Youth Development Specialist

                                                           *This position is Part-time 

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 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 Youth Development Specialist provides targeted support to current and former foster care youth as well as administrative support to First Place programs as assigned. This position supports planning, logistical oversight and event implementation of workshops, support groups, and community events to increase volunteer and youth engagement, promote participant goal attainment in the areas of Education, Employment, Wellness, and Healthy Living goals. This position oversees various administrative tasks in support of contracts and service delivery. This position provides services onsite Monday through Friday and is 20 hours a week part‐time.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

My First Place Program Operations   

• Lead Young Adult Leadership Program through outreach, youth recruitment, coordination and facilitation of monthly activities, cross departmental collaboration, and ongoing communications
• Performs clerical and organizational tasks within My First Place
• Supports coordination and implementation of community building events including outreach
• Administrative responsibilities including youth check request, processing, Gift Card inventory, tracking, and distribution based on outlined Processes and Procedures
• Monitoring and oversite of administrative youth verification
• Timely Data collection, input and maintenance into internal and external data systems
• Oversight of youth intern including coaching to position expectations
• Provide information, resources, and referrals to youth as needed
• Lead organization and implementation of events with internal and external partners: including scheduling, outreach materials, recruitment, and event logistics  
• Participate in external presentations and information sessions
• Provide general support to the program staff
• Conduct outreach in close cooperation with the Center Coordinator to connect with potential participants throughout the service area
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organization and across departments
• Additional administrative duties as assigned including answering phones, providing resources, and youth greeting in the center  
• Other duties as assigned 

  Qualifications:

• High School Diploma required and some college preferred 
• Experience providing direct services to youth 
• Six months of experience in data entry and general office administration required.
• Lived experience with Foster Care Services, Homelessness Services, or like sub populations required
• Desire and ability to maintain confidentiality and professional ethical standards 
• Strong communication, sound judgment, interpersonal & organizational skills. 
• Experience motivating youth, with good facilitation skills 
• Strong administrative skills including data entry, attention to detail, and computer skills Must be a self‐starter and able to take initiative 
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work independently 
• Availability for occasional evening and weekend work and some travel as needed.
• Commitment to cultural competency and diversity – Deep commitment to social justice and systems change that addresses barriers based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity.

 *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.