Education and Employment Specialist; Bilingual

Position: Education and Employment Specialist (Bilingual)
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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, Were 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 youll 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 Education and Employment Specialist (EES) is energetic and youth-centered and passionate about supporting current and former foster youth in reaching their educational and employment goals. The EES manages a caseload of up to 30 youth in the My First Place housing program, providing targeted employment and education case management within a team setting. The EES supports youth in developing goals related to post-secondary education, career development and obtaining and maintaining a living wage.

The EES must have knowledge in youth-centered approaches to support the development of skills in securing and maintaining employment along with a solid understanding of traditional school, post-secondary, vocational and apprenticeship education systems. Additionally, the EES is responsible for forming and maintaining relationships with local employers, educational programs and community resources to support job linkages. The EES must be able to influence, teach and motivate youth while understanding coaching principals to guide them through the stages of change.

The EES performs both one-on-one support and group-based work and leads education and employment events for the My First-Place program. The EES works in partnership with the Youth Advocate position to coordinate targeted support to youth. This position is required to work onsite and in the community Monday Friday.

DUTIES + RESPONSIBILITIES:
Support youth to identify and work toward employment and educational goals that support independence.

Meet with individual youth regularly to develop career related goals and identify steps to achieve goals, including post-secondary education planning. Provide continuous coaching, identify barriers and develop joint plans to achieve success with youth and Youth Advocate.

Lead workshops related to career education, job seeking skills and other pre- and post-employment related skills such as resume development, dressing for success, interviewing and job maintenance.

Document and track all meetings with youth by creating case notes within internal database and within required timelines.

Coach youth participants on handling work-related issues and promote self-advocacy.

Assess educational status and interests of youth participants through standard assessments and in 1:1 session with youth. Work with youth on their individualized educational goals focusing on self-sufficiency and identify short-term steps towards reaching these goals.

Complete initial and annual assessments with youth participants within program timelines.

Plan, organize and lead monthly events for youth.

Develop individualized plans with each unique youth considering their individual cultural identity, background and experience.

Establish and maintain external collaborations with individuals and businesses to developemployment opportunities for youth.

Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organization and within respective departments.

Administrative Complete documentation including Action Plans, assessments and progress notes within…