A Career Counselor works with adults of all ages to plan career choices and access the education and training needed to support a career. Gives skills assessment and aptitude tests to clients. Provides job search assistance or training for general workplace skills. Provides referrals for workplace literacy, academic or job training programs, or direct job referrals.
Youth Skills Specialist, Independent Living Program
HACS - 3.5
Warren, MI Job Details Full-time $38,000 - $48,000 a year 23 hours ago Benefits Dental insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Retirement plan Qualifications Strategic management Program management FMLA Policy & process development Senior leadership Full Job Description Position Summary The Youth Skills Specialist delivers hands-on life skills instruction and coaching to youth in foster care and young adults enrolled in the Independent Living Program (ILP) at Halo Angels Children's Services. Working alongside Case Managers, the Specialist plans and facilitates individual and group sessions covering practical daily living skills- such as budgeting, cooking, job readiness, housing navigation, and self-care and tracks each youth's skill development toward their independent living goals. This role is central to preparing youth for a confident, successful transition to adulthood. Key Responsibilities Life Skills Instruction & Coaching Plan and facilitate individual and group life skills sessions covering core ILP domains: budgeting and financial literacy, cooking and nutrition, housing search and tenancy, job readiness and workplace conduct, health and hygiene, and interpersonal/communication skills. Deliver hands-on, experiential learning activities (e.g, grocery shopping and meal prep, mock job interviews, apartment tours, budgeting exercises) rather than lecture-only instruction. Adapt curriculum and teaching approach to each youth's age, developmental stage,learning style, and cultural background. Provide one-on-one coaching and follow-up support to reinforce skills between group sessions. Administer standardized life skills assessments (e.g., Ansell-Casey or agency-approved tool) at intake and at regular intervals to identify strengths and skill gaps. Collaborate with the youth and Case Manager to translate assessment results into individualized skill-building goals within the youth's transition/independent living plan. Document session attendance, skill milestones, and progress notes in the case management system in a timely and accurate manner. Communicate progress, concerns, or emerging needs to the assigned Case Manager and Program Director. Youth Engagement & Support Build trusting, developmentally appropriate relationships with youth to encourage participation and follow-through on skill-building goals. Support youth in practicing skills in real-world settings, such as accompanying youth to appointments, job interviews, or housing viewings as needed. Reinforce youth voice and choice, helping youth set their own goals and take ownership of their independent living plan. Recognize and respond to signs of distress, disengagement, or safety concerns, referring to the Case Manager or appropriate crisis resources. Program & Curriculum Support Maintain and update life skills curriculum materials, activities, and resources in collaboration with the Program Director. Coordinate logistics for group workshops and events, including scheduling, materials, transportation, and incentives/supplies within budget. Identify and cultivate community partnerships (e.g., banks, employers, landlords, community colleges) that support hands-on learning opportunities. Assist in tracking program outcome data related to life skills attainment for quality assurance and funder reporting. Team Participation & Professional Development Participate in regular individual and team supervision with the Program Director. Attend required trainings on trauma-informed care, adolescent development, and independent living best practices. Collaborate with Case Managers and other ILP staff to ensure coordinated, consistent support for each youth. QualificationsEducation & Experience Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Education, Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience working with youth may be considered. Minimum of [1] year of experience working with youth, particularly those who have experienced foster care, trauma, or housing instability, preferred. Experience facilitating groups, workshops, or classroom-style instruction preferred. Skills & Competencies Practical knowledge of daily living skills areas: budgeting, cooking, job readiness, housing search, and self-care routines. Strong facilitation and instructional skills, with the ability to engage youth through interactive, hands-on activities. Patience, flexibility, and cultural responsiveness when working with youth of varying backgrounds and needs. Solid documentation skills and comfort using case management software and standard office/productivity software. Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for community-based activities and youth accompaniment. Working Conditions This position involves a mix of office-based planning, group facilitation in community or program settings, and field-based activities (e.g., accompanying youth to stores, banks, job interviews, or housing viewings) within [service area]. Some evening or weekend availability may be needed for workshops or youth events. Reasonable accommodations will be made in accordance with applicable law. Compensation & Benefits Halo Angels Children's Services offers [health/dental/vision insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, and professional development support] — details provided upon offer. Acknowledgment This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Halo Angels Children's Services reserves the right to modify this description at any time.
