Life Skills Specialist/Youth Leadership Council Coordinator

Evergreen Youth & Family Services is seeking a compassionate, organized, and youth-centered individual to fill our Life Skills Specialist/Youth Leadership Council (YLC) Coordinator position. 

Evergreen exists to support youth and families through relationship-based, trauma-informed, and youth-centered services that honor dignity, promote equity, and strengthen community. This position plays a critical role in supporting adolescents and young adults as they build the skills, confidence, and connections needed to transition successfully into adulthood. The ideal candidate is committed to equity, collaboration, and empowering youth voice, particularly for youth who have experienced foster care and other out-of-home placements. 

POSITION TITLE: Life Skills Specialist/Youth Leadership Council Coordinator 

SUPERVISOR: EYS Program Director 

STATUS: Full-time/non-exempt 

TRAVEL: Approximately 15% of overnight travel required 

SUMMARY: The Life Skills Specialist/YLC Coordinator provides intensive individualized independent living skills (ILS) training and case management to eligible adolescents and young adults ages 14–23 who are currently in, or have previously experienced, out-of-home placements. This position coordinates grant-funded services, manages an active caseload, and facilitates youth engagement through both one-on-one support and group leadership opportunities. The YLC Coordinator component of the role focuses on developing and sustaining a local Youth Leadership Council, supporting youth voice, leadership development, and statewide collaboration. 

Employees must be able to transport youth using agency vehicles. This position uses visual and auditory skills approximately 95% of the time. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Independent Living Skills & Case Management 

• Provide individualized ILS case management services to youth in accordance with grant and program requirements. 

• Screen referrals for eligibility, coordinate intakes, and track enrollment for the ILS program through DHS grantors. 

• Conduct comprehensive youth assessments using the Casey Life Skills Assessment and collaboratively develop individualized independent living plans. 

• Support youth in achieving short- and long-term goals related to housing stability, education, employment, financial literacy, health, and self-sufficiency. 

• Refer youth to appropriate community resources addressing mental health, chemical use, housing, employment, education, and other support needs. 

• Provide direct support or referrals for employment and education services, including assistance with the Education and Training Voucher (ETV) application process. 

• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation, case notes, eligibility records, and outcome data to meet funding and reporting requirements. 

Grant Coordination & Compliance 

• Coordinate HTA and STAY grant activities, including tracking budgets, outputs, and required outcomes. 

• Prepare and submit timely grant reports to DHS and other funders as required. • Participate in mandatory grantor meetings, trainings, trauma consultations, and related professional development activities. 

• Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, including mandated reporting requirements for minors and vulnerable adults. 

Youth Leadership Council (YLC) Coordination 

• Develop, maintain, and facilitate a local Youth Leadership Council aligned with state guidelines. 

• Recruit, interview, and select 3–6 eligible youth council members, prioritizing representation reflective of the local foster care population, including non-traditional leaders. 

• Provide orientation, leadership development, and ongoing support to youth council members. 

• Convene and facilitate monthly YLC meetings, including agenda development, materials preparation, and meeting documentation. 

• Support youth-led decision-making related to council governance, work plans, and activities. 

• Arrange or provide transportation for youth participation and coordinate stipends or mileage reimbursement for council activities. 

• Conduct annual youth surveys to evaluate council processes and outcomes. • Serve as the liaison for statewide YLC participation and support youth involvement in state-sponsored meetings, trainings, and retreats. 

Collaboration, Outreach & Team Engagement 

• Conduct outreach and build partnerships with counties, tribal social services, schools, foster care agencies, and community organizations to generate referrals and strengthen services. 

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and community partners to support a holistic, wraparound service approach. 

• Actively participate as a contributing member of the Evergreen Youth Services site team. 

• Attend agency meetings, trainings, retreats, and community committees as requested. 

• Represent Evergreen Youth & Family Services in advocacy, outreach, and community education efforts. 

• Perform other duties as assigned or as program needs evolve. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

Required 

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, education, psychology, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience. 

• Two (2) to five (5) years of experience working with youth, young adults, or families, preferably within foster care, independent living, or community-based services. 

• Demonstrated ability to build positive, professional relationships with youth from diverse backgrounds. 

• Strong organizational, communication, and documentation skills. 

• Working knowledge of trauma-informed, youth-centered, and strengths-based service models. 

• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with professionalism and discretion. 

Preferred 

• Experience coordinating grant-funded programs and outcome reporting. 

• Knowledge of DHS programs, independent living services, or youth leadership models. 

• Experience working within nonprofit or human services organizations. Additional Requirements 

• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and ability to transport youth using agency vehicles. 

• Ability to work collaboratively with county, tribal, school district, and community partners. 

• Successful completion of required background studies and screenings as mandated by law and agency policy. 

• Commitment to Evergreen’s mission, values, and work with youth, families, and communities. 

Physical Demands 

While performing the responsibilities of this position, the employee is frequently required to talk, hear, sit, and use hands and fingers for handling or feeling. The employee may occasionally be required to stand, walk, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, or lift up to 35 pounds. Visual abilities required include close vision. 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS 

Hourly Rate: $20.00 – $25.00 per hour, depending on experience. Evergreen also offers a competitive cash benefits package, generous vacation/holiday/sick time, a 401(k) match, and ongoing professional development opportunities. 

TO APPLY: Please visit www.evergreenyfs.org to apply online. Applicants must submit an application, resume, cover letter, and three professional references. 

DEADLINE: Position open until filled. Evergreen Youth & Family Services is an 

Equal Opportunity Employer / ADA Compliant.