Independent Living Coach - Young Adult Counselor

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Be the Steady Presence That Helps a Young Adult Build Their Future

Nashville, TN | Full-Time, Non-Exempt | 2nd Shift: Tuesday–Saturday, 3:00 PM–11:00 PM | Starts at $20/ hour with full benefits

The Opportunity

Our Independent Living program provides transitional housing and intensive support for young adults aging out of state custody — helping them build the skills, confidence, and stability they need to live independently and thrive.

Of all the staff at Monroe Harding, Independent Living Coaches spend the most time with our young adults. You are the steady anchor, the group leader, and the calm in the storm during moments of crisis or disruption. We are seeking an experienced adult who understands the dynamics of working with groups of young people, knows how to maintain clear boundaries, and brings the patience and confidence needed to turn chaotic moments into learning opportunities.

This is a 2nd shift position — Tuesday through Saturday, 3:00pm to 11:00pm. You won't sit behind a desk. You will be in the houses, in the kitchen, and in the daily flow — managing group dynamics, coaching life skills, and showing up with consistency for youth who haven't always had someone in their corner.

What You'll Do

Daily Coaching & Life Skills

· Facilitate daily life skills conversations and group activities covering budgeting, cooking, employment, safety, decision-making, and peer relationships.

· Guide young adults through meal planning, grocery shopping, cooking, and maintaining a clean, structured household.

· Assist with medication management and coach young adults toward self-sufficiency in managing their health.

· Support employment goals in partnership with Monroe Harding's Employment Coordinator.

Residential Leadership & Disruption Management

· Maintain order, positive norms, and structure across residential properties while managing group dynamics.

· Address behavioral disruptions using trauma-informed de-escalation, natural consequences, and "Handle With Care" techniques.

· Conduct property, safety, and security checks each shift to ensure a safe environment for all residents.

· Prepare rooms for incoming residents and orient new youth to program routines and expectations.

Relationship & Community

· Build genuine, trusting relationships with young adults, applying a "what happened to them" lens rather than a punitive response.

· Model emotional regulation, self-awareness, and constructive conflict resolution during high-stress interactions.

· Create a monthly calendar of activities and support family or community engagement opportunities.

· Documentation & Compliance

· Complete accurate, timely daily documentation and behavioral incident reports.

· Maintain compliance with COA, DCS Licensing Standards, and regulatory requirements.

What We're Looking For

The right candidate for this role brings life experience and a proven ability to lead and guide groups of young adults. We are looking for someone who:

· Has experience managing or leading larger groups of young adults (in residential, group home, youth development, or similar settings).

· Is comfortable navigating disruption, emotional outbursts, or conflict with a calm, grounded, and authoritative presence.

· Views behavior through a trauma-informed lens, seeking to understand before reacting.

· Holds firm, consistent boundaries while maintaining warmth, humor, and empathy.

· Celebrates small steps of progress and refuses to give up on a young person.

Qualifications:

· Relevant experience working with, supervising, or mentoring groups of adolescents or young adults (residential or behavioral health experience highly preferred).

· Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and direct life/work experience.

· Valid Tennessee Driver's License.

· Ability to complete 40 hours of orientation training (including Handle With Care / CPR).

Compensation & Benefits

· Starts at $20 per hour or $41,600

· Health, Dental, and Vision insurance

· Retirement plan

· Paid Time Off

· Paid ongoing  professional development and certification training

· Schedule: Tuesday–Saturday, 3:00pm–11:00pm

Who We Are

Since 1893, Monroe Harding has stood alongside Nashville's most vulnerable young people. Over 130 years and more than 16,000 lives later, our mission remains: to be a healing community where youth and families move beyond trauma to experience hope.

Our Values

We lead with Optimism, practice Inclusion, stay Curious, embrace Personal Accountability, and rely on Collaboration. As a Young Adult Counselor / Coach, you'll live these values out loud every shift.

A Note on Our Hiring Process

Monroe Harding serves young people who have experienced difficult circumstances. All offers of employment are contingent on passing a thorough background check (including TBI/FBI fingerprints and child abuse registry clearance) and a valid TN Driver's License. The Diana Screen® is administered to all applicants to ensure ethical boundaries are maintained.

Monroe Harding is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Apply here: -0264-4b0c-a841- a8ea78397c45/Monroe -Harding

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application and interview procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at View email address on ziprecruiter.com or call View phone number on ziprecruiter.com.