Permanency Life Skills Specialist

Permanency/Life Skills Specialist

Bridges Homeward is a mission‑driven organization founded in 1873 that provides high‑quality support and advocacy for children, adults, and families in the Greater Boston community. We work diligently to help families achieve permanency and to support individuals in building safe, permanent relationships and maximizing growth.

Purpose & Scope

This position is a member of the Young Adult Support Living (YASL) Team, providing services to youth aged 18‑22 residing in YASL apartments. The Specialist coordinates and facilitates group activities that strengthen permanent family relationships and enhance life skills for residents. They collaborate with the Program Manager to develop a permanency‑focused curriculum and work with internal or external facilitators to support youth in job searching, education, budgeting, resume building, licensure, and other skill development areas.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Work closely with each youth’s assigned Support Specialist to ensure the Permanency Practice is occurring for all residents in the YASL program.
• Organize and lead groups and holiday celebrations that honor residents’ culture, religion, and identity.
• Use assessment tools such as the Permanency Assessment, Youth Readiness Assessment, and Youth Connections Scale to identify goals related to permanency, behavior, education, and vocation.
• Collaborate with youth to develop transition plans based on assessment results.
• Coordinate with community providers and PLSS at BH group home to deliver sessions on adult living skills, money management, self‑care, meal planning, housekeeping, communication, and employment.
• Identify services and resources that support youth in maintaining healthy relationships, acquiring suitable housing, managing emotions, and prioritizing self‑care.
• Coach and support Support Specialists in methods to increase permanency and life‑skill development for program participants.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education & Experience

• Associate’s degree plus three years of experience working with high‑risk youth, or a Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related field.
• Minimum of two years of experience working with high‑risk youth in a milieu treatment setting; experience in residential services with at‑risk youth and families is preferred.

Other Requirements

• Valid driver’s license and properly insured vehicle; clearance of a driving record check.
• Clearance of background checks required by state and federal law.
• Current certification in CPR and first aid, or ability to obtain within one month of hire.

Salary

$46,500 – $47,500 per year.