Independent Living Specialist/Life Coach

Job Purpose / Duties :

Want to make a difference in an older foster youth's live?

Are you driven, passionate and motivated?

Vita Nova is seeking an energetic individual to serve as an Independent Living Specialist / Life Coach and provide case management services to young adults formerly in foster care.

The purpose of an Independent Living Specialist / Life Coach is to provide guidance, support and identify resources and life skills training to youth who exit the traditional Foster Care system at 18, and seek to live a more independent life ages 18-22. The primary function of the role is to connect young adults to education, employment and supportive adult connections. The program focuses on four core outcome areas : educational attainment, life skills development, resource cultivation and preventing homelessness.

Life Coach Essential Functions :

• Complete initial intake, needs assessments, and other program enrollment forms and act upon critical needs appropriately and immediately.
• Orient youth formerly in foster care to program services, requirements and eligibility.
• Provide an innovative approach to problem solving that explores alternative options, including access to community resources
• Process program applications for financial assistance in a timely manner and per state / federal guidelines.
• Develop a comprehensive client-driven plan with both short-term and long-term goals identified by the youth.
• Arrange, coordinate, and transport youth to various appointments as needed.
• Connect with community partners who may be helpful to youth or with programming.
• Assist in coordinating and facilitating life skills trainings / events including some on nights / evenings when necessary.
• Promote adult supportive connections by facilitating activities for youth to engage with mentors.
• Adhere to documentation standards including documenting and tracking service delivery, referrals, all collaterals, and remote or face to face contact with each youth.
• Meet established deadlines for submitting case notes, program initial and renewal applications, file management forms, progress reports / data.
• Facilitate staffing between the lead agency and the young adult interested in opting-in to Extended Foster Care or other eligible programs.
• Participate in case transfer staffing's, assessing needs and advocating for supportive services.
• Facilitate regular consultations to review progress and provide resources to address issues or concerns.
• Input data necessary to meet program outcomes and statistical reports.

Qualifications

Education

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities