About Job

Benefits:

Dental insurance
Health insurance
Paid time off

Compass House Job Description
Title: Independent Living Coordinator

Summary of Duties:
The Independent Living Coordinator supports Compass House youth in building the skills necessary to live independently and successfully transition into adulthood. This role combines individualized assessment, one-on-one and group skill-building, employment readiness coaching, and coordination of community resources. The coordinator also oversees donations and resources to ensure youth have access to essential items.

Accountability:
The Independent Living Coordinator reports directly to the Director of Youth Services, who provides ongoing training, supervision, and mentoring.

Responsibilities and Examples of Work

Assessment & Planning

Administer pre-tests, post-tests, and assessment tools to evaluate client skills in areas such as housing, money management, employment readiness, health, parenting, recreation, and cultural awareness.
Collaborate with each client and their Case Manager to create a written Independent Living Plan tailored to individual strengths, needs, and goals.

Independent Living Skills Development

Teach and model daily living skills such as budgeting, cooking, meal planning, nutrition, and household management.
Provide instruction in housing navigation, including apartment searching, understanding tenant rights, and moving logistics.
Support youth in accessing community resources, including healthcare, mental health services, childcare, and recreational activities.
Facilitate cultural awareness by encouraging participation in community events, field trips, and discussions around diversity and inclusion.

Employment & Education Support

Assist clients with job searches, applications, resume writing, and interview preparation.
Provide coaching on workplace expectations, professional behavior, and career planning.
Support clients pursuing education and training opportunities, including guidance on college applications and financial aid.

Counseling & Group Work

Facilitate group sessions and workshops that build peer support and life skills.
Utilize evidence-based approaches such as role-playing, modeling, and strengths-based counseling to encourage growth and independence.
Provide one-on-one support, including home visits and field trips (e.g., to apartments, supermarkets, or potential job sites) to help clients practice skills in real-life settings.

Resource & Donation Management

Organize, track, and distribute donations (clothing, personal care items, household goods, etc.) to ensure client needs are met.
Coordinate monthly “moving days” for clients transitioning into independent housing.
Build and maintain relationships with area landlords to expand housing opportunities for clients.

Collaboration & Program Support

Work closely with staff, volunteers, and interns to support client needs and program operations.
Train, mentor, and supervise student interns and volunteers as assigned.
Share relevant information with staff in a professional, confidential manner.
Maintain accurate documentation for in-house records as well as required reports for DSS and OCFS.
Participate actively in staff meetings, trainings, and supervisory sessions.

Schedule

Schedule is generally Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., with flexibility required for emergencies.
Position requires frequent fieldwork and regular use of a reliable automobile.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, or related field (required).
Minimum of one year paid experience working with at-risk youth or in a related field.
Strong communication and group facilitation skills.
Ability to build rapport and maintain appropriate boundaries with youth.
Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple tasks and oversee donation systems.
Compassion, patience, and commitment to empowering youth toward independence.
Must be able to pass NYS Background Check
Must have valid Drivers License and access to a personal vehicle.

Pay and Benefits