Location
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Salary
$17 / HOUR
Quick overview
The Life Skills Coach supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in achieving community integration and personal growth. This includes coaching individuals in social skills, facilitating community activities, and promoting independence and self-determination.
Requirements summary
Candidates must have a high school diploma and a valid driver's license with reliable transportation. Experience working with individuals with IDD and the ability to perform physical tasks are preferred.
Job description
Position Summary
The Life Skills Coach is a direct support professional responsible for assisting adult individuals served who have intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in achieving meaningful community integration and personal growth.
This role supports individuals served in developing social connections, participating in community activities, and expanding recreational and leisure interests. The Life Skills Coach promotes choice, independence, and self-determination while fostering a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required; coursework or degree in social sciences or a related field preferred
- Experience working with adult individuals served with IDD preferred
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and build supportive relationships
- Understanding of the social, emotional, and physical needs of individuals served
- Ability to perform job duties with or without reasonable accommodation
- Basic knowledge of meal planning and food preparation
- Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and insurability under agency policy
- Basic computer proficiency
- Ability to support and promote the principles of self-determination
- Willingness to work evenings and occasional weekends
Requirements
- Support individuals served in participating in social, recreational, and community-based activities
- Assist individuals served in developing and maintaining meaningful relationships and community connections
- Provide coaching and support to enhance socialization and independent living skills
- Encourage individuals served to explore personal interests and participate in preferred activities
- Serve as a positive role model and advocate for individuals served in community settings
- Provide transportation to and from designated meeting locations, as needed
- Assist individuals served with skill-building in recreational and leisure activities based on their preferences
- Represent the organization professionally within the community
- Behavioral and work expectations
- Maintain reliable attendance and punctuality
- Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in daily routines
- Work independently and follow through on assigned responsibilities
- Exhibit strong organizational and problem-solving skills
- Communicate effectively with individuals served, team members, and supervisors
- Respond appropriately to emergencies and ensure a safe environment
- Exercise sound judgment in all work situations
- Demonstrate professionalism, stability, and appropriate workplace behavior
- Support the organization’s values and commitment to improving the quality of life for individuals served
- Physical requirements
- Ability to communicate effectively in person and in writing
- Ability to observe, assess, and respond to the environment
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and perform physical tasks throughout the shift
- Ability to navigate a variety of indoor and outdoor environments
- Ability to lift, assist, and support individuals served as needed in accordance with training
- Ability to tolerate varying weather conditions
- Sufficient stamina to support activities of daily living (ADLs) and personal care tasks
