Job Brief:

Are you looking for an opportunity to re-enter the workforce, supplement existing work or pivot into a direct service role that has a real, true impact in other's lives?  If yes, the Center for Independent Futures is an Evanston based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities live full and more independent lives. And, they are looking for you!

They are seeking a part-time Life Skills Coach to serve as a member of a direct service support team that helps adults with disabilities that Center for Independent Futures (CIF) serves. The Life Skills Coach is responsible for teaching and coaching clients (participants) in a one-on-one setting on a weekly basis with the goal of developing daily living skills for the clients (participants) to gain independence and live full lives. The Life Skills Coach reports to a Community Life Coordinator and the Direct Services Program Director.

Responsibilities:

• Works one-on-one with several clients (participants) to determine and track personal goals with the support of the individual client’s (participant’s) family and guidance from CIF’s Skills Inventory and My Full LifeTM processes
• Models and teaches effective independent living skills in the client’s (participant’s) home, at work, and in the community
• Utilizes Direct Service Training, CIF tools, and My Full LifeTM platform to help client (participant) develop skills and problem solve
• Maintains confidentiality and professional boundaries with clients (participants) while cultivating a trusting, peer-to-peer relationship
•  Acts as a secondary support to other members of the client’s (participant’s) direct service team in communications with family and staff
• Communicates regularly (daily, weekly, and as needed) by email, phone, text message, and in-person to update the support team on client (participant) progress and support needs
• Attends staff trainings and scheduled staff meetings, and family meetings as needed

Qualifications and Skills Required:

• Two years of college experience, related work experience post-high school or Associate’s degree
• Two years or more of documented work experience in a social work, mental health, disability services field and/or an educational setting
• Prior work experience as a member of an interdisciplinary collaborative team providing support services to persons with mental health challenges, who may also have a secondary diagnosis of ID/IDD
• Excellent communication and organization skills
• Demonstrated ability in problem-solving, creative thinking and taking the initiative
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality
• Exposure to and familiarity with working with office products such as Microsoft Office (Word and Excel) and/or Google Workspace (Google Mail, Calendar, Docs and Sheets)

Other Requirements

• Must have reliable mode of transportation to attend 2-5 appointments during the day at various locations
• Flexibility to receive/initiate work-related communications outside of assigned tutoring hours
• Willingness to work evening and weekend hours

Preferences

• Bachelor's or Master's degree preferred
• Two years or more of documented work experience in a social work, mental health, disability services field and/or an educational setting
• Prior work experience as a member of an interdisciplinary collaborative team providing support services to persons with mental health challenges, who may also have a secondary diagnosis of ID/IDD

Compensation, Work Environment and Schedule:

Possibility for full-time work based on candidate’s schedule and available tutoring hours. Job may require evening and weekend hours.

Initial pay: $19-21 per hour, plus transportation allowance/reimbursement