Life Skills Specialist

Job Title: Life Skills Specialist
Program Area: Schirmer House
Reports to: Client Services Manger
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
 
GENERAL SUMMARY:  The Center for Women in Transition assists women in the criminal justice system in making a successful transition to their families and communities through practicing and promoting restorative justice. The Life Skills Specialist is primarily responsible for assisting CWIT participants as they enhance their life skills by providing individual and group instruction and supportive activities and by connecting participants to community resources.  This position also works with the Schirmer House, Baker House, Sharon House and Community case management teams to ensure successful delivery of services.  
 
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1. Conducts Life Skills Assessments upon intake for each participant entering the program.
2. Collaborates with participants in creating predictive and actual budgets.
3. Identifies and establishes relationships with community organizations that will facilitate skills and resource attainment for participants.
4. Conducts or coordinates a minimum of 2 hours of life skills group discussions/classes per week which address re-entry issues such as:

            a. Budgeting and finance
            b. Computer, internet, cell phone, and social media use
            c. Current issues concerning participants in the transitional facility
            d. Diet and nutrition
            e. Interpersonal relationships
            f. Parenting support
            g. Sanitation and cleaning
            h. Self-care and hygiene
            i. Sexual wellness
            j. Shopping
            k. Utilizing public transportation
            l. Food preparation and storage
            m. Meal planning
            n. Recipe sharing and menus

1. Provides one-on-one support for participants with higher need.
2. Determines and coordinates monthly food allowances and supplies based on participants’ monthly income. 
3. Works with the case management team in researching and maintaining resource materials and referring participants to resources.
4. Tracks participant progress on goals and completes documentation and paperwork as needed.
5. Participates in trainings and staff development opportunities.
6. Performs such other duties as may be assigned.

  
QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
 
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

1. Education: Bachelor’s degree in social work, occupational therapy, psychology, or closely related field or equivalent experience; Master’s preferred.
2. Minimum of two years of work experience working with justice-involved females, women with substance use histories, and/or other at-risk populations.
3. Must demonstrate ability to teach women with low income and/or educational attainment.
4. Must have basic computer knowledge, including proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel, ability to learn and manage Google Classroom, and sufficient internet proficiency to aid the clients in accessing online resources.
5. Must show willingness to work with women reentering society from jail/prison in the community and in a residential setting.
6. Must have an understanding of trauma and the impacts of trauma on adults. Previous training in trauma informed care, motivational interviewing, mental health first aid, and conflict resolution preferred.
7. Must be able to accurately complete necessary documentation.
8. Must have experience building and maintaining relationships and partnerships; re-entry related experience preferred.
9. Must have a responsible and flexible attitude; good problem solving and conflict management skills; a caring, compassionate, and patient demeanor; and the ability to set and maintain healthy interpersonal boundaries.
10. Must demonstrate respectful and effective communication skills with people from a variety of backgrounds and ability to interact in a positive, respectful manner with others, especially participants and co-workers.
11. Must be willing to complete Restorative Practices Conflict Management Circles training.
12. Must be able to work a flexible schedule to accommodate scheduling needs of participants.

 
WORKING CONDITIONS:

1. Ability to drive, valid driver’s license, and safe driving record.
2. Ability to demonstrate good finger/hand dexterity for typing, sorting, filing etc.
3. Ability to demonstrate the physical stamina to do some walking and stair climbing; moderate pushing, pulling, kneeling, stooping, bending, and lifting.
4. Ability to work under stress.
5. Ability to work some evenings and weekends.

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To apply, please send your resumé and cover letter to cwit@cwitstl.org. 

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