On Call Life Skills Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Catholic Charities St. Vincent’s School for Boys was founded in 1853 and rooted in our faith traditions of
charity and justice, supporting families, adults, and youth through social service and opportunities for
healthy growth and development. Our values are respect, compassion, accountability, and integrity. Our
commitment is to support changing lives in the communities we serve; promoting a fulfilling and
supportive environment; and involving the community in carrying out our mission. This program focuses
on four underlying philosophies that are central to the services provided: Housing First; Trauma-Informed
Care, Person-Focused Care, and Social Determinants of Health.
The Residential Life Skills Specialist (RLSS) delivers trauma-informed, housing-first leadership and
program oversight for Transitional Age Youth (TAY), ages 18–24, who are homeless or at risk of
homelessness in Marin County. This role operates in partnership with the Marin County Department of
Health and Human Services within Marin’s Transitional Housing Program model.
The position integrates relational residential support, life-skills coaching, and compassionate crisis
response within Marin County’s Transitional Housing and Rapid Rehousing (TH–RRH) model. Staff work
alongside young adults, honoring their voices, lived experiences, and personal choices to support healing,
autonomy, and long-term stability.
The RLSS plays a key role in creating and maintaining a safe, predictable, and empowering environment.
They support the participants in developing and pursuing their Individualized Service Plans (ISPs) by
coordinating services across multiple providers, offering consistent encouragement, and responding to
challenges with trauma-informed, empathetic, and non-punitive care.
JOB TITLE: Residential Life Skills Specialist DATE: 12/15/2025
PROGRAM / DEPT:
St. Vincent’s School for Boys- Tay Bridge
Program REPORTS TO:
Residential Life Skills
Lead /Program Director
DIVISION: Program Operations
Youth Residential
Services
SUPERVISOR OR
MANAGER: No
STATUS: Full Time (40 hours per week) FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt
NON-UNION
or UNION: Non-Union
UNION
CLASSIFICATION: N/A
UNION
TITLE: N/A
PROGRAM & POSITION SUMMARY
Page 2 of 6
Trauma-Informed Residential Support & 24/7 Presence
• Maintain a consistent, supportive presence during scheduled shifts to promote safety, predictability,
and emotional stability. Support participants in understanding and engaging with community
expectations (house agreements, curfews, program expectations) using a collaborative, strengthbased, and non-punitive approach that honors developmental needs and trauma histories.
• Participate in structured shift handovers and documentation that prioritize clear communication,
youth-centered context, and respectful, neutral observations. Conduct monthly wellness check-ins
focused on clients' goals, strengths, safety, and emotional well-being, while centering choice, voice,
and empowerment.
• Collaborate regularly with the Clinician, Residential Life Skills Lead, and Housing-Based Case Manager
to ensure coordinated, trauma-informed support and adjust approaches based on youth feedback and
emerging needs.
• Respond to elevated or high-risk situations with calm, trauma-informed de-escalation, promptly
communicating concerns while maintaining youth dignity and respect.
Support Through the Transitional Housing + Rapid Rehousing (TH–RRH) Journey
• Welcome participants into transitional housing with warmth, clarity, and respect, supporting safety,
routines, and a sense of belonging.
• Guide and support participants through housing transitions, including preparation for scattered-site
rapid rehousing, with practical assistance and encouragement.
• Build clients’ skills and confidence to support long-term stability in independent housing.
Program Orientation & Collaborative Expectations
• Provide welcoming, client-centered orientations that clarify expectations, support, and their rights
within the home. Reinforce expectations through supportive, non-punitive conversations and
collaborative problem-solving, honoring young adult voices in shaping community norms.
Daily Living & Independent Skills Coaching
• Provide individualized, hands-on coaching in core independent living skills (e.g., cooking and nutrition,
budgeting and shopping, organization and cleaning, time management, transportation support, and
medication reminders, as appropriate).
• Collaborate with participants to create weekly household and activity schedules that build ownership
and agency.
• Facilitate group activities that promote connection, learning, and shared responsibility.
• Track skill development through monthly, client-centered assessments that emphasize strengths and
growth.
Individualized, Healing-Centered Support
• Develop and support Individualized Service Plans (ISPs) and Housing Stabilization Plans that reflect
each person’s goals, strengths, identity, culture, and lived experience.
• Provide warm, supported connections to education, employment, healthcare, behavioral health, and
community resources.
• Advocate alongside participants to reduce barriers to services, documentation, benefits, and housing,
including accompaniment to appointments as needed.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate regularly with internal teams and external partners to ensure integrated, seamless care.
Relationship Building, Mentorship & Emotional Support
• Build trusting relationships through empathy, consistency, and healthy boundaries, recognizing the
impact of trauma on attachment and connection.
• Provide one-on-one support focused on emotional well-being, problem-solving, and goal progress.
• Model positive communication, conflict navigation, and self-advocacy.
• Participate in feedback loops (e.g., surveys, listening sessions) and adjust practice based on youth
input.
