Life Skills Specialist

Job Title:                     Life Skills Specialist

Job Type:                    Full Time

Job Status:                  Exempt

Reports to:                 Program Director

Summary/Objective

Under general supervision, maintain documentation and assist with coordinating client care, support, and treatment plans. Plan and conduct the daily activities of individuals to facilitate individual learning experiences and develop life skills consistent with the treatment plans to assist clients in developing and reaching their desired goals.

Essential Functions

• Complete functional and client-centered performance assessments on program residents within one week of admission, including but not limited to:  functional cognitive skills, substance abuse status, safety awareness, activities of daily living, community living skills, participation and productive occupations, and vocational readiness.
• Create client’s individualized treatment plan and assist with implementation.
• Refer and encourage client participation in available and appropriate community resources, day programs, employment opportunities and training programs.
• Work directly with clients using individual and group modalities to address identified performance deficits and client goals.
• Assist client with pre-vocational training via the client Work Incentive Program.
• Oversee all client training regarding activities of daily living.
• Assist in identifying, screening and engaging clients for substance abuse and mental health treatment.
• Write progress notes in a timely and confidential manner.
• Attend regularly scheduled staff meetings and in-services.
• Participate in regular supervision and training as required.
• Provide on-call coverage and crisis intervention as needed using working knowledge of DSM IV, psychotropic medications, and crisis intervention theory. 
• Facilitate groups to increase client skills; increase exposure to activities of daily living, work, or leisure; and/or address client substance abuse issues.
• Transport clients to their appointments as needed.
• Regular attendance and punctuality are required to perform job duties effectively.
• Perform other duties as requested by the Program Director or as dictated by circumstances of growth and/or planning.

Required Education and Experience

• Associate degree in occupational therapy, Substance Abuse, Counseling, Social Work, or other related human services field. Four years work experience in social services and/or related field.
• Interest in providing services to people experiencing substance abuse, severe and persistent mental illness, dual diagnosis, homelessness and/or HIV/AIDS.

• Professional verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of HIPAA/privacy standards and professional boundaries required.
• Must have CPR and first aid certification. 
• Status as a Certified Medication Technician (CMT) and/or Level I Medication Aide (LIMA).
• Knowledge of Office 365.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy, Substance Abuse, Counseling, Social Work, or other related human services field and/or four years’ work experience in the field.

• Prior experience in serving multi-challenged individuals preferred.
• Knowledge of documentation standards, HIPAA and privacy standards, crisis management and harm reduction principles.
• Capability of partnering with and empowering clients served.

Supervisory Responsibility:  This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Physical and Environmental Requirements: Ability to lift and carry at least 10 lbs. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing is required. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets, and bend or stand on a stool, as necessary.

Work Environment: This position operates in a professional environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets.

Travel:  Travel is primarily local during the business day or no travel at all.

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.