Life Skills Counselor

Position Overview

The Life Skills Specialist (LSS) plays a vital role in the LAUNCH Program, an intensive, community-based life skills initiative serving youth aged 14–17. This program focuses on preparing youth for adulthood through individualized goal-setting, skill-building, prosocial engagement, and vocational and educational planning. The LSS is responsible for engaging participants 2–3 times per week, building trusting relationships, helping youth complete assessments, guiding individualized life plans, and tracking measurable outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

1. Youth Engagement & Life Skills Coaching

• Provide direct support to a caseload of youth (ages 14–17) through 1:1 meetings, 2–3 times per week, totaling 3–5 hours of engagement per participant.
• Facilitate life skills development in areas such as self-care, financial literacy, employment readiness, daily living, and civic engagement.
• Coach youth using customized plans informed by the Casey Life Skills Assessment.

2. Assessment & Planning

• Complete initial and ongoing assessments (Casey Life Skills and secondary assessments).
• Collaborate with youth to develop and regularly review personalized Life Maps and skill-building plans.
• Use assessment data to identify strengths, challenges, and areas for growth.

3. Collaboration & Coordination

• Partner with foster parents, DCF social workers, and other providers to support youth progress.
• Coordinate and facilitate group activities, civic engagement events, and financial literacy sessions.
• Communicate updates and progress to referral sources, including monthly summaries.

4. Administrative Duties & Documentation

• Maintain accurate, timely records in alignment with agency and program standards.
• Submit assessments, case notes, progress reports, and summaries to supervisors and funders as required.
• Track participation in stipended activities such as Youth Advisory Board (YAB) meetings and group sessions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Education, or a related field required.
• Minimum of 1–2 years’ experience working with adolescents or in youth development programming.
• Familiarity with life skills curricula (e.g., Casey Life Skills), adolescent development, and trauma-informed care.
• Strong organizational, communication, and motivational interviewing skills.
• Ability to work independently and in diverse community settings.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.

Work Schedule and Environment

• Primarily in-person, community-based work with flexible scheduling (afternoons, early evenings, some weekends).
• Must be comfortable traveling throughout Greater Hartford and Tolland County surrounding areas for youth meetings and events.

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Mileage reimbursement
• Professional development opportunities
• Health, dental, and vision benefits
• Paid time off and holidays

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $19.23 - $19.94 per hour

Expected hours: 40 – 50 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 50% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $19 - $20