Job Title: Adult Development Specialist

Reports to: Assistant Director of Resident Learning and Resources

Status: Full-time

Classification: Non-Exempt

Job Location: Sites across the organization, travel to sites required.

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday

Hourly Range: $30.21

Objective:

The Adult Development Specialist provides individualized support to adult residents in achieving their personal, educational, and professional goals, with a focus on fostering long-term stability and self-sufficiency. This role empowers residents to overcome barriers, enhance life skills, and build the confidence needed to navigate housing, employment, education, and community engagement successfully. The Adult Development Specialist collaborates closely with case managers, housing specialists, and other team members to ensure that adults in the program receive holistic support as they work toward their goals.

Position Type:  This is a full-time position with a variable schedule based on the needs of clients and employers.  This may involve flexible hours. Lantern staff may be asked to change the work schedule and hours depending on the operational needs of the site and the agency.

 
Essential Functions:

• Facilitate workshops and coaching sessions on essential life skills, including activities of daily living (ADLs), mental health awareness, time management, financial literacy, communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and decision-making.
• Guide residents in developing financial management skills, budgeting effectively, and enhancing their financial literacy.
• Assist residents in securing public benefits (e.g., food assistance, childcare subsidies) to alleviate financial barriers.
• Educate residents on technology and digital resources to enhance their digital literacy and reduce accessibility challenges.
• Work one-on-one with adult residents to identify their strengths, challenges, and goals related to employment, education, life skills, and self-sufficiency.
• Encourage resident engagement in local communities through volunteer opportunities, neighborhood events, and social activities that promote belonging and empowerment.
• Assist residents in acquiring the skills necessary for securing and maintaining employment, including resume writing, interview preparation, job search techniques, and work ethic development.
• Collaborate with local employers, workforce development agencies, and partners to create job placement opportunities and guide residents through the application process.
• Support residents in setting career goals, developing skills for advancement, and navigating workplace challenges, offering mentorship and guidance on overcoming obstacles to career growth.
• Help adult residents explore educational opportunities, such as GED completion, high school diploma programs, vocational training, or higher education, while providing guidance on the application and enrollment processes.
• Assist residents in accessing scholarships, financial aid, or community education programs that align with their educational aspirations.
• Support residents in advocating for their educational needs, ensuring they understand their rights and have the resources necessary for academic success.
• Advocate for adult residents' needs with local organizations, employers, and service providers to facilitate access to essential services and support.
• Collaborate with case management, behavioral health, and housing teams to ensure comprehensive support for residents' housing, employment, education, mental health, and social needs.
• Ensure that all aspects of residents' goals are integrated into their broader case plans, addressing any barriers related to mental health, addiction, housing stability, or other challenges.
• Maintain accurate records of resident progress, services provided, and significant case developments, including writing case notes and tracking achievements.
• Monitor resident progress against personal development goals, employment milestones, educational advancements, and overall well-being, providing regular updates and assessments to supervisors and the team.
• Participate in program evaluation by offering feedback on current services' effectiveness and suggesting improvements based on resident feedback and observed outcomes.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting of resident data, including program participation and outcomes, to meet organizational and funding requirements.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.   

Required Education and Experience:   

• High school diploma or GED is required, bachelor’s degree from an accredited school is preferred.
• Life experience can substitute for education preference.
• At least 2-3 years of experience working in social services, career development, or supportive housing programs.
• Experience working with individuals facing barriers such as homelessness, mental health issues, substance use, or poverty is required.
• Familiarity with employment services, education programs, life skills training, and community resources.
• Experience facilitating workshops, one-on-one sessions, public speaking, and groups
• Ability to motivate and empower clients to develop life skills and achieve goals.
• Must have the ability to work and travel independently. 
• Must have the ability to multitask and coordinate services with various external programs.  
• Must have strong interpersonal and communication skills, including excellent writing ability, demonstrated organizational skills and the ability to perform complex tasks with limited supervision. 
• Knowledge of accommodations for people with disabilities 
• Experience with evidence-based practices. 

Work Environment:  This job operates in a supportive housing site and works with a population who experiences mental illness, addiction, disability, HIV, and other chronic illnesses.  

 Physical Demands:   While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, climb stairs and/ or kneel. They must also use their hands to type, handle, or feel. The employee is frequently required to talk or hear and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 5 pounds. Specific