Lead 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.

SUMMARY

The Lead Life Skills Specialist (LSS) provides individualized support to vulnerable youth, primarily ages 14-17, who are transitioning from foster care under the Department of Children and Families (DCF). The Lead LSS helps youth develop life skills and facilitates their transition to adulthood by building trust-based relationships, goal setting, and delivering personalized interventions. This role includes both direct youth engagement and program planning responsibilities. The Lead LSS also serves as a role model for the LSS team.

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

• Document interactions, progress, and activities per program guidelines.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development.
• Conduct outreach to encourage youth retention and participation.
• Review referral information and youth history from DCF.
• Build trust-based relationships with youth to motivate and support their development.
• Maintain a caseload of 8-10 youth, ensuring personalized service plans and activities.
• Conduct at least two face-to-face sessions weekly with each youth, totaling 3-5 hours of direct engagement.
• Support youth in achieving goals in education, employment, life skills, and financial literacy.
• Involve youth in developing their service plans and group activities.
• Perform pre- and post-life skills assessments for each youth.
• Organize and facilitate Youth Advisory Board (YAB) meetings and activities.
• Collaborate with families, community partners, and DCF to provide holistic youth development.
• Provide transportation for youth as needed.
• Lead job development efforts, create group presentations, and organize vocational tours.
• Act as a liaison between youth, DCF, schools, and other stakeholders.
• Ensure program safety and maintenance of vehicles and facilities.
• Attend community networking meetings and workshops as appropriate.

Types of Activities to be provided to achieve above requirements

• Refer youth to appropriate providers and track progress.
• Help youth explore vocational training, education options, and funding opportunities.
• Advocate for academic resources and partner with schools.
• Develop local business partnerships for job placements and assist with resume writing and job applications.
• Provide parenting education and support for young adult parents.
• Promote recruitment for Youth Advisory Boards (YAB) and ensure youth participation.
• Ensure safe operation of motor vehicles for work-related duties.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

A Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Child Development, Psychology, or a related field, with at least three years of experience working with high-risk youth, is preferred. A combination of education and relevant experience may substitute for a degree.

SCHEDULE

• 40 Hours Flex

SALARY

• $19.95/hr, Rate increases to $20.95/hr after 6 months

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