Employment Specialist - STAY

Employment Specialist - STAY

Fred Finch Youth & Family Services is a great place to work. Year after year, our employees make the difference in helping those with mental health issues. Our team is currently looking for an Employment Specialist. Whether you are just starting your career or a seasoned professional, you’ll be able to find the right position to help others.

• Pay range for this position is between $23.00 and $29.35 per hour. The actual compensation will be determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law.
• 21 PTO Days per year
• 9 Nationally Observed Holidays
• 401k matching up to 6%
• Up to $10,000 in the Degree Assistance Program
• Affordable monthly health care premiums

The Employment Specialist (ES) is part of a multi‑disciplinary team helping program participants to meet their mental health and wellness goals. In keeping with the Individualized Placement Support (IPS) model and with a demonstrated commitment to competitive employment as an attainable goal for young adults with serious mental illness, the ES helps participants to achieve their employment aspirations. The ES is responsible for all phases of employment service for program participants who wish to seek employment, including program intake, engagement, assessment, job development/job placement, job coaching, and job retention.

The Employment Specialist spends 65% or more of their work time in the community both with employers as well as with participants. Additionally, the ES completes other job‑related duties as assigned.

• B.A. Degree from accredited college or university or equivalent years of related work experience.
• Demonstrated cultural responsiveness in working with diverse families and communities.
• Demonstrated understanding of the developmental milestones of children, youth, or young adults to provide care, treatment and services.
• Demonstrated ability to utilize de‑scalation techniques that align with the trauma informed care model as part of intervention strategy for working with participants in crisis who are responding to triggers/stressors and/or demonstrating early indicators of distress.
• Valid California Driver’s License is required with a clean driving record or ability to obtain within 10 days after hire.
• Basic computer and keyboarding competence with the ability to use Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must have access to dependable transportation and personal car insurance, meeting minimum liability coverage required for position.

• A minimum of two (2) years post‑college experience working with or providing mental health counseling to teens or transition‑age youth living with mental illness, developmental/intellectual disability, and/or severe emotional disturbance, often with unstable housing situations.
• Experience delivering career development, job development, or vocational services.
• One or more years of experience working with socioeconomically and culturally diverse populations.
• Experience working as part of a multi‑disciplinary team.
• Knowledge of employment, educational, and healthcare resources in Alameda or Contra Costa County.
• Fluency in prevailing language(s) of the community.
• M.A. Degree in relevant field.

Fred Finch Youth & Family Services (FF) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. FF does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non‑disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.