The Residential Life Skills Specialist provides trauma-informed, housing-first support to transitional age youth in a residential setting. They facilitate life-skills coaching, manage crisis situations, and coordinate individualized service plans to promote long-term stability.
Requirements summary
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent and have experience working with diverse young adults facing homelessness. Required clearances include fingerprinting, a negative TB test, a First Aid certificate, and proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
high schoolCommunicationDocumentationDe-escalationMentorshipStrength-based approachConflict resolutionData entryCrisis interventionCase managementTrauma-informed careCultural competenceLife skills coachingHousing supportIndividualized service planningEmpathetic listening
Job description
Catholic Charities St. Vincent’s School for Boys was founded in 1853 and rooted in our faith traditions of charity and justice, supporting families, adults, and youth through social service and opportunities for healthy growth and development. Our values are respect, compassion, accountability, and integrity. Our commitment is to support changing lives in the communities we serve; promoting a fulfilling and supportive environment; and involving the community in carrying out our mission. This program focuses on four underlying philosophies that are central to the services provided: Housing First; Trauma-Informed Care, Person-Focused Care, and Social Determinants of Health. The Residential Life Skills Specialist (RLSS) delivers trauma-informed, housing-first leadership and program oversight for Transitional Age Youth (TAY), ages 18–24, who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Marin County. This role operates in partnership with the Marin County Department of Health and Human Services within Marin’s Transitional Housing Program model. The position integrates relational residential support, life-skills coaching, and compassionate crisis response within Marin County’s Transitional Housing and Rapid Rehousing (TH–RRH) model. Staff work alongside young adults, honoring their voices, lived experiences, and personal choices to support healing, autonomy, and long-term stability. The RLSS plays a key role in creating and maintaining a safe, predictable, and empowering environment. They support the participants in developing and pursuing their Individualized Service Plans (ISPs) by coordinating services across multiple providers, offering consistent encouragement, and responding to challenges with trauma-informed, empathetic, and non-punitive care. JOB TITLE: Residential Life Skills Specialist DATE: 12/15/2025 PROGRAM / DEPT: St. Vincent’s School for Boys- Tay Bridge Program REPORTS TO: Residential Life Skills Lead /Program Director DIVISION: Program Operations Youth Residential Services SUPERVISOR OR MANAGER: No STATUS: Full Time (40 hours per week) FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt NON-UNION or UNION: Non-Union UNION CLASSIFICATION: N/A UNION TITLE: N/A PROGRAM & POSITION SUMMARY Page 2 of 6 Trauma-Informed Residential Support & 24/7 Presence
Maintain a consistent, supportive presence during scheduled shifts to promote safety, predictability, and emotional stability. Support participants in understanding and engaging with community expectations (house agreements, curfews, program expectations) using a collaborative, strengthbased, and non-punitive approach that honors developmental needs and trauma histories.
Participate in structured shift handovers and documentation that prioritize clear communication, youth-centered context, and respectful, neutral observations. Conduct monthly wellness check-ins focused on clients' goals, strengths, safety, and emotional well-being, while centering choice, voice, and empowerment.
Collaborate regularly with the Clinician, Residential Life Skills Lead, and Housing-Based Case Manager to ensure coordinated, trauma-informed support and adjust approaches based on youth feedback and emerging needs.
Respond to elevated or high-risk situations with calm, trauma-informed de-escalation, promptly communicating concerns while maintaining youth dignity and respect. Support Through the Transitional Housing + Rapid Rehousing (TH–RRH) Journey
Welcome participants into transitional housing with warmth, clarity, and respect, supporting safety, routines, and a sense of belonging.
Guide and support participants through housing transitions, including preparation for scattered-site rapid rehousing, with practical assistance and encouragement.
Build clients’ skills and confidence to support long-term stability in independent housing. Program Orientation & Collaborative Expectations
Provide welcoming, client-centered orientations that clarify expectations, support, and their rights within the home. Reinforce expectations through supportive, non-punitive conversations and collaborative problem-solving, honoring young adult voices in shaping community norms. Daily Living & Independent Skills Coaching
Provide individualized, hands-on coaching in core independent living skills (e.g., cooking and nutrition, budgeting and shopping, organization and cleaning, time management, transportation support, and medication reminders, as appropriate).
Collaborate with participants to create weekly household and activity schedules that build ownership and agency.
Facilitate group activities that promote connection, learning, and shared responsibility.
