STEP Intern - Extra Help

Full Job Description

THE POSITION

The Supported Training and Employment Program (STEP) is a paid internship and employment skills training program for current and former foster youth ages 18–27. Youth in guardianship who meet the qualifications listed below are also encouraged to apply.

STEP is designed to introduce participants to the “world of work” by providing paid work experience, job readiness training, and individualized employment support.

STEP Intern positions are available in various County departments and locations, including, but not limited to the Human Services Agency, Human Resources, Parks Department, Health System, and more.

PROGRAM COMPONENTS

The program focuses on three primary areas:

1. Job Readiness Skills Training: Training topics include understanding workplace culture, exceeding expectations, goal setting, presentation skills, business communications, and other tips to be successful on the job.

Employment Coaching and Hands-on Paid Work Experience: You will be paired with a Job Coach to receive one-to-one guidance and support.

Coaches help prepare you for your new job duties by modeling and teaching appropriate behaviors and skills. After shadowing your coach, you may take on assignments of your own.

These hands-on assignments vary by department and provide you with an overview of the responsibilities of a specific county position.

2. Transition Planning:Theprogramofferstransitionplanningservicestoprepareyouforyourfuturegoals.This includesaccesstoresourcesforinformationoncolleges,trainingprograms,andothervocations.

NOTE: This is an extra-help position, at-will assignment, paid on an hourly basis. Extra-help positions are short-term employment for up to 1040 hours.

Some extra help positions are eligible for benefits under the Affordable Care Act. Extra help employees are not guaranteed permanent status at the end of the assignment.

Assistance on completing your application and/or resume is available. For assistance or for more information about the STEP Program contact: Iris Tan, STEP Coordinator at itan@smcgov.org

Qualifications

Interested participants must:

• Be available and willing to work 20 hours per week (1040 hours per year max).
• Be between the ages of 18-27.
• Be a current or former dependent of the court at least one day after your 13th birthday (candidates must submit proof of status upon request).
• Demonstrate sound judgment and good decision-making abilities.
• Possess good communication, relationship, and organizational skills.
• Be willing to submit to a fingerprint clearance.
• Be able to transport themselves to County worksites.

Additional Information

Please note: This is a specialized recruitment designed for current, non-minor dependents or former foster youth who have aged out of foster care/guardianship and are between the ages of 18 and 27. By submitting an application, applicants consent to allow the program to verify foster youth status with internal/external agencies as needed.

Applicants must submit responses to the supplemental questions and a resume in addition to the standard employment application. Applications received without a completed supplemental questionnaire will be rejected.

Applications for this position are only accepted online. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.

~ TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE ~
Final Filing Date: 02/26/2026
Interview Dates: 03/30/2026 or 03/31/2026
Intern Orientation: 05/26/2026

At the County of San Mateo, we welcome and celebrate the diversity of our employees, and strive to create a workplace where they feel valued every day. County of San Mateo is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Benefits

Please visit the County Benefits website for benefits information applicable to ACA-eligible extra help employees.