Life Skills Specialist - Permanent Supportive Housing

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionPosition Title: Life Skills Specialist (LSS)Program: Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Cooper UnionStatus: Full-Time / Non-ExemptReports To: Program Manager or DesigneeM-F or T-Sat 12pm – 8pmPosition SummaryThe 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 ResponsibilitiesProvide ongoing, hands-on coaching in daily living skills, including cleaning, organization, meal preparation, personal hygiene, and household managementSupport residents in establishing, maintaining, and strengthening consistent daily and weekly routinesConduct in-unit support visits focused on skill-building, modeling, and reinforcing independent living skillsAssist residents in developing and utilizing coping strategies to manage stress, triggers, and daily life challengesWork directly with residents to set realistic, measurable goals related to housing stability and independent livingProvide immediate, practical guidance and coaching within the residential setting as needs ariseCollaborate closely with Case Managers to align service plans, goals, and ongoing interventionsPartner with Resident Assistants (RAs) to ensure consistent reinforcement of routines, unit upkeep, and skill development strategiesParticipate in coordinated team efforts to support follow-through on appointments, referrals, and service engagementMaintain timely, accurate documentation of resident progress, interventions, and observed needs in accordance with program requirementsParticipate in multidisciplinary team meetings, case conferences, and service coordination activitiesContribute to a supportive, trauma-informed, and recovery-oriented residential environmentOther duties as assigned.Collaboration and Team-Based Service DeliveryThe 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 goalsResident Assistants provide expanded on-site, day-to-day practical support and engagementThe LSS bridges these supports by providing structured skill-building, modeling, and hands-on coaching within the home environmentTogether, 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 LicenseAvailability to evenings and weekends on a set scheduleStrong organizational skills.Working knowledge of MS Office productsVOA provides comprehensive benefits for eligible employees including:Competitive PayPaid Time OffHealth, Dental, Vision InsuranceCompany Paid Life & LTD Insurance403(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.\nCompany DescriptionAt Volunteers of America, we are dedicated to creating lasting change in the community through safe housing, comprehensive human services, enriching education, and access to quality healthcare. By focusing on long-term solutions to poverty and homelessness, we strive to restore hope, dignity, and a sense of belonging for people facing challenges. Together, we can build a brighter future by addressing the root causes of inequality and foster self-reliance and stability.Company DescriptionAt Volunteers of America, we are dedicated to creating lasting change in the community through safe housing, comprehensive human services, enriching education, and access to quality healthcare. By focusing on long-term solutions to poverty and homelessness, we strive to restore hope, dignity, and a sense of belonging for people facing challenges. Together, we can build a brighter future by addressing the root causes of inequality and foster self-reliance and stability.