Skills Development Specialist

Lad Lake Inc seeks a Skills Development Specialist to support at-risk youth through trauma-informed, strengths-based programming. In this on-site role, you will coach youth in life skills, social-emotional competencies, and educational success through structured groups and one-on-one support. You will implement individualized service plans, document progress, and collaborate with teachers, clinicians, and residential staff. The position emphasizes safety, positive role modeling, crisis prevention, and de-escalation while fostering resilience, independence, and long-term stability for youth and families.

Responsibilities

• Provide skills coaching and support to at-risk youth in alignment with individualized service and treatment plans.
• Facilitate life skills, social-emotional learning, and educational support activities in group and one-on-one settings.
• Apply trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches to build trust, resilience, and positive behavior change.
• Monitor and document youth progress, incidents, and goals in accordance with agency and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with teachers, clinicians, residential staff, and families as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Support crisis prevention and de-escalation, following safety and behavior support protocols.
• Model professional boundaries, respect, and positive communication for youth and peers.
• Participate in staff meetings, supervision, and required trainings to build skills and maintain compliance.
• Assist with program planning, scheduling, and implementation of structured activities.
• Ensure a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment consistent with Lad Lake's mission and values.

Required Skills

• Youth development
• Trauma-informed care
• Behavior management
• Individual service planning
• Group facilitation
• Case documentation
• Crisis de-escalation
• Basic counseling techniques
• Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams
• Microsoft Office/Google Workspace