Life Skills Specialist

The Life Skill Specialist (LSS) provides educational, vocational and employment preparedness services as outlined through the Launch Program. This position helps to prepare young people with the supports necessary to embed the basic soft and hard skills necessary to become successful citizens within their community and labor/work force. In addition, this position will assist the youth in meeting objectives in the following areas: daily living, self- care, effective communication, navigating the child welfare system, civic engagement, money management, relationship building, and life- long supportive adult connections .

Provides direct case management and support in goal achievement for a caseload of 10 youth

Responsible for maintaining documentation, paperwork and record keeping in accordance with state, federal and BGV policies

Develop, implement, and review service plans for each youth ensuring that the goals/objectives are reflected in daily/ weekly activities

Participate in the program’s planning, implementation, and ongoing review to encourage development growth

Provide life skills assessment and training as well as job readiness and vocational training, in both individual and group settings

Support and supervise youth efforts in establishing and maintaining an active youth board

Manage referrals once assigned

Be familiar with and implement all program policies and procedures

Complete all required DCF and BGV trainings

Support youth in obtaining services to meet educational, housing and employment services in the community

Bachelors in social work or related mental health field with a minimum of three (3) years’ work experience with providing home-based services to children and families or previous experience working with difficult to engage youth.

Valid driver’s license and good driving record.

Flexible work schedule, some evenings and some weekends

Ability to be available by phone during non-regular working hours

The Launch Program is a community- based program that will provide support comprised of both life skill assessments and learning modules. Skill building interventions will improve vocational and educational outcomes while developing and maintaining strong permanent supportive adult relationships. The program will serve young people ages 14-17, who are committed to DCF.

Boys & Girls Village (BGV) takes pride in the supportive, team-oriented environment we offer to our employees.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, including an option that is free to employees.
• Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
• Free annual flu shots
• Wellness workshops

• a 401K plan with employer contributions
• Company paid life and AD&D insurance, short and long-term disability.

• A tuition reimbursement program and free licensing supervision.
• Partnership with CT Non-Profit Alliance for 10%-20% tuition discounts at participating universities
• Training and development opportunities (Including CEU’s)
• Qualified Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Employer

• Competitive salaries, with increased compensation for Bi-lingual in Spanish staff
• Generous benefit time, including vacation, sick, and personal time
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)- Free and confidential counseling for employee and family

• Remote interview process offered
• Personal protective equipment provided and required
• Plastic shields at work stations
• Temperature screening at all entrances
• Social distance guidelines in place
• Sanitizing, Disinfecting, & Cleaning procedures in place

“I'm thankful that the Village was there for me when I needed a home, and wish to thank everyone who had a part in caring for me during my stay.”