Life Skills Specialist - Shelters

Position Title: Life Skills Specialist (LSS)

Program: Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Cooper Union
Status: Full-Time / Non-Exempt
Reports To: Program Manager or Designee

M-F or T-Sat 12pm – 8pm

Position Summary

The Life Skills Specialist (LSS) provides consistent, structured, and hands-on support to residents within a Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) site-based program. This position focuses on strengthening residents’ ability to maintain stable housing through direct coaching in daily living skills, unit upkeep, routine development, coping strategies, and independent living skills.

The LSS serves as a key on-site stabilizing presence, working collaboratively with Case Managers and Resident Assistants (RAs) to ensure coordinated, practical, and goal-oriented support across all areas of resident need. This role emphasizes skill-building in real-time within the residential environment to promote long-term housing stability and independence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide ongoing, hands-on coaching in daily living skills, including cleaning, organization, meal preparation, personal hygiene, and household management
• Support residents in establishing, maintaining, and strengthening consistent daily and weekly routines
• Conduct in-unit support visits focused on skill-building, modeling, and reinforcing independent living skills
• Assist residents in developing and utilizing coping strategies to manage stress, triggers, and daily life challenges
• Work directly with residents to set realistic, measurable goals related to housing stability and independent living
• Provide immediate, practical guidance and coaching within the residential setting as needs arise
• Collaborate closely with Case Managers to align service plans, goals, and ongoing interventions
• Partner with Resident Assistants (RAs) to ensure consistent reinforcement of routines, unit upkeep, and skill development strategies
• Participate in coordinated team efforts to support follow-through on appointments, referrals, and service engagement
• Maintain timely, accurate documentation of resident progress, interventions, and observed needs in accordance with program requirements
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, case conferences, and service coordination activities
• Contribute to a supportive, trauma-informed, and recovery-oriented residential environment
• Other duties as assigned.

Collaboration and Team-Based Service Delivery

The Life Skills Specialist functions as part of an integrated service team alongside Case Managers and Resident Assistants. This collaborative approach ensures residents receive consistent, reinforced support across all service touchpoints.

• Case Managers lead service planning and coordination of all Service Plan goals
• Resident Assistants provide expanded on-site, day-to-day practical support and engagement
• The LSS bridges these supports by providing structured skill-building, modeling, and hands-on coaching within the home environment

Together, the team ensures continuity of care, shared accountability, and consistent follow-through on resident goals, appointments, and housing stability plans.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS 

• Associate's Degree in Human Services, Social Work, or related field plus 1 year relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and employment.
• Clean NYS Driver’s License
• Availability to evenings and weekends on a set schedule
• Strong organizational skills.
• Working knowledge of MS Office products

VOA provides comprehensive benefits for eligible employees including:

• Competitive Pay
• Paid Time Off
• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Company Paid Life & LTD Insurance
• 403(b), & more!

Volunteers of America is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with a disability.