Life Skills Specialist in Sheboygan, Wisconsin at RCS Empowers
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Job Description
Life Skills Specialist
Full-Time | Sheboygan, WI
$20–$25 per hour, based on education and experience
Bachelor’s degree required
Help people build confidence, independence, and a stronger connection to their community.
At RCS Empowers, we do more than fill positions—we build careers centered on purpose. Every member of our team plays an important role in empowering individuals with disabilities and other support needs to work, live, and participate in their communities with dignity, confidence, and respect.
As a Life Skills Specialist, you will work directly with youth and adults to help them strengthen practical skills, build meaningful relationships, increase independence, and experience greater inclusion in everyday life.
This is a dynamic, hands-on role for someone who enjoys teaching, mentoring, problem-solving, and helping people achieve goals that genuinely matter.
What You’ll Do
You will provide individualized and small-group instruction, support, and supervision based on each participant’s goals, strengths, preferences, and treatment plan.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Plan and lead activities that promote personal growth, community inclusion, emotional regulation, social awareness, and vocational developmentHelp participants build daily living skills such as financial literacy, wellness, recreation, transportation, community mobility, and career explorationDevelop structured, engaging curriculum based on participant goals and interestsEncourage participants to take an active role in choosing their activities and shaping their plansProvide one-on-one and group instruction in homes, businesses, community locations, employment settings, and agency programsOffer guidance, encouragement, and practical support to help participants build confidence and complete meaningful goalsTeach participants how to use city bus routes and explore other transportation optionsTransport and accompany participants to appointments, activities, and community-based experiences as neededCommunicate with families, providers, referral sources, and clinical teams when appropriateDocument services, progress, and supports in alignment with treatment plans and funding requirementsComplete daily time reporting and required service documentation accurately and consistentlyPromote safety and model appropriate social behavior in all settingsProvide personal assistance when needed, including restroom support and help maintaining a safe and clean environmentUse agency software while maintaining confidentiality and information securityPerform additional duties as assigned by supervisors
What Makes This Role Meaningful
Every day brings something different.
You may help someone learn to navigate the bus system, practice managing money, participate in a community activity, strengthen workplace skills, or develop strategies for handling stress and social situations.
The progress may look different for every participant, but your work will help people become more confident, capable, connected, and independent.
Required Qualifications
A Bachelor’s degree is required for this position.
The degree must be in one of the following areas or another closely related field:
- PsychologySocial WorkEducationHuman ServicesRehabilitationBehavioral ScienceA related discipline
Candidates must also have:
- Previous experience supporting youth or adults with mental health needs, behavioral concerns, or developmental disabilitiesStrong computer and documentation skillsA valid Wisconsin driver’s licenseA good driving recordReliable transportationPersonal auto insurance that meets agency requirementsEligibility for agency insurance coverage when operating an agency vehicleThe ability to work independently while remaining a supportive and dependable team memberStrong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
The Right Person for This Role
You may be a strong fit if you are:
- Patient, encouraging, and dependableComfortable adapting plans when circumstances changeCreative in developing activities and teaching strategiesConfident working independently in community-based settingsSkilled at building trust with participants, families, and professional partnersAble to balance relationship-building with accurate documentationCommitted to helping people make their own choices and reach their personal goalsCalm and thoughtful when responding to challenging or emergency situations
Physical Requirements
This position requires the ability to safely perform essential job functions in a variety of agency and community settings.
Essential physical requirements may include:
- Communicating clearly through speaking, reading, and writingUsing basic mathematics and computer systemsLifting up to 50 pounds and carrying up to 25 poundsBending, squatting, twisting, kneeling, reaching, standing, and sitting throughout the workdayUsing both hands for repetitive grasping and fine-motor tasksSafely assisting with participant transfersOperating vehicle lifts, securement systems, sit-to-stand equipment, and other agency equipment after trainingMoving safely through homes, businesses, community locations, and outdoor environmentsWorking in varying weather conditions, including heat, humidity, and coldMaintaining the physical stamina necessary for an eight-hour workday
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
Professional Expectations
Successful Life Skills Specialists are expected to:
- Maintain reliable attendanceFollow through on assignments independentlyDemonstrate sound judgmentRespond appropriately during emergenciesMaintain a positive and professional attitudeSupport a safe work environmentParticipate in team decision-makingAdapt positively to changes in routineMaintain appropriate workplace boundaries and confidentialityComply with agency dress policies and wear attire appropriate to the program and activities being performed
Confidentiality and Participant Rights
Because RCS Empowers serves individuals with disabilities and other support needs, protecting participant privacy, dignity, and rights is essential.
Employees must:
- Maintain confidentiality in accordance with state law and agency policyFollow the Client Bill of RightsComply with the RCS Code of EthicsProtect all private participant informationTreat every participant with dignity, respect, and professionalism
Violations of participant rights or confidentiality may result in disciplinary action, termination of employment, and possible civil or criminal liability.
Position Details
Classification: Non-Exempt
Reports To: IPS Manager / Human Services Manager
Starting Pay: $20–$25 per hour, based on education and experience
Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree required
Join RCS Empowers
This is more than a teaching position and more than a support role. It is an opportunity to help people build practical skills, experience greater independence, and become more active members of their communities.
If you have the required bachelor’s degree and are looking for a career that combines education, human services, creativity, and meaningful one-on-one impact, we encourage you to apply.
Help people build skills for life—and confidence for what comes next.
RCS Empowers, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer functioning under an Affirmative Action Plan.