Adolfo - Life Skills Coach

WHO WE ARE: We are more than a nonprofit organization. We are a ministry of service that includes nearly 600 paid, professional employees dedicated to helping those in need to rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. Founded locally in 1911, the Northern California & Northern Nevada affiliate of Volunteers of America (VOA-NCNN) is one of the largest providers of social services in the region, operating more than 40 programs including housing, employment services, substance abuse, and recovery services to families, individuals, veterans, seniors, and youth. In fact, VOA-NCNN provides shelter or housing to over 4,000 men, women, and children every night.

OUR MISSION: To change individual lives, instill hope, increase self-worth and facilitate independence through quality housing, employment, and related supportive services. Volunteers of America Northern California & Northern Nevada inspires self-sufficiency, dignity, and hope by providing critical health and human services to thousands of vulnerable individuals and families across Northern California & Northern Nevada.

PROGRAM AND LOCATION: VOA-NCNN, a Certified Great Place to Work, is recruiting for a full-time Life Skills Coach for the Adolfo Housing Program at our Mather Community Campus. Full-time employees (working 30 or more hours a week) are eligible for a benefits package that includes paid holidays, vacation, sick pay, health, dental, vision, life, and short-term disability insurance coverage. 

This position is responsible for the development of life skills training plans to assist participants in developing a greater degree of self-reliance. It will include accessing continuing education, employment, and addressing any bio, psycho, social issues that may lead to homelessness, criminal behavior, or otherwise non-productive lifestyles. The Life Skills Coach will provide quality services in the areas of housing, job placement, mental or physical health areas, for long-term support.  

Responsible for performing daily work requirements to achieve established objectives of the department.

1. Coordinate weekly classes with participants in developing life skills to live their respective communities.
2. Perform psycho/social assessments i.e., assessments to aid participants in a successful living in their communities.
3. Participate in the development of an integrated and coordinated individual client “Life-Plan”.
4. Participate in activities, initially meeting with the participant daily, weekly, then monthly review or revise the participants Life Plan progression.
5. Recommend clients to appropriate services for social and emotional support.
6. Work closely with other staff to determine eligibility and available subsidies for clients. and ensure eligibility requirements are met and maintained for services.
7. Recommend appropriate information and referral services for the client’s social and emotional support.
8. Collect and maintain data on identified clients.
9. Assist in successfully linking client appropriate services (Life Plan) in the community to include follow-up meetings.
10. Make presentations and promote the programs outcomes to other community-based organizations.
11. Ensure that Life Plans for each client are provided to the Program Manager and or any other authorized staff as required.
12. Establish and maintain active working relationships in both public and private benefits, entitlement and assistance programs and systems.
13. Advocate on behalf of and for clients with any public or private entities regarding benefits, entitlements and assistance available.
14. Maintain accurate and confidential client records regarding all client’s benefits, entitlements and assistance, actions taken on their behalf, including all correspondence and phone logs.
15. Perform other duties assigned by the Program Manager. 

Responsible for assistance with client development. 

1. Assure orientation of new clients. Complete the intake of individual program plans and maintain client files.
2. Responsible for case load assigned to provide individual assistance and counseling relative to a search for gainful employment, job training, academic and vocational opportunities, money abuse management skills, re-establishment of family ties, conformance to house rules, substance abuse and community adjustment.
3. Monitor client progress and make appropriate recommendations to Program Manager, when progress is substandard.
4. Liaison between clients and community service agencies to meet client needs.
5. Maintain a list of all available community services and providers.
6. Assure a safe, non-judgmental environment for the clients.
7. Maintain positive, professional relationships with clients and staff.
8. Participate in agency and outside training sessions.

Record keeping and communication. 

1. Maintain files on each participant which will include psycho-social information, short- and long-term plans to maintain and improve self-sufficiency.
2. Document progress and assistance in removing obstacles to set goals.
3. Provide routine documentation of coordination and follow-up of all areas.
4. Provide records and services in compliance with agency policies, regulatory and funding source requirements.
5. Maintain daily, clear and thorough communication with the Program Manager on all areas of responsibility listed in this job description.

Responsible for all areas of daily program maintenance in compliance with company policies. 

1. Document and report all client concerns and/or infractions that can impact the program security.
2. Secure approval for exceptions to standard policy.
3. Notify management of potential workflow problems and resource needs necessary to attain performance standards.
4. Adhere to staffing schedules in order to provide adequate/safe staffing coverage and to accomplish program objectives.
5. Provide emergency shift coverage as needed.

Responsible for self-development.

1. Continually learn and enhance technical and interpersonal skills.
2. Attend staff meetings/assigned training seminars and complete required certifications, i.e. CPR, First Aid, etc.

EQUIVALENT EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

Bachelor of Arts Degree in a related Psychology /Social Services field, and/or at least three years of experience as a Community Social Worker/ Case Manager, as it relates to the psychological or social needs of young adults is required. Must have knowledge and experience in working in the local communities related to youth, community violence, risk factors that lead to violence and successful intervention programs to correct these deficiencies. This position requires demonstrated ability in record keeping, good written and verbal communication skills, and average or above average computer skills. Valid California driver's license and ability to meet the organization’s insurance carrier guidelines are required. Must pass all required background clearances in accordance with agency, County, State, and federal standards. CPR/First Aid certification is required within 90 days of employment. Completion and maintenance of all required training and health clearances. driver’s license and a clean driving record are required to operate any Volunteers of America vehicle.

SPECIFIC SKILLS REQUIRED:

Teamwork skills

Oral and written communication skills

Computer Skills (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Ability to de-escalate situations and assist residents and staff in emergency situations

Organizational skills

Analytical and decision-making ability

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and stoop throughout the workday

Ability to occasionally lift and move up to 25 pounds

Ability to travel between campus and community locations as needed

Able to climb stairs as required