LifeWorks of Austin, TX is looking for a Life Skills Instructor to join our Education program! A Life Skills Instructor prepares youth, including but not limited to, youth aging out of foster care and/or involved in the juvenile justice system, to live independently as adults. The instructor addresses identified core life skills through classroom facilitation, presentations, community collaboration, experiential field trips, and enrichment activities. Core life skills include health and safety, housing and transportation, job readiness, financial management, life decisions/responsibilities, and personal/social relationships.

This full time, non-exempt position earns a competitive starting rate of $24.86-$27.17/hr depending upon experience. Benefits are also included, which consist of 24 PTO days per year (accrued); 11 paid holidays per year; a premium-free employee medical plan with $100 per month HSA contribution (plus other affordable employee or family medical, dental, and vision options!); a retirement savings plan with 50% match on the first 6% of contributions, and much more!

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintains timely, professional, and quality communication with funders, community partners and staff members.


• Initiates contact with caregivers and referral sources to coordinate assessment administration.


• Maintains up-to-date class and assessment waitlists and enters referrals and authorization forms in D365 by given deadline.


• Responsible for conducting Casey Life Skills Assessments (CLSAs) and facilitating a discussion about the results of the CLSAs for both the youth and their caregivers across DFPS Region 7 (30 counties) in their home, in the community, or in a classroom setting.


• Communicates with The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and other contract holders about teaching locations and referred youth within required timeframe.


• Responsible for recruiting youth to Life Skills classes and leads classroom instruction, discussion, activities, and field trips. Also responsible for recruiting guest speakers to present on community resources.


• Reports weekly to State contract holders regarding assessment status.


• Maintains timely, complete, and accurate program documentation related to contractor assessments, reports, youth surveys and client data entry in D365.


• Develops and maintains positive working relationships with community contacts, such as referral sources, community site and residential treatment staff, juvenile justice staff, and other service providers.


• Completes Independent Study Guides (ISGs) as needed.


• Refers youth to client services with community agencies as needed.


• Responsible for the primary supervision of youth engaged in services.


• Meets with individual clients to establish a safe, healthy relationship for learning, problem-solving, and participating in community activities.


• Transports clients as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bilingual in English and Spanish is highly preferred.


• Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field; and


• 2+ years of related teaching or training experience with transition age youth; or


• Equivalent combination of education and experience.


• Experience with databases; proficient level experience with Microsoft Office including, Word, Excel, and Outlook.

ABOUT LIFEWORKS

With more than 50 years of experience working with youth experiencing homelessness, youth aging out of foster care, young adults, and young parents, we are a fearless advocate for youth and families seeking their path to self-sufficiency. LifeWorks goal is to be able to provide clients with the resources they need a place to call home, the chance to heal, and the opportunity to learn and to work. We have one of the most comprehensive continuums of housing and support options for vulnerable youth in the country. We are committed to innovative problem solving, shared accountability and a relentless focus on achieving real, sustainable, and measurable results for the clients we serve. A career at LifeWorks offers opportunities to grow and develop your professional skills while making an immediate difference in the lives of youth and families in our community.

See job description