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

Mainstream Nonprofit Solutions, Inc.; Topeka (KS); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Mainstream Nonprofit Solutions, Inc. in Topeka, KS, seeks an Independent Living Support Worker to empower teens in the TRAIL program.

You will provide direct supervision, teach essential life skills, and serve as a positive role model in a structured, supportive setting. Responsibilities include apartment supervision, budgeting, job readiness, counseling sessions, and collaboration with partners to support individualized plans.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must be at least 25 years old per state regulations.
• Strong communication, presentation, and documentation skills.
• Ability to interpret technical information, financial reports, and program data.
• Commitment to youth development, safety, and empowerment.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision and support to youth in onsite apartments.
• Teach independent living skills: budgeting, cooking, housekeeping, job readiness, communication, time management.
• Serve as a positive role model with healthy decision-making and conflict resolution.
• Show apartments, collect rent, submit maintenance requests, and ensure background screenings.
• Maintain a safe, structured environment and conduct apartment inspections.
• Facilitate individual and group counseling sessions and monitor engagement with community resources.
• Complete required documentation, incident reports, and monthly summaries.
• Collaborate with agency partners to support individualized service plans.
• Provide on-call support and use de-escalation strategies.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings; transport youth as needed.

Skills

Communication

Documentation

Critical thinking

Flexible hours

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma/GED

Job description

Position located in Topeka, Ks

Shifts available: Weekends and PRN

****Average hourly rate is $18.81 (including wage, incentives, bonuses, overtime, shift differential, etc.) ****

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'll 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.