Establishes mechanisms to assure the quality of the program including documentation, standards of practice, and compliance with external regulatory agencies.

Responsible for developing, implementing, and insuring compliance with program standards including but not limited to: intake, discharge, vacancy and forecast, contract requirements, documentation, and standards where appropriate.   

• Completes routine management reports and data on program activities and outcomes as assigned.
• Provides direct services to clients as needed, typically in tandem with assigned staff.
• Other duties may be assigned.

 Community Development:  

• Acts as a liaison with the County Child Welfare Services, Probation, and other community service providers in assuring that program remains responsive to families and the community’s needs without compromising to program intent.
• Facilitates meetings as needed with other agencies and community partners.
• Works closely with Child Welfare Workers and Probation Officers to build and maintain relationships and to ensure the quality of care with youth and families served.
• Represents agency interests and advances agency reputation at all meetings with county and other stakeholders.                                 

Supervision and Team Leadership: 

• Recruits, hires, and trains staff; Provides leadership to assigned teams.
• Directly supervises staff as assigned, provides one hour of formal supervision weekly in addition to informal supervision and consultation as needed to direct staff.
• Facilitates weekly staff meetings to ensure collaboration and accuracy of intervention strategies.   
• Implements all aspects of the program including leading change efforts, scheduling staff to meet program goals, providing oversight to sub-contractor efforts, and facilitating collaboration with community and county partners toward effective program services coordination and delivery.
• Ensures program participants receive quality services.  
• Co-facilitates training and outreach with program staff in the community as needed.
• Coordinates initial and ongoing training in evidence-based practices and ensures competence and compliance of staff to techniques being used
• Other duties as assigned.  

Qualifications:

• BA in Psychology, Social Welfare, or related field required. Master’s preferred.
• Two years of supervisory/management experience is required.
• At least one year of residential, milieu, or wraparound experience preferred.
• Fluency in the prevailing language(s) of the community preferred.
• Direct Service Experience – at least 5 years of experience working with underserved and disadvantaged youth, preferably current and former foster youth.  
• Field Knowledge – Excellent understanding of education and employment resources for youth as well as awareness of other services for young adults and young parents.   People, Project and Program Management Skills - Exemplary people management skills, strategic leadership abilities, and the ability to link the development of people with the achievement of organizational outcomes. Ability to either take direction or work independently as the situation requires. Strong supervisory skills and proven success supporting staff development and empowerment. Demonstrated success organizing, managing, and evaluating programs, events, campaigns or productions.   

• Strong Communication Skills – Exceptional oral and written communication skills including the demonstrated ability to effectively present information to top management and program staff. Professional demeanor and the ability to represent the interests of the agency with community stakeholders.
• Availability for occasional evening and weekend work and some travel as needed.

 Benefits:

• 15 days of vacation time in the first year
• 12 days of sick time
• 2 floating holidays
• 15 paid holidays
• Employee’s choice of Kaiser or UCH HMO/PPO with up to 90% of the premium covered by First Place on certain plans
• Principal dental and vision coverage with up to 90% of the premium covered by First Place
• Paid baby bonding leave
• Healthcare and Dependent care FSA plans
• Principal basic life and voluntary life insurance coverage
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401(k) retirement savings plan 
• Paid sabbatical
• Paid maternity and paternity leave

 *We do not offer relocation assistance Local candidates preferred

*Pay will be determined based on Education and Experience. 

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.