Intake Specialist

First Place For Youth; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

15 vacation days

12 sick days

15 paid holidays

Kaiser/UHC health plans

401(k) retirement

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

First Place For Youth is seeking an Intake Specialist in Los Angeles to ensure program census via outreach, assessments, and eligibility verifications. You will coordinate with housing, services, and county partners, guiding youth through pre-admission and planning.

This role emphasizes collaboration, data-driven assessment, and outreach to referrals. Ideal candidates have a BA in social work or related field with four years of experience in child welfare, and a Master's is preferred.

Qualifications

• BA in social work, psychology, counselling or equivalent with minimum four years in child welfare or transition-age youth context.
• Master's Degree in social work, psychology, counselling or equivalent preferred.
• Proven dedication to cultural competency and belonging.
• Must pass a background check and have CA driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Complete and document applicant interest in program and intake activities.
• Liaise with county workers and invite participation in assessments.
• Develop tools to assist youth decision-making and goal setting.
• Coordinate with housing and services teams for seamless program entry.
• Lead staff meetings and present assessment data to services team.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Communication

Independent work

Education

BA in social work

Master's degree preferred

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Access

PowerPoint

Project

Outlook

Database systems

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Intake Specialist

Regular Full-Time Professional Los Angeles, CA, US 1 Attachments

Salary Range: $25.82 To $35.21 Hourly

First Place For Youth-Join Our Team Video!
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 OVERVIEW: The Intake Specialist is responsible for ensuring program census through ongoing outreach, assessment, and eligibility verifications of applicants. Adhering to program elements, the Intake Specialist provides or oversees all aspects of the admission process for all youth including program day, pre-admission assessments, initial service planning, coordination with housing, and presentation and warm hand-off to the services team. The Intake Specialist works directly with county placement partners including convening initial team meetings and encouraging participation and providing outreach to youth services teams to increase awareness of program and generate referrals. The Intake Specialist individualizes the approach for each young person including gathering relevant documents, consulting with appropriate stakeholders and supporters (as identified and consented by youth), and initiating conversations about goals and expectations of participants.

DUTIES + RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Complete and document applicant interest in program, assessment, participation in program day and all other intake related activities.
• Liaise with county workers from child welfare, probation, and/or YDS workers. Invite and ensure participation in assessment activities and, where possible, initial team meetings.
• Develop (as needed) and provide tools to youth to assist with decision making and to ensure youth participation in strength and needs assessments and goal setting
• As appropriate, and with release of information, gather information from stakeholders –e.g. teachers, social workers, family members, behavior health providers, etc – as part of assessment process
• Lead staff meetings to confirm and coordinate youth entry into program. Provide accurate assessment information – through presentation of psycho-social, needs and strengths and other relevant assessment data to the services team. Include identification of potential stress points, potential antecedents, and strategies to mitigate or reduce risk.
• Coordinate closely with Housing Department and Services staff to ensure seamless entry in to program and warm hand-off to jump start participant success. Include assurance of unit certification, roommate meeting, and initial safety-focused action plan.
• Provide clear information to potential participants and consumers (such as county welfare workers, YDS staff, probation officers and other referring parties) regarding My First Place.
• Participate and provide clinical leadership in staff and clinical meetings.
• Attend weekly individual meeting with supervisor.
• Complete project assignments related to intake and transition of youth as assigned. When possible, act as field consultant for Masters level interns who can implement strategies and projects to support youth transitions in and out of program.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organization and within respective department.
• Other Duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• BA in social work, psychology, counselling or equivalent required with Minimum four years of experience working in a child welfare social service setting or with transition age youth with complex presentations including chronic trauma.
• Master's Degree in a social work, psychology, counselling or equivalent preferred.
• A strong dedication to cultural competency that creates conditions that remove barriers and increase a sense of belonging.
• Professional License is a plus.
• Must be comfortable working in community settings.
• Willingness to work collaboratively, but with the capacity to work independently
• Must be able to pass a Community Care Licensing background check
• Must have a car, a valid CA driver’s license and auto insurance.
• Computer skills -- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including MS Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint, Project and Outlook. Experience with database systems
• Availability - for occasional evening and weekend work and some travel as needed.
• 15 days of vacation time in the first year
• 12 days of sick time
• 2 floating holidays
• 15 paid holidays
• Employee’s choice of Kaiser or UCH HMO/PPO with up to 90% of the premium covered by First Place on certain plans
• Principal dental and vision coverage with up to 90% of the premium covered by First Place
• Healthcare and Dependent care FSA plans
• Principal basic life and voluntary life insurance coverage
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401(k) retirement savings plan

Bachelor's Degree Pay Range: $ 25.82 - $30.67 /Hourly

Master's Degree Pay Range: $33.80- $35.21 /Hourly

*We do not offer relocation assistance Local candidates preferred

*Pay will be determined based on Education and Experience.

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.