Supported Education and Employment Specialist (allcove Palo Alto)

Company: Alum Rock Counseling Center, Inc.
Location: Palo Alto
Posted on: May 15, 2022

Job Description:

Job Description Program Summary: Pursuing a vision where every youth belongs, chooses the support they need and thrives, allcove--- is developing an innovative network of integrated youth mental health centers designed with, by and for youth that reduce stigma, embrace mental wellness, increase community connection and provide access to culturally responsive services. allcove centers are anchored in a model of care that considers the holistic needs of young people. We welcome young people between the ages of 12 and 25, providing a place to take a moment of pause and access a range of services that include mental health, physical health, substance use, peer support, family support, and supported education and employment. allcove services aim to improve young people's mental, physical and social wellbeing by providing high quality, integrated, age-appropriate care for young people and their families who are facing challenges related to relationship breakups, bullying, depression, anxiety, substance use, sexual or gender identity, or other mild to moderate issues. allcove centers are designed to create meaningful, positive experiences for every young person who comes through our doors. For more information, please visit allcove.org. Position Summary: Supported Education and Employment (SEE) is a core service provided to youth who access the center at a pace that is set by the youth, with consistent allyship offered throughout, in achievement of their goals. The SEE Specialist is responsible for providing youth support working closely with other staff to provide comprehensive coordinated care. The goal of SEE support is to assist youth aged 12 to 25 in initiating, continuing or completing their educational goals, particularly if their academic pursuits have been interrupted by mental health treatment. The specialist supports youth with managing their school schedules, navigating school reentry, and accessing appropriate accommodations at educational institutions, when needed. The specialist serves as a school liaison, building strong relationships with local schools and universities to promote a smooth integration between students' mental health treatment and their educational goals. The employment related job responsibilities include supporting youth in developing career goals, skills training, employment preparation, assistance with finding employment, and promoting job retention by providing on the job training and coaching to individuals. The specialist must be able to engage youth who are interested in the trades/vocational field, and support with engaging youth with workforce development organizations in the community. The allcove SEE Specialist is supported and supervised by the allcove Program Manager in fulfilling role duties and when guidance is needed around role clarity. This position requires in-person, evenings and Saturday work to support the center operations. Essential Job Functions: Perform initial SEE orientation support ensuring a welcoming, inclusive, and youth-friendly experience for young people (ranging in age from 12-25) as they engage with the allcove center and SEE services. Assist young people who express interest in SEE services with completion of any forms, intake questionnaires, and initial screening or assessments as needed. Work collaboratively with the allcove care team to develop service plans and meet pre-established goals and objectives related to youth led goals. Offer one-on-one and group employment and educational coaching sessions. Offer academic advocacy, skill building and placement support, including addressing student issues related to remote learning and hybrid-learning environments. Utilize motivational interviewing and other evidence-based interventions to foster youth-focused conversations to help guide them into goal-setting conversations. Provide crisis support in collaboration with allcove care team as needed. Provide front desk coverage and center tours when needed. Conduct follow up contact for each client in a timely manner. Collect and maintain an up-to-date library of mental health, education and employment resources available to youth. Build and maintain an authentic relationship with young people and supports their engagement and participation in SEE services. Build relationships with local school and employer contacts, forging partnerships to benefit youth accessing the center. Develop and maintain positive community business relationships to help match young people to jobs in their communities. Has fun and role models positive and healthy behaviors while ensuring all young persons served are supervised and safe at all times. Facilitate appointments at the center and in the community, as needed. Lead or co-facilitate groups, workshops and events. Support youth engagement and participation in focus groups, workshops, surveys and related activities. Collaborate with the Youth Advisory Group (YAG) to ensure allcove center messaging and services are tailored and targeted for young people in Santa Clara County. In collaboration with the allcove team, support community outreach by conducting presentations in the community. Present a positive image of allcove in the community. This includes but is not limited to abiding allcove, Alum Rock Counseling Center, and County of Santa Clara policies and procedures. Participate in supervision, team meetings, youth meetings, and organizational check ins, as well as training necessary for professional development and required for the agency or its funding sources. Complete and maintain related records and documentation and participates in data collection. Administer evaluation surveys as required by contract. Maintain confidentiality and security of organizational, proprietary records, client files, and information at all times. Maintain appropriate client documentation and complete required paperwork within expected timeframe. Document all client contact within 24 hours. Understand and adhere to the laws governing child abuse reporting (with support from supervisors and allcove care team). Perform other related duties as required for the benefit of allcove, ARCC, and SCC BHSD. Skills and Abilities: Able to establish rapport and maintain authentic relationships with young people. Empathic, compassionate, with good listening skills and capacity for creative thinking. Demonstrated ability to observe and recognize changes in youth, and communicate those changes to others on the care team. Conflict resolution and crisis intervention skills. High degree of self-awareness and capacity to apply appropriate boundaries and maintain confidentiality. Able to promote positive change and independence. Self-starter with a positive attitude, and able to advocate for self and others. Able to work independently and as a positive member of the team. Broad knowledge of social, mental health, and substance use services available in the community. Knowledge of systemic issues and risk factors facing marginalized groups in the County of Santa Clara: including LGBTQIA, BIPOC, juvenile justice involved youth, undocumented young people. etc. Demonstrated problem solving and decision-making skills; ability to gather and process information to support the organization and its team. Strong communication skills; ability to speak, listen, and write clearly, thoroughly, and professionally. Demonstrated organizational and time management skills, accountability, reliability, and punctuality. Ability to work independently and show initiative, as well as be part of an interdisciplinary team. Competency in relevant computer programs and technology: experience with Microsoft Office, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, email, calendaring aps, etc. Qualifications and Experience : Bachelor's Degree and two years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant experience required. Bilingual (Spanish/Vietnamese/Mandarin) preferred. Experience working with young people with mental health issues. Knowledge around vocational, workforce development and union resources as part of employment support preferred. Knowledge around community college and university outreach and resources preferred including but not limited to EOPS and financial aid. Understanding of Child and Adult Protective Services rules and regulations, HIPAA, mandated reporting, and limits of confidentiality preferred. Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends. Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. Fingerprinting and background checks as required by the Department of Justice and FBI. TB clearance required. Valid driver's license and insurance required. Proof of COVID vaccination and booster required. Job Posted by ApplicantPro

Keywords: Alum Rock Counseling Center, Inc., Vacaville , Supported Education and Employment Specialist (allcove Palo Alto), Education / Teaching , Palo Alto, California