Track skill development through monthly, client-centered assessments that emphasize strengths and growth. Individualized, Healing-Centered Support
Develop and support Individualized Service Plans (ISPs) and Housing Stabilization Plans that reflect each person’s goals, strengths, identity, culture, and lived experience.
Provide warm, supported connections to education, employment, healthcare, behavioral health, and community resources.
Advocate alongside participants to reduce barriers to services, documentation, benefits, and housing, including accompaniment to appointments as needed. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Coordinate regularly with internal teams and external partners to ensure integrated, seamless care. Relationship Building, Mentorship & Emotional Support
Build trusting relationships through empathy, consistency, and healthy boundaries, recognizing the impact of trauma on attachment and connection.
Provide one-on-one support focused on emotional well-being, problem-solving, and goal progress.
Model positive communication, conflict navigation, and self-advocacy.
Participate in feedback loops (e.g., surveys, listening sessions) and adjust practice based on youth input. House Operations, Environmental Safety & Shared Community Care
Conduct regular walk-throughs to maintain a safe, welcoming, and comfortable living environment.
Support participants in maintaining shared spaces through modeling, encouragement, and collaborative problem-solving.
Facilitate community meetings that promote shared voice, mutual respect, and communication.
Document daily activities, incidents, and facility needs with clarity, neutrality, and respect. Trauma-Informed Crisis Prevention & Response
Use grounding, co-regulation, and de-escalation strategies to support clients during moments of distress.
Participate in required crisis and trauma-informed trainings and maintain emergency readiness.
Engage in post-incident debriefs to support learning and continuous improvement.
Complete incident reports within required timelines, ensuring compassionate and dignified documentation.
Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Education & Experience:
High school diploma or equivalent.
Experience working with young adults of diverse cultural and economic backgrounds.
Experience with and understanding individuals facing homelessness.
CPR/First Aid Certificate and Clear Physical Examination
Bilingual in Spanish preferred but not required.
Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Deliver Individualized, TAY Centered support.
Promote Housing Stability and Prevent Homelessness
Knowledgeable of social issues, such as poverty, trauma, racism, that impact individuals.
Understands emotional and social development including the emergence of identity and self-esteem.
Ability to display and empower healthy life skills.
Ability to display organizational skills.
Ability to be consistently punctual and responsible.
Ability to remain calm under pressure.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage demands.
Demonstrates the necessary attitudes, knowledge and skills to deliver culturally competent services and work effectively in cross-cultural situations.
Clearances
Required
Prior to the
First
Day of
Employment:
Fingerprints: Required TB Screening –
Negative
Tuberculosis
Test:
Required
First
Aid
Certificate:
Required
COVID-19
Proof of
Vaccination: Required
Is responsible for accurate and timely data entry that aids Performance and Quality Improvement (PQI) reporting and case record reviews.
Is responsible for accurate and timely submission of case records.
Serves on a quarterly case record review committee for Performance and Quality Improvement (PQI) reporting.
Serves on department or program Performance and Quality Improvement PQI Committee responsible for monitoring goals and reporting. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Frequent Bending, standing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, twisting, and walking.
Frequent Lifting, pushing, and pulling.
Frequent
Repetitive motions: Making substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
Light work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
The worker is required to have visual acuity to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned. COUNCIL ON ACCREDITATION (COA) ROLES PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Driving is not required for this position. If driving a car is required for the position, incumbent must have a valid California driver's license and be able to provide proof of DMV record and personal insurance (if required). The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The work environment includes a residential setting, offices, and community agencies.
Noise level is usually moderate in accordance with what is typical in the above settings.
May include contact with clients with mental health issues who demonstrate behaviors such as cursing, shouting, running away, self-harm and violence.
The work environment includes young adults who are 18-24 years old.
May be exposed to odors such as fragrances, cleaning products, and clients who experience difficulties with personal hygiene.
DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. CATHOLIC CHARITIES IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER and is committed to providing equal employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, legal domicile status, veteran status, disability or AIDS/HIV status or any other chara cteristic protected under federal or state law. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Market context
California residential support roles stay in demand
In California, on-call residential life skills specialist roles often attract candidates with experience supporting diverse young adults facing homelessness, especially in programs that need flexible coverage. Competition can be stronger when applicants already have the required clearances: fingerprinting, a negative TB test, First Aid certification, and proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Review the AI-summarized job requirements and benefits here to save research time, then confirm your documents and certification status before applying.
