Job Description

Job Purpose/Duties:

Want to make a difference in an older foster youth's live?

Are you driven, passionate and motivated?

Vita Nova is seeking an energetic individual to serve as an Independent Living Services (ILS) Life Coach and provide case management services to young adults formerly in foster care.

The purpose of an ILS Life Coach is to provide guidance, support, transportation, and life skills training to youth who exit the traditional Foster Care system at 18, and seek to live a more independent life ages 18-22. The primary function of the role is to connect young adults to education, employment and supportive adult connections. The program focuses on four core outcome areas: educational attainment, life skills development, resource cultivation and preventing homelessness.

Life Coach Essential Functions:

• Complete initial intake, needs assessments, and other program enrollment forms and act upon critical needs appropriately and immediately.
• Deliver comprehensive case management support to youth to ensure needs are met for housing, education, employment, and basic needs.
• Orient youth formerly in foster care to program services, requirements and eligibility.
• Conduct routine, visual contact with youth to ensure their needs are met and program eligibility is maintained. 
• Provide an innovative approach to problem solving that explores alternative options, including access to community resources
• Process program applications for financial assistance in a timely manner and per state/federal guidelines.
• Develop a comprehensive client-driven plan with both short-term and long-term goals identified by the youth.
• Arrange, coordinate, and transport youth to various appointments as needed.
• Connect with community partners who may be helpful to youth or with programming.
• Assist in coordinating and facilitating in-person and virtual life skills trainings/events, including some on nights/evenings when necessary.
• Promote adult supportive connections by facilitating activities for youth to engage with mentors.
• Adhere to program standards for documenting and tracking service delivery, referrals, all collaterals, and remote or face-to-face contact with each youth.
• Meet established deadlines for submitting case notes, program initial and renewal applications, file management forms, progress reports/data.
• Facilitate staffing between the lead agency and the young adult interested in opting-in to Extended Foster Care or other eligible programs.
• Participate in case transfer staffing's, assessing needs and advocating for supportive services.
• Facilitate regular consultations to review progress and provide resources to address issues or concerns.
• Input data necessary to meet program outcomes and statistical reports.
• Attend and facilitate engagement in youth empowerment groups and events.
• Participate in weekly on-call rotation to ensure youth have 24/7 access to support during emergency situations.

Qualifications:

Education

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a human service-related field
• Minimum 1-2 years of experience working in social services with an understanding of the child welfare system.
• Ability to complete DCF's Independent Living Services training and First Aid certification within 90 days of employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to build trusting relationships with youth/young adults and families
• Valid driver's license and eligible to drive company vehicle
• Availability to work non-traditional hours including nights and weekends
• Must pass drug screen and Level 2 background check through DCF Clearinghouse: 

What We Offer:

• Competitive Pay with annual Cost of Living Adjustments
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Benefits
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision with significant employer contributions, including 100% employer-paid plan options
• General Paid Time Off, including holidays, PTO days, sick & vacation accruals, and birthday leave
• Retirement Planning: Option to participate in 401(k) plan after one year of employment

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