Independent Living Support Worker (Part- time and PRN available)

Mainstream Nonprofit Solutions; Lawrence (KS); On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Part time

Job summary

Mainstream Nonprofit Solutions in Topeka, KS seeks an Independent Living Support Worker to mentor youth, teach essential life skills, and maintain a safe, supportive environment in onsite apartments. You will guide residents through budgeting, cooking, housekeeping and job readiness, while coordinating with program partners and completing required reports.

The role emphasizes flexible weekend/PRN shifts, strong communication, and commitment to youth empowerment, with duties spanning counseling,

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Strong communication and documentation skills.
• Ability to interpret technical information, financial reports and program data.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Comfort with flexible hours.
• Commitment to youth development, safety and empowerment.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and meet underwriting standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision and support to youth in onsite apartments.
• Teach independent living skills (budgeting, cooking, housekeeping, job readiness).
• Serve as a positive role model and demonstrate healthy decision-making.
• Show units to prospective youth, collect rent, submit maintenance requests and run background checks.
• Maintain a safe, structured environment and conduct inspections for safety/compliance.
• Facilitate individual and group educational or counseling sessions.
• Monitor youth engagement with employment, education, mentorship resources.
• Complete required documentation and monthly summaries.
• Collaborate with partners to support individualized service plans.
• Provide on-call support and use de-escalation strategies as needed.
• Perform basic clerical and janitorial tasks; attend meetings and trainings.

Skills

Strong communication

Documentation skills

Interpret technical information

Critical thinking

Flexible hours

Youth development

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma/GED

Job description

Average hourly rate is $14.55 (including wage, incentives, bonuses, overtime, shift differential, etc.)

Part-time Description

Position located in Topeka, Ks

Shifts available: Weekends and PRN

Empower young adults as they take their first steps toward independence. The Independent Living Support Worker plays a vital role in supporting youth in the Teens Reaching Adulthood and Independent Living (TRAIL) program by providing guidance, structure, and real-world skill development. This position combines mentorship, supervision, and hands‑on teaching to help adolescents build confidence and thrive in their transition to adulthood.

What You’ll Do

• Provide direct supervision and support to youth residing in onsite apartments.
• Teach essential independent living skills including budgeting, cooking, housekeeping, job readiness, communication, and time management.
• Serve as a positive role model, demonstrating healthy decision‑making, conflict resolution, and interpersonal skills.
• Show STRIVE and DCF apartments to prospective youth, collect rent, submit maintenance requests, and ensure background screenings are completed.
• Maintain a safe, structured, and supportive environment for all program participants.
• Conduct apartment inspections to ensure safety and compliance.
• Facilitate individual and group educational or situational counseling sessions.
• Monitor youth engagement with community resources related to employment, education, mentorship, and volunteer opportunities.
• Complete required documentation, logs, incident reports, and monthly summaries.
• Collaborate with agency partners, other Independent Living Specialists, and referring workers to support individualized service plans.
• Provide on‑call support as needed and utilize non‑physical de‑escalation strategies.
• Perform basic clerical and janitorial tasks to maintain a clean and organized office environment.
• Attend staff meetings, trainings, and cross‑agency coordination sessions.
• Uphold cultural sensitivity, teamwork, and professionalism in all interactions.
• Transport youth using personal or agency vehicles as needed.

What You Bring

• High school diploma/GED required and must be at least 25 years of age per state regulations.
• Strong communication, presentation, and documentation skills.
• Ability to interpret technical information, financial reports, and program data.
• Critical thinking, problem‑solving, and analytical abilities.
• Comfort working flexible hours.
• Commitment to youth development, safety, and empowerment.
• Must have a valid driver's license and meet agency underwriting standards.

Why This Role Matters

You will directly influence the success, stability, and future of young adults preparing for independent living. Your guidance helps shape their confidence, resilience, and long‑term well‑being.

The Family Initiative, Inc. is the parent company providing services in Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas. We provide service to these areas through our affiliates: TFI Family Connections in Oklahoma and Texas Family Initiative in Texas. Pathway Family Services is an affiliate in Kansas offering additional services to youth and families. Mainstream Nonprofit Solutions is an affiliate supporting the TFI Family of Companies and other Nonprofits.

TFI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Salary Description Average hourly rate is $14.55