House Operations, Environmental Safety & Shared Community Care
• Conduct regular walk-throughs to maintain a safe, welcoming, and comfortable living environment.
• Support participants in maintaining shared spaces through modeling, encouragement, and
collaborative problem-solving.
• Facilitate community meetings that promote shared voice, mutual respect, and communication.
• Document daily activities, incidents, and facility needs with clarity, neutrality, and respect.
Trauma-Informed Crisis Prevention & Response
• Use grounding, co-regulation, and de-escalation strategies to support clients during moments of
distress.
• Participate in required crisis and trauma-informed trainings and maintain emergency readiness.
• Engage in post-incident debriefs to support learning and continuous improvement.
• Complete incident reports within required timelines, ensuring compassionate and dignified
documentation.
• Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and
responsibilities to this job at any time.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The
requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable
accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education & Experience:
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience working with young adults of diverse cultural and economic backgrounds.
• Experience with and understanding individuals facing homelessness.
• CPR/First Aid Certificate and Clear Physical Examination
• Bilingual in Spanish preferred but not required.
QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
• Deliver Individualized, TAY Centered support.
• Promote Housing Stability and Prevent Homelessness
• Knowledgeable of social issues, such as poverty, trauma, racism, that impact individuals.
• Understands emotional and social development including the emergence of identity and self-esteem.
• Ability to display and empower healthy life skills.
• Ability to display organizational skills.
• Ability to be consistently punctual and responsible.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage demands.
• Demonstrates the necessary attitudes, knowledge and skills to deliver culturally competent services
and work effectively in cross-cultural situations.
Clearances Required Prior to the First Day of Employment:
Fingerprints:
Required
TB Screening –
Negative Tuberculosis Test:
Required
First Aid
Certificate:
Required
COVID-19
Proof of Vaccination: Required
• Is responsible for accurate and timely data entry that aids Performance and Quality Improvement (PQI)
reporting and case record reviews.
• Is responsible for accurate and timely submission of case records.
• Serves on a quarterly case record review committee for Performance and Quality Improvement (PQI)
reporting.
• Serves on department or program Performance and Quality Improvement PQI Committee responsible
for monitoring goals and reporting.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to
successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable
individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Frequent Bending, standing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, twisting, and walking.
• Frequent Lifting, pushing, and pulling.
• Frequent Repetitive motions: Making substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or
fingers.
• Light work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently,
and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
• The worker is required to have visual acuity to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of
the work assigned.
COUNCIL ON ACCREDITATION (COA) ROLES
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Driving is not required for this position.
If driving a car is required for the position, incumbent must have a valid California driver's license and be able
to provide proof of DMV record and personal insurance (if required).
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while
performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals
with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The work environment includes a residential setting, offices, and community agencies.
• Noise level is usually moderate in accordance with what is typical in the above settings.
• May include contact with clients with mental health issues who demonstrate behaviors such as
cursing, shouting, running away, self-harm and violence.
• The work environment includes young adults who are 18-24 years old.
• May be exposed to odors such as fragrances, cleaning products, and clients who experience difficulties
with personal hygiene.
DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being
performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all
responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform
duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER and is committed to providing equal
employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation,
gender identity, legal domicile status, veteran status, disability or AIDS/HIV status or any other chara cteristic
protected under federal or state law.
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with
arrest and conviction records. Company Description

Catholic Charities is one of the largest, oldest, and most comprehensive nonprofit human services organizations in Northern California, annually reaching more than 60,000 vulnerable individuals of all faiths in San Francisco, San Mateo, and Marin Counties. With a staff of approximately 450, reaching peaks of nearly 600 with seasonal hires, a budget of $54.3 million, and a current governing board of 27, this venerable, fully-accredited, independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit addresses some of the most pressing community needs – homelessness, generational poverty, immigration, inequality, hunger, aging in isolation, and communicable disease -- to name a few – with compassion and services of highest quality.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER and is committed to providing equal employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, legal domicile status, veteran status, disability, or AIDS/HIV status or any other characteristic protected under federal or state law.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Company Description

Catholic Charities is one of the largest, oldest, and most comprehensive nonprofit human services organizations in Northern California, annually reaching more than 60,000 vulnerable individuals of all faiths in San Francisco, San Mateo, and Marin Counties. With a staff of approximately 450, reaching peaks of nearly 600 with seasonal hires, a budget of $54.3 million, and a current governing board of 27, this venerable, fully-accredited, independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit addresses some of the most pressing community needs – homelessness, generational poverty, immigration, inequality, hunger, aging in isolation, and communicable disease -- to name a few – with compassion and services of highest quality.\r\n\r\nCATHOLIC CHARITIES IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER and is committed to providing equal employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, legal domicile status, veteran status, disability, or AIDS/HIV status or any other characteristic protected under federal or state law.\r\n\r\nPursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.