Independent Living SKill Specialist - El Hogar

Comunilife Inc, is looking for a Life Skills Specialist to join its new program in the Bronx, El Hogar. The Life Skills Specialist assists in promoting housing stability, independent living, and overall wellness among older adult residents of the El Hogar Residence. The Life Skills Specialist provides hands -on support, emotional encouragement and lifeskills coaching, to residents who have experienced homelessness and may be living with chronic medical, mental health, or substance use challenges. The Life Skills Specialist also supports residential operations by assisting residents in maintaining their apartments and providing front desk monitoring coverage when needed. Other responsibilities include working harmoniously with the El Hogar Program staff in accordance with Comunilife principles and guidelines.

Essential Duties:

• Assist with outreach, engagement, and transitioning needs of residents adjusting to permanent supportive housing.
• Provide supportive counseling, emotional support, and crisis de-escalation within the scope of training.
• Promote recovery-oriented practices, harm reduction, medication management counseling, self-care, and healthy lifestyle habits.
• Assist residents in developing and maintaining Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), including: Apartment cleaning and organization, laundry, and personal hygiene, Budgeting and money management, meal planning, and nutrition.
• Conduct apartment checks as assigned and assist residents in maintaining safe, sanitary, and compliant living spaces.
• Work directly with residents to correct deficiencies and develop cleaning routines.
• Document inspection findings and follow-up plans in AWARDS.  Provide hands-on coaching to build independent living skills and improve self-confidence. 
• Collaborate with case managers and clinical staff to support service plan goals related to housing stability and Independent Living Skills.
• Accompany residents to medical appointments, housing-related appointments, or benefit offices as needed.
• Encourage participation in recreational, educational, and wellness activities to reduce isolation and promote community integration.
• Conduct and/or co-facilitate life skills groups, wellness groups, or socialization activities.
• Provide front desk coverage when necessary, including: Greeting visitors and residents, answering phones, and monitoring building entry.
• Communicating urgent matters to the appropriate staff and incident reporting.
• Document resident interactions and services accurately and timely manner in AWARDS and other required systems.
• Participate in team meetings and collaborate with interdisciplinary staff, including social workers, case managers, health staff, and recreation staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support program operations.
• Participate in weekly supervision.
• Submit a weekly schedule of visits.
• Participate in mandated training workshops, seminars, and case presentations as well as meetings with peers and supervisors.
• Establish a late-day schedule, i.e., 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., or 10 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. for one (1) day per week to ensure that all residents receive case management services.

Education and Experience Requirement(s)

High School Diploma or GED required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred. Minimum one (1) to two (2) years of experience working in supportive housing, residential programs, or with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, or housing instability; 5-Day/35 work week Position (In-Office/Some Field Work); Excellent oral and written communication skills; Proficient in Google Workspace program/Microsoft Office Suite

Comunilife provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training