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Job Title: Life Skills Coordinator

Department: Residential Services

Position Summary

The Life Skills Coordinator instructs youth and students in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth necessary for the development and application of independent living skills. This position supports youth within both the Residential Treatment Team program and the HGL Campus School alternative education program, fostering self-sufficiency and long-term success through structured programming, mentorship, and community engagement.

Department

New Directions’ Residential Services programs provide structured, supportive environments for youth, focusing on emotional stability, personal growth, and family engagement through therapeutic relationships and consistent support.

Agency

New Directions is an equal opportunity employer committed to championing the principles of anti-racism, justice, and equity. We welcome prospective employees from diverse cultures and backgrounds, for all positions, who will uphold our values and contribute to our mission. We aim to have a leadership and workforce that is reflective of the communities we work in partnership with.

Benefits

New Directions takes pride in offering a comprehensive employee benefits package:

+ Medical Insurance: Coverage effective the first of the month following hire; employer contributions and HSA deposits available.

+ Dental & Vision Insurance: Coverage effective the first of the month following hire; New Directions pays part of the premium.

+ Health Savings & Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and childcare expenses.

+ Wellness Program & EAP to support personal and family well-being.

+ Paid Time Off: 3 weeks of PTO plus 14 paid holidays each year. PTO includes designated sick time, with options to carry over or partially cash out after the second anniversary.

+ Retirement: 401K with up to 3% company match after one year.

+ Insurance: Company-paid long-term disability and life insurance, with options for additional voluntary coverage.

+ Professional Growth: Tuition reimbursement (up to $8,000 for degrees; $750 for certifications), guaranteed internal interview opportunities.

+ Discounts & Perks: Verizon discount, credit union membership, Normative Recognition Award program.

+ Loan Forgiveness Support: Eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Teacher Loan Forgiveness, and NYS Loan Forgiveness programs.

Compensation

Starting pay: $19.89 – $20.85 per hour (based on education and years of relevant experience).

Hours/Schedule

+ Full-Time

+ Monday – Friday, 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Professional Development Opportunities

New Directions invests in developing future leaders through tuition reimbursement, professional development, training opportunities, and internal advancement pathways.

Position Specific Duties/Responsibilities

+ Develop and supervise a comprehensive Life Skills program for residential youth, utilizing both established and customized curriculum.

+ Supervise all staff involved in life skills programming and coordinate schedules with supervisors and the Residential Treatment Team Director.

+ Manage the Work Program, including job tracking, financial accounting, and youth preparation.

+ Conduct initial and 6-month follow-up Casey Life Skills assessments; document results in electronic case records.

+ Facilitate the Youth Advisory Board and serve as advisor to the Wildcat Club.

+ Maintain detailed records of youth participation, instructional activities, and progress.

+ Support youth in opening checking and savings accounts, completing credit checks, and obtaining necessary identification and work documents.

+ Coordinate with local volunteer groups, schools, and sports leagues for youth engagement opportunities.

+ Assist with aftercare and ongoing life skills development planning.

+ Participate in Youth in Progress (YIP) groups and represent New Directions at the Annual Speak Out event.

+ Maintain Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) and First Aid/CPR certifications provided by the agency.

+ Participate in supervision, team meetings, and professional training as required.

+ Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

+ Ability to work effectively with youth, families, staff, and community partners from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

+ Ability to build appropriate, respectful relationships with youth and guide their development.

+ Flexibility, adaptability, and willingness to work collaboratively as part of a team.

+ Strong communication skills and ability to maintain documentation and correspondence through multiple formats.

+ Valid NYS driver’s license, adequate auto insurance, and reliable transportation (exceptions may apply for non-driving positions).

+ Ability to pass an annual physical for Category 3 job classification.

+ Compliance with agency safety standards and health policies.

Qualifications

+ High School Diploma or GED required.

+ Degree preferred.

+ Previous experience in childcare and life skills preparation preferred.

+ Must be able to build appropriate, respectful relationships with youth, guide their development, manage unit/cottage effectively, participate in overall treatment planning, and exercise sound professional judgment.

We want to emphasize that the preferred qualifications are not required and that we are committed to helping our future colleagues develop these preferred skills. We strongly encourage those who are passionate about fostering a diverse, inclusive and equitable human service organization to apply.