Education & Employment Specialist – Youth Drop-In Center

Program Overview

Through this initiative, SAMU First Response will operate a Daytime Drop-In Centers in Washington, DC, designed to serve youth ages 18 to 24 experiencing housing instability. This project aligns with Solid Foundations, the District’s strategic plan to prevent and end youth homelessness, and seeks to expand access to year-round, youth-friendly spaces where young people facing housing crises can access specialized resources and supportive services to move toward stability and wellbeing.

Services offered will include, but are not limited to: housing support, case management, mental health and substance abuse recovery services, harm reduction, income and benefits enrollment, sexual and emotional wellness services, life skills development, physical health support, work readiness, employment services, independent living skills, financial literacy, and assistance securing permanent housing. Coordination with DC’s behavioral health, disability, and substance abuse systems, as well as other youth homeless service providers, is required. The program actively participates in the District’s Youth Coordinated Assessment Housing Placement (CAHP) system.

Role and Responsibilities

The Education & Employment Specialist plays a key role in supporting youth ages 18-24 experiencing housing instability by providing employment readiness services, career exploration, and educational advancement opportunities that promote long-term stability and self-sufficiency.

Key responsibilities include:

• Engage youth in one-on-one and group sessions to assess employment and educational needs, interests, and barriers.
• Assist participants in developing individualized plans to secure employment, complete educational milestones, and build career pathways.
• Provide job readiness training, including resume development, interview preparation, soft skills development, and employment search strategies.
• Build and maintain relationships with employers, training programs, and educational institutions to create employment and advancement opportunities for program participants.
• Support youth in accessing educational pathways, including achieving a High School Diploma or GED, exploring industry-recognized credentials, and connecting to higher education opportunities as appropriate.
• Guide youth through enrollment processes for workforce development programs, adult learning resources, and other supportive services available through the District of Columbia.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of local labor market trends, job placement resources, and education programs, especially those serving vulnerable youth populations.
• Coordinate with case managers, behavioral health staff, and external partners to ensure a holistic approach to client success.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation of services provided and participant progress in compliance with DHS and SAMU standards.
• Provide ongoing encouragement, support, and coaching to youth as they pursue employment and educational goals.
• Track employment placements, retention, and educational progress as part of program outcomes.
• Other duties as assigned by the supervisor or program leadership.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Counseling, or a related social services or science discipline.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience supporting individuals, especially those experiencing homelessness, in connecting to employment, employment training, conducting resume preparation, interview coaching, or building employer relationships for job placement.
• Knowledge of employment hiring practices, workforce development resources, interviewing techniques, resume building, and the Continuum of Care for individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Experience assisting youth with exploring and achieving educational goals, including obtaining High School Diplomas, GEDs, industry-recognized credentials, or post-secondary education.
• Familiarity with DC resources to support adult learners and job seekers.
• In lieu of a degree, with prior DHS approval, candidates may qualify with at least three (3) years of experience in a social service or human service setting, or relevant experience with employment resources and workforce development.
• Relevant certifications and/or licensure (e.g., certified addictions counselor) may substitute for educational requirements.
• Individuals with lived experience are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and coaching skills.
• Ability to establish trusting relationships with vulnerable youth and effectively collaborate with a multidisciplinary team.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred but not required.
• Able to thrive in a fast-paced, multicultural environment.

Non-Negotiable Expectations

• Punctuality and attendance on all scheduled shifts.
• Communicating with clients and colleagues in a professional, respectful, and constructive manner.
• Treating clients with dignity.
• Upholding confidentiality at all times.
• Commitment to a safe, harassment, and discrimination-free workplace.

Physical Demands

• Use of manual dexterity, tactile, visual, and audio acuity.
• Use of repetitive motion, prolonged periods of sitting, and sustained visual and mental applications and demands.
• Occasional lifting (up to 25 pounds), bending, pulling, and carrying.

Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

SAMU First Response is an Equal Employment Opportunity (“EEO”) Employer. SAMU does not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, partnership status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, unemployment status or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws.

On-site or Remote: On-site

Location: Washington, DC

Project/Program: SAMU Youth Housing Stability & Drop-In Center Program

Travel Required: Within the DMV

Application Deadline: ASAP, rolling