Life Skills Specialist - Shelters

Location: City of Rochester

Position Title:

Life Skills Specialist (LSS)
Program:
Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Cooper Union Status:
Full-Time / Non-Exempt

Reports To:

Program Manager or DesigneeM-F or T-Sat 12pm – 8pmPosition Summary The Life Skills Specialist (LSS) provides consistent, structured, and hands-on support to residents within a Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) site-based program. This position focuses on strengthening residents’ ability to maintain stable housing through direct coaching in daily living skills, unit upkeep, routine development, coping strategies, and independent living skills.

The LSS serves as a key on-site stabilizing presence, working collaboratively with Case Managers and Resident Assistants (RAs) to ensure coordinated, practical, and goal-oriented support across all areas of resident need. This role emphasizes skill-building in real-time within the residential environment to promote long-term housing stability and independence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Provide ongoing, hands-on coaching in daily living skills, including cleaning, organization, meal preparation, personal hygiene, and household management

Support residents in establishing, maintaining, and strengthening consistent daily and weekly routines

Conduct in-unit support visits focused on skill-building, modeling, and reinforcing independent living skills

Assist residents in developing and utilizing coping strategies to manage stress, triggers, and daily life challenges

Work directly with residents to set realistic, measurable goals related to housing stability and independent living

Provide immediate, practical guidance and coaching within the residential setting as needs arise

Collaborate closely with Case Managers to align service plans, goals, and ongoing interventions

Partner with Resident Assistants (RAs) to ensure consistent reinforcement of routines, unit upkeep, and skill development strategies

Participate in coordinated team efforts to support follow-through on appointments, referrals, and service engagement

Maintain timely, accurate documentation of resident progress, interventions, and observed needs in accordance with program requirements

Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, case conferences, and service coordination activities

Contribute to a supportive, trauma-informed, and recovery-oriented residential environment

Other duties as assigned.

Collaboration and Team-Based Service Delivery The Life Skills Specialist functions as part of an integrated service team alongside Case Managers and Resident Assistants. This collaborative approach ensures residents receive consistent, reinforced support across all service touchpoints.

Case Managers lead service planning and coordination of all Service Plan goals

Resident Assistants provide expanded on-site, day-to-day practical support and engagement

The LSS bridges these supports by providing structured skill-building, modeling, and hands-on coaching within the home environment

Together, the team ensures continuity of care, shared accountability, and consistent follow-through on resident goals, appointments, and housing stability plans.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS Associate's Degree in Human Services, Social Work, or related field plus 1 year relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and employment.

Clean NYS Driver’s License Availability to evenings and weekends on a set schedule

Strong organizational skills.

Working knowledge of MS Office productsVOA provides comprehensive benefits for eligible employees including:

Competitive Pay Paid Time Off Health, Dental, Vision Insurance Company Paid Life & LTD Insurance
403(b), & more!

Volunteers of America is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with a disability.
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