Program Specialist - TOPS

CYCSF; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 35,817 - 41,328; Full time

Job summary

The Community Youth Center of San Francisco (CYC) is seeking a Program Specialist for the TOPS program. The role centers on mentoring youth aged 14–24 with limited English skills, delivering job/college readiness training, and providing social‑emotional support to English-language learners.

Under the supervision of the Program Manager, duties include curriculum development, workshops, case management, college tours, and outcome tracking in our data system.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (or pursuing with relevant experience).
• Two years of experience working with youth, preferably within youth workforce development programs.
• Experience facilitating meetings, workshops, and providing one-to-one support to youth and young adults.
• Ability to work with ethnically diverse low-income youth and English language learners to provide social and emotional support.
• Excellent oral and written communication, organizational and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop curriculum and facilitate job and college readiness skills training workshops.
• Provide personal and vocational guidance for youth using assessments and develop individualized goals and plans.
• Support college and corporate tours for high-school and TAY students to explore transitions to post-secondary education.
• Provide case management and referral services to high-need youth and young adults, assisting with job placement.
• Counsel participants in resolving personal issues that may affect work/school performance.
• Maintain an up-to-date list of transferable credits to a 4-year college and suitable jobs.
• Cultivate relationships with CCSF and EOPS to provide college prep advising.
• Convene a community service-learning project.
• Support and facilitate activities at summer boot-camp.
• Track and report program outcomes via a data management system.

Skills

Bilingual English/Cantonese/Mandarin

Youth program experience

Facilitation & coaching

Teamwork & time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Job description

The Community Youth Center of San Francisco (CYC) provides education, leadership development, behavioral health, intervention, street outreach, and workforce development services to San Francisco youth and their families. CYC envisions empowering young people to reach their highest potential as individuals and to develop a positive self/cultural identity. Our mission is to empower and strengthen a diverse population of high-need youth and their families by providing comprehensive youth development through education, employment training, advocacy, and other supportive services.

Title: Program Specialist – Transition Opportunities and Programs for Success (TOPS)

Salary: $26 - $30 per hour

Reports to: Program Manager

Status: Full-Time (40 hours/week); Non‑Exempt

POSITION DESCRIPTION

CYC’s Transition Opportunities and Programs for Success (TOPS) Program focuses on uplifting and motivating youth ages 14‑24 with limited English language skills. Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the TOPS Transitional Age Program Coordinator will provide case management, job and college readiness skills development, social‑emotional support, and acculturation guidance to English‑language learners.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop curriculum and facilitate job and college readiness skills training workshops.
• Provide personal and vocational guidance for youth using vocational and interest assessments and develop individualized vocational goals and plans with participants.
• Support college and corporate tours for high‑school and TAY students to explore successful transition to post‑secondary education and employment opportunities.
• Provide case management and referral services to high‑need youth and young adults, assisting with job placement.
• Counsel participants in resolving personal issues that may affect work/school performance.
• Maintain an up‑to‑date list of available transferable credits to a 4‑year college and jobs that are appropriate for participants.
• Cultivate relationships with CCSF and EOPS to provide college preparation advising.
• Convene a community service‑learning project.
• Support and facilitate activities at summer boot‑camp.
• Track and report all program outcomes and activities via a data management system.
• Complete all required written documentation and reports.
• Refer youth to appropriate services within CYC or other agencies.
• Support agency‑wide community events and initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned by management.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (or currently pursuing degree with relevant experience).
• Two years of experience working with youth, preferably within youth workforce development programs.
• Experience in facilitating meetings, workshops, and providing one‑to‑one support to youth and young adults.
• Ability to work with ethnically diverse low‑income youth and TAY as well as English language learners to provide social and emotional support.
• Experience working with community‑based service providers and private sector partners.
• Ability to work as part of a team to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and work independently in a fast‑paced environment.
• Bilingual in English and Cantonese/Mandarin language is required.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Good organizational and project management skills.
• Enthusiasm for promoting academic achievement and college‑to‑career education.
• Able to lift or move at least 25 lbs.
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends.

CYC is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, age, religion, gender, marital status, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other basis recognized by federal, state, or local law, including on the basis of the intersection of two or more protected characteristics, also known as intersectional discrimination. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment.