Independent Living Specialist

ABBOTT HOUSE•Village of Irvington, NY

1d•$57,000 - $60,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Independent Living Specialist involves responsibility for providing life skills services for youth group homes and foster care. The Independent Living Specialist is responsible for delivery of services according to agency policies and state and federal law for all youth eligible for independent living services throughout the agency. The Independent Living Specialist serves as team participants assisting social workers, foster parents, Childcare staff, caseworkers, other agency or community representatives, and youth in coordinating and delivering the services of the life skills program. The Independent Living Specialist will develop objectives that are measurable and may change throughout the youth’s placement at the Group Home to reflect progress toward achieving the goals.

Requirements

Bachelor's required.
Minimum of 4 years of full-time experience working with high risk youth (i.e., emotionally disturbed (SED), Juvenile Delinquents (JD), or Persons in Need of Supervision PINS) in a residential setting or in a community based program specializing in services for high risk youth and their families.
Working knowledge of the modern principles and practices of social work along with experience within the child welfare system.
Working knowledge of researching and engaging community services.
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships.
Ability to communicate effectively with SED population.
Ability to plan and collaborate with youth and their team.
Computer literacy and familiarity with Connx
Ability to plan, lead, conduct groups with youth and adult training sessions.
Ability to make oral and written reports.
Strong organizational and communication skills.
Ability to model and present professionally.
Good assessment and interviewing and counseling skills.
Must have a valid Driver’s License and a clean driving record.

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree in a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Establish and maintain collaborative, professional relationships with youth and members of the youth’s treatment team to support coordinated service delivery.
Participate as an active member of the youth’s treatment team by attending service plan reviews, bi-weekly team meetings, FTC meetings, and other meetings related to youth development and progress.
Administer and complete Ansell-Casey Life Skills Assessments every six (6) months in accordance with agency requirements.
Collaborate with youth to develop individualized life skills goals and support plans aligned with their permanency and independence objectives.
Support youth in building on their strengths by identifying and facilitating access to community-based opportunities, including recreational, educational, vocational, employment, leisure, and skill-building activities.
Organize and provide support for youth participation in activities and youth-led groups such as Youth Speak Out, including coordinating communication with caseworkers, foster parents, biological parents, and mentors, and providing accompaniment when necessary.
Manage the distribution, tracking, and accountability of stipends in accordance with agency policies.
Provide individualized financial literacy support to youth, including budgeting, saving, money management, and assistance with opening bank accounts when appropriate.
Develop and maintain working relationships with community service providers to ensure youth have access to appropriate community-based supports and resources.
Assist youth in developing a comprehensive Life Skills Portfolio, including essential documents for adulthood such as career plans, photo identification, birth certificate, Social Security card, driver’s/non-driver’s license, certificates of accomplishment, and educational assessments.
Attend trainings, workshops, and professional development opportunities assigned by the supervisor.
Participate in permanency hearings and related court or agency proceedings as required.
Complete required PYS documentation at least one (1) week prior to due dates.
Support youth in enrollment in driving school upon successful completion of written permit requirements.
Complete monthly case documentation and progress notes in Connections in accordance with agency and state standards.
Develop youth discharge plans in collaboration with the youth’s permanency team to support successful transition from care.
Design and facilitate monthly training curricula, including handouts and structured learning materials based on the ACS 18 Life Skills Domains.
Run credit checks on the youth
Utilize care four system
Conduct a minimum of two (2) monthly contacts with each youth beginning within 24–48 hours of admission to Abbott House QRTP and continuing through trial discharge. Monthly contacts include: One (1) face-to-face individual session in QRTP or foster home setting, and One (1) face-to-face group session based on the ACS 18 Life Skills Domains.
Post–Trial Discharge Services: Provide and/or coordinate services identified in the youth’s final support (discharge) plan to ensure continuity of care and successful transition.
Engage youth and community supports following discharge from residential care to promote successful reintegration into home or community settings, or continued engagement with step-down placement programs.
Identify, connect, and coordinate youth access to educational, vocational, developmental, and community-based resources within their home communities.
Establish and maintain partnerships with Supervised Setting Programs (SSPs), when appropriate, to support youth experiencing permanency challenges in transitioning to lower levels of care and community reintegration.
Enroll and oversee youth participation in life certification programs, trade schools, and vocational training opportunities that promote career development, skill-building, and long-term self-sufficiency.
Maintain ongoing contact with youth for 3–6 months post-discharge, ensuring continuity of support and progress monitoring. Post-discharge contact includes either: Two (2) face-to-face contacts monthly, or One (1) face-to-face contact and one (1) additional approved contact method (phone, email, video call, or other agency-approved communication).