Life Skills Coach - Family Shelter Services

BILL WILSON CENTER•Sunnyvale, CA

6d•$24 - $26

About The Position

Under the supervision and direction of the Shelter Manager of the Family Shelter Services, the Life Skills Coach will help support families in developing vital independent life skills to help support their journey towards self-sufficiency.

Requirements

(B.A.) in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology or related field plus 2+ years of relevant case management experience and/or training; or 5+ years on field experience/lived experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Language Skills: Ability to understand and interpret a variety of documents, including safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to prepare clear and accurate reports and correspondence. Strong communication skills are essential to effectively engage with diverse individuals and groups.
Current CPR and First Aid Certification required (or complete within 30 days of hire).
Valid California driver’s license with access to a personal vehicle with current insurance that can be used for company business.
Fingerprinting/background check as required by the Department of Justice and/or Title XXII regulations.
TB test required.
Mathematical Skills: Ability to work with basic mathematical concepts as required for reporting.
Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems and address a variety of real-world situations where limited standardization may exist. Ability to understand and interpret instructions provided in multiple formats, including written, verbal, visual (such as diagrams), or scheduled forms. Flexibility in learning and communication methods is welcomed and supported.
Computer Skills: To perform this job successfully, individuals should have familiarity with internet software, spreadsheet software, and word processing software. Comfort with internet research is a plus. Training and support will be provided as needed to ensure success in these areas.

Nice To Haves

Preferred experience working with homeless clients and in a shelter setting.
Bilingual communication skills (English/Spanish or English/Vietnamese) are highly valued and strongly encouraged.
Comfort with internet research is a plus.

Responsibilities

Conduct assessments to understand each family's unique needs and skill gaps in areas like budgeting, communication, and self-care.
Collaborate with families to set achievable and measurable goals for skill development based on their individual circumstances and desired outcomes.
Design and deliver workshops or individual coaching sessions on life skills relevant to independent living, such as budgeting, financial literacy, job search techniques, healthy meal planning, time management, and conflict resolution.
Utilize various teaching methods to cater to different learning styles and ensure everyone benefits from the programs.
Provide opportunities for families to practice and develop their skills in a safe and supportive environment.
Serve as mentors and build rapport with families, offering encouragement and guidance as they work towards their goals.
Empower families to identify their strengths and develop self-advocacy skills.
Connect families with additional resources within the shelter or the community that can further support their specific needs.
Assist families in overcoming challenges and developing coping mechanisms for dealing with stress or setbacks.
Encourage families to stay motivated and celebrate their achievements along the way.
Help families identify and address any barriers that may hinder their progress towards self-sufficiency.
Maintain accurate records of client interactions, including progress reports, skills assessments, and coaching sessions.
Track the progress of families towards their goals and adjust coaching strategies as needed.
Contribute to case management plans by providing updates on client progress and skill development.
Collaborate with case managers, social workers, and other shelter staff to ensure a holistic approach to supporting families.
Communicate effectively with families, respecting their privacy and maintaining confidentiality.
May participate in staff meetings and provide feedback on life skills programming.
Participate in professional development opportunities to enhance coaching skills and knowledge.
May assist with other shelter activities as needed, such as facilitating group activities or assisting with resource distribution.
Stay up-to-date on local housing regulations, rental assistance programs, and community resources.
May assist with shelter operations tasks related to housing applications or resource distribution.
Other duties as assigned by supervisor.