Implementation Specialist

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 SUMMARY: The Implementation Manager provides training, technical assistance, and coaching on the My First-Place program model to First Place's national partners and internal program staff. This role supports site launch and implementation, builds a performance-driven, coaching-centered culture, and uses data to improve outcomes for transition-age youth. The ideal candidate is a program expert who is comfortable engaging externally, adapts to changing needs, and upholds fidelity to First Place's mission and model.

Up to 30% travel (in-state and out-of-state) is required, ranging from a few days to up to 6 weeks depending on project timelines.

DUTIES + RESPONSIBILITIES:

Implementation, Training, and Coaching

• Co-develop and carry out customized implementation plans with partner sites, providing technical assistance and coaching from launch through ongoing operation.
• Deliver in-person and virtual training, on-the-job training, and ongoing role-specific coaching that emphasizes model fidelity, best practices, and data-informed decision making.
• Onboard and train new First Place hires on the My First-Place model, including field shadowing, and provide monthly new-hire training reports to program leadership.
• Use coaching practices such as peer learning (Community of Practice), modeling, observation, and constructive feedback to build strong, trust-based relationships with direct service staff.
• Support the Internal Trainers Program and integrate evidence-based practices into training and practice.

Partner and Network Support

Hold regular calls and site visits to assess service quality, identify barriers, and resolve emerging partner needs.

• Conduct bi-annual Youth Service Reviews with implementing partners to assess service quality and effectiveness.
• Build relationships with local providers, community stakeholders, and state agency partners to support successful launches and align efforts for expansion and funding.
• Advocate for partner needs while balancing contract requirements and the integrity of the model.
• Facilitate peer learning among partner sites, including Community of Practice calls.

Program Development and Collaboration

Work with the Director of Implementation and Practice and other leaders to share insights from the field, report on key metrics, aod help update the program model, training materials, and practice guidance.

• Partner with Communications and Development to highlight implementation successes and youth stories.
• Represent Implementation and Practice at summits, trainings, all-staff meetings, and national conferences.

Training Operations and Administration

• Manage the Learning Management System (LMS), including curriculum updates, user access issues, and tracking attendance and progress.
• Coordinate training logistics and maintain the training calendar, including the required Community Care Licensing annual calendar, and ensure external partners can access and take part in offerings.
• Support research and administrative needs, including partner due diligence, ecosystem mapping, focus groups, youth stipend coordination, Title IV-E invoicing, and Implementation and Practice help tickets.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A strong dedication to cultural competency that creates conditions that remove barriers and increase a sense of belonging.
• MA/MSW/MPA preferred. BA is required.
• A strong dedication to cultural competency that creates conditions that remove barriers.
• A minimum of two (2) years of management experience preferred; relevant experience may be considered. Experience managing people, projects, or programs preferred.
• 2-4 years of experience providing training, technical assistance and coaching support to government agencies, non-profit organizations, or staff.
• At least 4-7 years of experience working with vulnerable populations, preferably transition age youth. Understanding social service systems, with particular emphasis on the foster care system and services for young adults and young parents. Experience with current or former foster youth or with education, employment, or housing programs preferred. At least one year of direct service, residential, or wraparound experience preferred.
• Communicates clearly and effectively with co-workers, supervisors, and youth. Must be able to comprehend, follow, and clearly convey instructions to others.
• Experience using a performance management system to manage a youth development program required. Experience with Apricot and Power BI preferred. Aptitude to use data to assess progress towards goals and ability to problem solve within the framework of the My First-Place model. Ability to leverage and coach on the use of data to inform decision-making.
• Experience working with undefined projects and at times making decisions without clear direction or clarity on potential outcomes. The personal grounding to work in ambiguity and create direction.
• Interpersonal charisma. Public speaking ability. Flexible, energetic and outcomes- oriented individual who brings a creative approach to solving problems.
• Well-honed ability to anticipate and analyze situations, define problems and objectives, recognize viable alternatives and formulate rapid solutions in collaboration with First Place leadership, with understanding of the inherent risks and the implications of making tough decisions.
• Implements operational systems that support completion of project goals and deliverables. Anticipates challenges and responds appropriately to unforeseen problems.
• Must be able to work on a computer for up to 40 hours per week. Proficiency with Office applications including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Outlook required. Experience with performance management systems preferred.
• Availability for frequent travel internally and externally. Strategizes and implements rather than just completes tasks. Travel estimated at 15-30%, and most significant immediately after each new affiliate is launched. When launching a new site, staff may be at the partner site for up to two (2) months
• Availability for occasional evening and weekend work and some travel as needed.

Benefits

• 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
• Paid sabbatical

Northern California Salary: $75,272.40 - $94,090.50 (Annually)

Southern California Salary: $71,712.90 - $89,640.90 (Annually)

*We do not offer relocation assistance. Local candidates preferred.

*Pay will be determined based on Education and Experience.

If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of transition age foster youth and want to join a dynamic and impactful organization, we invite you to apply. Together, let's empower transition age foster youth to achieve their dreams and build a brighter future. To learn more about First Place For Youth and view our current job openings, please visit our website at www.firstplaceforyouth.org/careers.

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.