Adult Development Specialist - Cluster

Adult Development Specialist - Cluster 2

Lantern Community Services Inc
New York, New York, United States

Classification: Full-time, Non-Exempt
Reports to: Assistant Director of Resident Learning
Location: Brooklyn/Manhattan (Works within a cluster of 4 to 5 supportive housing sites, splitting time across programs to ensure equitable access to services).
Status &

Hours:

Full-time, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Lantern staff may be asked to adjust their work schedule depending on the operational and programmatic needs of the site and the agency.

Who We Are: Lantern Community Services helps New Yorkers impacted by homelessness move from surviving to thriving by pairing safe, supportive housing with wraparound services that build lasting stability and independence. If you believe a steady home can be the start of everything else, you'll fit right in with our mission‑first team. Lantern was also recognized as a Top 2025 Workplace by City & State New York — a great place to do meaningful work with people who care!

About the Role: The Adult Development Specialist is a critical team member within Lantern's Integrated Services Program, providing person‑centered, individualized support, education, and resources to adult residents in support of their personal, educational, and professional goals, with a focus on fostering long‑term stability and self‑sufficiency. This role empowers residents to overcome barriers, enhance life skills, and build the confidence needed to navigate housing, employment, education, and community engagement successfully.

The Adult Development Specialist collaborates closely with Case Managers, Housing Specialists, and other Integrated Services team members to ensure that adults in the program receive holistic support as they work toward their goals.

Essential Functions: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• At each assigned site, work individually with a small, targeted caseload of tenants who have Resident Learning SMART goals related to entitlements, financial stability, mental wellness and resiliency, health self‑management, community engagement, and/or employment and education.
• As needed, provide additional one‑on‑one support to tenants on time‑sensitive needs and goals in collaboration with site‑based program staff.
• Provide person‑centered services and coaching to support tenants in developing meaningful, self‑directed personal and professional goals; support them in making and tracking incremental progress toward those goals and celebrating successes.
• Provide concrete assistance, referrals, resource access, and motivational support related to securing public benefits; using technology and digital resources; becoming work‑ready; building professional skills; obtaining employment; and exploring and securing educational opportunities and scholarships.

• Develop and facilitate workshop curricula and group coaching sessions on a variety of topics, including essential life skills, activities of daily living (ADLs), mental health awareness, time management, financial literacy, communication, problem‑solving, conflict resolution, and informed decision‑making.
• Engage in creative and assertive outreach to encourage and motivate tenant engagement, participation, and peer‑to‑peer support and learning opportunities.

• In collaboration with Resident Learning leadership and Integrated Services colleagues, engage in community outreach to expand service referral options and to secure site‑based services by external partners.
• Support tenant participation in community‑based activities, such as volunteering, neighborhood events, social activities, and advocacy and legislative work that promote belonging and empowerment.
• Collaborate with local employers, workforce development agencies, and other vocational partners to create job placement opportunities and guide residents through the application process.
• Advocate for adult residents' needs with local organizations, employers, and service…