First Place is dedicated to creating a work environment that is invigorating, fulfilling, and based on mutual respect, where creativity and innovation are both recognized and rewarded. We are strongly committed to our employees’ personal and professional development and believe that our staff are the most important assets of the organization.
Without informed, empowered, and satisfied employees, First Place cannot support foster kids as they learn to support themselves. In order to achieve our mission, First Place believes that all staff must embody our core competencies in their behavior and actions:
The Relentless Pursuit of Excellence
First Place staff possess strong drive, initiative, and motivation. We use data to improve performance. We are resilient in persisting through setbacks and focus on results.
Strategic Thinking
First Place staff think interdependently, framing the goals of our department within the entire mission of First Place. We seek and utilize resources to inform and contextualize our own work. We prioritize goals so as to achieve success.
Investing in the Potential of Others
First Place staff believe in the limitless potential of our young people, our staff, and the organization. We create and utilize opportunities to build capacity so as accomplish performance objectives. We create opportunities for recognition of success, as well as provide a supportive environment in which to learn from mistakes.
Effective Communication
First Place staff use strategic and direct communication to overcome obstacles to organizational success. We respectfully ask questions, challenge, and communicate both positive and difficult messages to our colleagues and the young people we work with.
Courage
First Place staff speak about issues truthfully and without blame. We ask questions in order to learn and are willing to be accountable for our own work. We lead by example, displaying behavior that respects the mission, young people, and organization of First Place.