Life Skills Specialist - Waterbury

The vision of Marrakech Inc. is that each person we serve will live and work in the community and be accepted by their neighbors, co-workers, family, friends and acquaintances for their individual qualities and contributions.

OVERVIEW

The Life Skills Specialist (LSS) will provide individualized support to vulnerable youth, assisting them in achieving essential life skills and facilitating their transition to adulthood. The LSS will build trust-based relationships, assist in goal setting, and deliver targeted interventions tailored to each youth's individual needs. The LSS will engage youth in both community and program settings, ensuring that their specific needs are met through tailored activities and interventions. The target population is youth ages 14-17 currently in or transitioning from foster care placements under the Department of Children and Families (DCF).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Document all interactions, progress, and relevant activities according to program guidelines.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge in working with vulnerable youth.
• Conduct outreach efforts to encourage youth retention and participation in programs.
• Review all referral information and youth history provided by DCF prior to working with the youth.
• Develop relationships based on trust with each youth, serving as a positive and motivating force.
• Maintain an annual caseload of no more than 8-10 youth.
• Ensure the required documentation is completed as instructed. Share detailed documentation of activities to demonstrate compliance with program guidelines.
• Conduct a minimum of two face-to-face sessions per week with each youth, targeting 3-5 hours of direct engagement or structured activities tailored to individual needs.
• Support youth in achieving goals related to education, employment, relationship-building, financial literacy, life skills development, and quality of life.
• Work with each youth to have input into their service plans, goal development and group activities.
• Conduct a pre and post life skill assessment for each youth.
• Organize and facilitate monthly Youth Advisory Board (YAB) meetings and events/activities.
• Work closely with participants, families, and community partners to ensure a holistic approach to individual development.
• Provide transportation for participants to and from program sites and community-based services as needed.
• Engage youth in the communities where they reside as well as at the program site.
• Provide feedback on youth participation, progress, and concerns for each youth in attendance.
• Operate motor vehicles safely and in accordance with State Law (agency and personal automobiles) while on work-related duties.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Child and Adolescence Development, Psychology or a related field with a minimum of three years of experience working with high-risk youth or other vulnerable populations is preferred. A combination of education and related experience working with youth in DCF care will be accepted in lieu of a degree.

SCHEDULE

• M-F 10a-6p (40 FT)

Marrakech is an equal opportunity employer. Marrakech, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, age, disability, status of veteran, national or ethnic origin, or sexual orientation.

• Waterbury, CT, USA