The Supported Training & Employment Program (STEP) is an internship program, managed collectively by the Human Resources Department and the Human Services Agency (HSA). The program is designed to prepare and train current or former foster youth ages 18-27 transition into the workforce. Youth in guardianship who meet the qualifications below are also encouraged to apply. The purpose of the program is to introduce these young adults who are at risk of underemployment to “the world of professional work.”
The program focuses on five areas:
- Job readiness and skills training
- Job shadowing and employment coaching
- Hands-on, paid work experience in a county department
- Transition planning
- Ongoing program support
Qualifications
Individuals are eligible for STEP if they are:
- Be between the ages of 18-27 years old
- Be a current or former foster youth (including guardianship)
- Be dependent of the court at least 1 day after your 13th birthday
- Currently live in San Mateo County or previously received foster care services there
- Have a High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent. Or have previous work experience.
- Duration: This is an extra-help position. Extra-help positions are short-term employment for up to 1040 hours.
- Hours: 20 hours per week (1040 hours per year max)
- Location: Across various departments and locations throughout San Mateo County
- For more information: Contact Iris Tan at itan@smcgov.org
- How to Apply: The internship opportunity will be posted online at jobs.smcgov.org when the application period begins on Spring 2025.
Coach Information
The program could not support the interns without amazing Coaches! STEP Coaches are current County employees who provides mentorship and support to STEP Interns through job readiness training, hands-on work experience, and employment coaching. Coaches provide day to day oversight, and act as a direct supervisor to their intern. They also work with the STEP Program staff to best support their intern.
If you're a current employee and interested in coaching an intern, please contact Conrad Fernandes at cfernandes@smcgov.org
