Independent Living Counselor
16 days ago
Buffalo
Job DescriptionBenefits: • Dental insurance, • Health insurance Summary of Duties: The Independent Living Coordinator supports Compass House youth in building the skills necessary to live independently and successfully transition into adulthood. This role combines individualized assessment, one-on-one and group skill-building, employment readiness coaching, and coordination of community resources. The coordinator also oversees donations and resources to ensure youth have access to essential items. Accountability: The Independent Living Coordinator reports directly to the Director of Youth Services, who provides ongoing training, supervision, and mentoring. Responsibilities and Examples of Work Assessment & Planning • Administer pre-tests, post-tests, and assessment tools to evaluate client skills in areas such as housing, money management, employment readiness, health, parenting, recreation, and cultural awareness., • Collaborate with each client and their Case Manager to create a written Independent Living Plan tailored to individual strengths, needs, and goals.Independent Living Skills Development, • Teach and model daily living skills such as budgeting, cooking, meal planning, nutrition, and household management., • Provide instruction in housing navigation, including apartment searching, understanding tenant rights, and moving logistics., • Support youth in accessing community resources, including healthcare, mental health services, childcare, and recreational activities., • Facilitate cultural awareness by encouraging participation in community events, field trips, and discussions around diversity and inclusion.Employment & Education Support, • Assist clients with job searches, applications, resume writing, and interview preparation., • Provide coaching on workplace expectations, professional behavior, and career planning., • Support clients pursuing education and training opportunities, including guidance on college applications and financial aid.Counseling & Group Work, • Facilitate group sessions and workshops that build peer support and life skills., • Utilize evidence-based approaches such as role-playing, modeling, and strengths-based counseling to encourage growth and independence., • Provide one-on-one support, including home visits and field trips (e.g., to apartments, supermarkets, or potential job sites) to help clients practice skills in real-life settings.Resource & Donation Management, • Organize, track, and distribute donations (clothing, personal care items, household goods, etc.) to ensure client needs are met., • Coordinate monthly moving days for clients transitioning into independent housing., • Build and maintain relationships with area landlords to expand housing opportunities for clients.Collaboration & Program Support, • Work closely with staff, volunteers, and interns to support client needs and program operations., • Train, mentor, and supervise student interns and volunteers as assigned., • Share relevant information with staff in a professional, confidential manner., • Maintain accurate documentation for in-house records as well as required reports for DSS and OCFS., • Participate actively in staff meetings, trainings, and supervisory sessions.Schedule, • Schedule is generally MondayFriday, 9:00 a.m.5:00 p.m., with flexibility required for emergencies., • Position requires frequent fieldwork and regular use of a reliable automobile.Qualifications:, • Bachelors degree in Human Services, Social Work, or related field (required)., • Minimum of one year paid experience working with at-risk youth or in a related field., • Strong communication and group facilitation skills., • Ability to build rapport and maintain appropriate boundaries with youth., • Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple tasks and oversee donation systems., • Compassion, patience, and commitment to empowering youth toward independence., • Must be able to pass NYS Background Check, • Must have valid Drivers License and access to a personal vehicle.Pay and Benefits Health and Dental Insurance Paid Time Off $20/hr.