Life Skills Specialist - Cooper Union

Job DetailsJob Location: Cooper Union - Rochester, NY 14605Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $23.00 - $25.00 HourlyTravel Percentage: Up to 25%Position Title: Life Skills Specialist (LSS)

Program: Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Cooper Union
Status: Full-Time / Non-Exempt
Reports To: Program Manager or Designee

 

M-F or T-Sat 12pm – 8pm

Position Summary

The Life Skills Specialist (LSS) provides consistent, structured, and hands-on support to residents within a Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) site-based program. This position focuses on strengthening residents’ ability to maintain stable housing through direct coaching in daily living skills, unit upkeep, routine development, coping strategies, and independent living skills.

The LSS serves as a key on-site stabilizing presence, working collaboratively with Case Managers and Resident Assistants (RAs) to ensure coordinated, practical, and goal-oriented support across all areas of resident need. This role emphasizes skill-building in real-time within the residential environment to promote long-term housing stability and independence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities


Provide ongoing, hands-on coaching in daily living skills, including cleaning, organization, meal preparation, personal hygiene, and household management
Support residents in establishing, maintaining, and strengthening consistent daily and weekly routines
Conduct in-unit support visits focused on skill-building, modeling, and reinforcing independent living skills
Assist residents in developing and utilizing coping strategies to manage stress, triggers, and daily life challenges
Work directly with residents to set realistic, measurable goals related to housing stability and independent living
Provide immediate, practical guidance and coaching within the residential setting as needs arise
Collaborate closely with Case Managers to align service plans, goals, and ongoing interventions
Partner with Resident Assistants (RAs) to ensure consistent reinforcement of routines, unit upkeep, and skill development strategies
Participate in coordinated team efforts to support follow-through on appointments, referrals, and service engagement
Maintain timely, accurate documentation of resident progress, interventions, and observed needs in accordance with program requirements
Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, case conferences, and service coordination activities
Contribute to a supportive, trauma-informed, and recovery-oriented residential environment
Other duties as assigned.


Collaboration and Team-Based Service Delivery

The Life Skills Specialist functions as part of an integrated service team alongside Case Managers and Resident Assistants. This collaborative approach ensures residents receive consistent, reinforced support across all service touchpoints.


Case Managers lead service planning and coordination of all Service Plan goals
Resident Assistants provide expanded on-site, day-to-day practical support and engagement
The LSS bridges these supports by providing structured skill-building, modeling, and hands-on coaching within the home environment


Together, the team ensures continuity of care, shared accountability, and consistent follow-through on resident goals, appointments, and housing stability plans.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS 


Associate's Degree in Human Services, Social Work, or related field plus 1 year relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and employment.
Clean NYS Driver’s License
Availability to evenings and weekends on a set schedule
Strong organizational skills.
Working knowledge of MS Office products


VOA provides comprehensive benefits for eligible employees including:


Competitive Pay
Paid Time Off
Health, Dental, Vision Insurance
Company Paid Life & LTD Insurance
403(b), & more!


Volunteers of America is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with a disability.Qualifications