Employment Specialist

Since 1984, Larkin Street Youth Services has helped more than 75,000 young adults in San Francisco with outreach, shelter, housing, education, employment, healthcare, and other services.

Today, Larkin Street Youth Services is the largest provider of housing and services to homeless youth in the Bay Area. We serve 1,500 youth annually, operating or partnering to provide more than 500 emergency shelter, transitional, supportive, and subsidy-based housing beds at several unique sites across San Francisco.

Working at Larkin Street, no matter what department, means making a real difference in the lives of young people experiencing homelessness. Our team is skilled, diverse, and passionate. Our culture encourages achievement and professional development, as well as teamwork and self-care. Our focus is always on the young people at the heart of our mission and to nurture potential, promote dignity and support bold steps by all.

For more information about us, visit www.larkinstreetyouth.org.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

Under the guidance of the Program Manager, the Employment Specialist supports the Employment and Education needs of the Larkin Street clients. The Employment Specialist supports the approved curriculum of resume building, cover letter creation, self-esteem improvement training, and proper interviewing skills through one-on-one meetings. 

This is a full-time position, eligible for full benefits.

Your responsibilities:

• Support the interviewing and assessing of clients for Employment and Educational needs.
• Participate in Monthly Larkin Street Academy Graduations, collaborating with the other workforce development, education, and Youth Force programs.
• Assist clients in job search, securing, and retaining employment.
• Track clients progress in the workplace through regular communication with employment supervisors Housing Case managers, and maintain up-to-date records of job retention.
• Implement relationship-building strategies with employers including presentations, special events, employer acknowledgement, and networking.
• Assist in the design of promotional materials (monthly calendar, fliers, brochures, etc.) targeting potential employers, homeless youth, and social service agencies.
• Meet regularly with client’s case manager/advocate to discuss client progress.
• Fulfill reporting requirements as designated by Employment/Education Services Department.
• Administer Larkin Street Academy assessments and Education surveys.
• Identify and outreach to agencies that serve youth in need of education and employment services.
• Other duties as assigned.

WHO YOU ARE:

• You are passionate about the Larkin Street Youth Services mission to end youth homelessness.
• You embody our values and core strategies: "This Is How We Roll":
  • Client-Centered
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
  • Trauma Informed Care
  • Restorative Practices
  • Harm Reduction
  • Non-Violent Crisis Intervention
  • Motivational Interviewing
• You have some social services and/or direct-service experience.
  • *BONUS* You have experience working in drop-in services, shelter, transitional, and/or permanent supportive housing programs.
• You are most excited to serve Transitional Aged Youth (TAY), aged 18 to 25 of diverse backgrounds.
• You are a self-starter and team player. Your colleagues describe you as compassionate, dependable, and patient.
• You work best in a hybrid working environment. This role has the flexibility to work-from-home 1 day per week.
• You are willing to work holidays occasionally.
• You are vaccinated against COVID 19.

THE PERKS:

• Hourly Rate of $25.00-26.37
  • +$1.50 for bilingual incentive pay. Must be fluent in Spanish and English.
• Choice of Kaiser and Sutter medical plans, plus dental and vision.
• Generous 3 weeks of vacation annually, plus 11 Paid Holidays and 3 Floating Holidays.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching.
• Flexible spending accounts for Healthcare and Dependent Care expenses.
• Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for counseling services.
• Health Advocate Service.
• Commuter Benefits Programs.
• Paid Sabbatical following 5 and 10 years of employment.

Larkin Street Youth Services is an equal opportunity employer. Larkin Street Youth Service seeks qualified candidates with an interest in the non-profit sector. We are committed to embracing diversity and consider all applicants for all positions without regard to color, ethnic background, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, HIV/AIDS status, veteran status, or any other legally protected class. We encourage applicants of diverse backgrounds to apply for any open position in which they feel qualified. 

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider employment for qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. 

All City and County of San Francisco employees are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment.  For details on how it is applicable to your employment, please click here.