Life Skills Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

The Life Skills Specialist for Chester County’s Independent Living program is responsible for the initiation and coordination of a program of broad and practical educational activities designed to prepare adolescents in placement for their successful entry into independent living. The Life Skills Specialist transports youth and conducts routine home visits to the youth in their place of residence and attends court hearings as needed. Work hours are from 9 am – 5pm, Monday through Friday, with some evening hours and may vary according to departmental needs. Regular travel throughout Chester County is required.

 

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services or related field.

 

EXPERIENCE

Two years of experience working within child, youth and family service systems.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

· Knowledge of, and concern for, the problems of adolescents in our society, especially dependent children.

· Knowledge of, and ability to access, community resources.

· Ability to facilitate groups and work independently.

· Ability to work cooperatively with a diversified team.

· Ability to teach life skills, soft skills and job skills classes to youth

· Ability to transport youth

· Ability to establish and maintain positive and professional relationships with clients, co- workers, and visitors.

· Ability to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of youth and families and to cover emergencies.

· Ability to work independently, demonstrate good judgement, and prioritize skills.

· Ability to maintain a high degree of discretion dealing with confidential information.

· Ability to teach life skills, soft skills and job skills classes to youth

Ability to transport youth in assigned vehicle.

 

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

· Valid PA driver’s license with clean driving record with ability to use own vehicle, as required.

· Must be free from any communicable/infectious diseases.

· Provide a valid PA child abuse clearance, FBI check and Criminal Background Check.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Requires knowledge of the issues particular to youth in foster care, and

knowledge of and the ability to access community resources. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

 

· Develops and maintains contact with all collateral agencies.

· Completes intakes within two weeks of referral.

· Screens client for appropriateness for acceptance into Life Skills Program based on specific criteria.

· Participates in Youth Advisory Board (once a month during the evening)

· Refers clients who are inappropriate for Tabor IL services to other agencies.

· Coordinates of all group activities, including: securing a physical space, engaging consultants, obtaining resource information and coordinating transportation.

· Reviews budget with program supervisor for life skills, job skills and soft skills curriculum.

· Develops additional resources to enhance existing program.

· Follow-ups with all referring agencies indicating client issues and/or changes in the program or curriculum.

· Develops support model using clients as peer co-facilitators in group process.

· Conducts weekly meetings with Supervisor to review practice, services, client progress, and agency procedures.

· Adheres to agency time lines for all internal and external reports.

· Facilitates life skills groups and participate in all IL Program activities, including monthly case reviews Chester County Office Children & Youth.

· Assists youth with college/career planning including helping youth complete college and FASFA applications and taking youth on college tours.

· Participates in school meetings, Family Group Decision Making meetings and attend court with youth to be a support to both Chester County Office Children & Youth and client.

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