Job Description / Acknowledgment:
Transition Specialist – Independent Living Program
LIFE Skills Foundation in Durham, NC is seeking to hire a Transition Specialist to work at our Independent Living Program for Young Adults. We provide housing and wraparound supports to young adults ages 16-24.
Please email your cover letter and resume to Shiesha Bell, our Director of Programs at shiesha@lifeskillsfound.org
Resumes due by March 19th, 2021
Primary Purpose of Position
The primary purpose of this position is to provide wraparound supports and housing related assistance to all clients eligible for the Independent Living Program including but not limited to the following: service coordination, including linking clients to benefits for which they are eligible; symptom assessment and management; individual supportive counseling; activities of daily living services; social, interpersonal relationship, and leisure-time activity services; support services or direct assistance to ensure that individuals obtain the basic necessities of daily life; and education, support, and consultation to individuals’ families and other major supports.
The Transition Specialist is a critical member of the Independent Living Program. Because of life experience the Transition Specialist provides expertise that professional training cannot replicate. The Transition Specialist should be able to draw upon and utilize his/her own life experience in his/her work with clients and feel comfortable with the self-disclosure of some aspects of his/her experiences with mental health issues, substance abuse issues, and/or treatment and recovery while maintaining appropriate clinical boundaries. The Transition Specialist is a fully integrated staff member who provides highly individualized services in the community and promotes individual self-determination and decision-making. The Transition Specialist also provides essential expertise and consultation to staff to promote a culture in which each individual’s point of view and preferences are recognized, understood, respected, and integrated into treatment, rehabilitation, and community self-help activities.
List of Responsibilities, Requirements, and Duties
Assist in identifying, planning, scheduling, and implementing services for the client.
Provide support to clients in our apartments with Independent Living Skills such as cooking and cleaning
Assist in linking clients to benefits for which they are eligible and to other services, as appropriate.
Assist in the development of transition plans when clients move in and out of services.
Act as an advocate in the community.
Actively work on assisting client meeting their goals in their LIFE Skills Domains: Housing, Employment, Education, Financial Literacy, Communication, Health/Wellness and Developing a Support Network
Provide any required written documentation. This will include sessions notes, goals, and plans for the medical record (e.g., service notes, input for person-centered plan, etc.)
Be available to respond as needed to clients during some off-hours.
Must be free from all illicit substance use.
This is considered Light Work; no lifting over 20 pounds.
Minimum Education, Training, and Experience
At a minimum completion of a Bachelor’s degree and 1 year experience with population being served preferred. Masters of Social Work are also encouraged to apply if they are looking for direct care work. An employee must receive training in population served and client rights/confidentiality. As well training in Motivational Interviewing and Positive Youth Development will be expected and provided. An employee will be instructed in the LIFE Skills Foundation service delivery model, and in agency policies and procedures. A valid driver’s license and current automobile insurance is also required. An employee must demonstrate core skills in delivering outreach services prior to service provision.
Special Training/Skills
Must demonstrate ability to organize and plan weekly schedules and manage time effectively. Must be committed to a solution oriented, client-focused, community-based intervention approach to service. Must demonstrate ability to join with clients in a full partnership, building on strengths, community resources, and formal and informal supports. Must possess thorough knowledge of policies, procedures, and standards of care for treatment/services. Must have excellent oral and written communication skills, including presentation effectiveness. Must communicate regularly with staff and engage in regular individual and group supervision. Must be competent with office software applications. Must be adept at initiating daily activities without direct supervision. Must have functional and reliable personal vehicle to provide community-based services.
LIFE Skills is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from all persons regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, mental or physical disability, age, political affiliation or any other non-merit factors, except where specific age, gender, or physical requirements are bona fide occupational qualifications for unemployment..
