This job is closed
Applications are no longer available for this announcement. Explore current related opportunities below.
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 development
Help participants build daily living skills such as financial literacy, wellness, recreation, transportation, community mobility, and career exploration
Develop structured, engaging curriculum based on participant goals and interests
Encourage participants to take an active role in choosing their activities and shaping their plans
Provide one-on-one and group instruction in homes, businesses, community locations, employment settings, and agency programs
Offer guidance, encouragement, and practical support to help participants build confidence and complete meaningful goals
Teach participants how to use city bus routes and explore other transportation options
Transport and accompany participants to appointments, activities, and community-based experiences as needed
Communicate with families, providers, referral sources, and clinical teams when appropriate
Document services, progress, and supports in alignment with treatment plans and funding requirements
Complete daily time reporting and required service documentation accurately and consistently
Promote safety and model appropriate social behavior in all settings
Provide personal assistance when needed, including restroom support and help maintaining a safe and clean environment
Use agency software while maintaining confidentiality and information security
Perform 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:
Psychology
Social Work
Education
Human Services
Rehabilitation
Behavioral Science
A related discipline
Candidates must also have:
Previous experience supporting youth or adults with mental health needs, behavioral concerns, or developmental disabilities
Strong computer and documentation skills
A valid Wisconsin driver's license
A good driving record
Reliable transportation
Personal auto insurance that meets agency requirements
Eligibility for agency insurance coverage when operating an agency vehicle
The ability to work independently while remaining a supportive and dependable team member
Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
The Right Person for This Role
You may be a strong fit if you are:
Patient, encouraging, and dependable
Comfortable adapting plans when circumstances change
Creative in developing activities and teaching strategies
Confident working independently in community-based settings
Skilled at building trust with participants, families, and professional partners
Able to balance relationship-building with accurate documentation
Committed to helping people make their own choices and reach their personal goals
Calm 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 writing
Using basic mathematics and computer systems
Lifting up to 50 pounds and carrying up to 25 pounds
Bending, squatting, twisting, kneeling, reaching, standing, and sitting throughout the workday
Using both hands for repetitive grasping and fine-motor tasks
Safely assisting with participant transfers
Operating vehicle lifts, securement systems, sit-to-stand equipment, and other agency equipment after training
Moving safely through homes, businesses, community locations, and outdoor environments
Working in varying weather conditions, including heat, humidity, and cold
Maintaining 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 attendance
Follow through on assignments independently
Demonstrate sound judgment
Respond appropriately during emergencies
Maintain a positive and professional attitude
Support a safe work environment
Participate in team decision-making
Adapt positively to changes in routine
Maintain appropriate workplace boundaries and confidentiality
Comply 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 policy
Follow the Client Bill of Rights
Comply with the RCS Code of Ethics
Protect all private participant information
Treat 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.
RCS Empowers, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer functioning under an Affirmative Action Plan.
Worksite address
sheboygan, WI, 53082, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.