Life Skills Manager

Kaizen Lab Inc.; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanguard Landing in Virginia Beach is seeking a Life Skills Manager to create, coordinate, and oversee meaningful daily programming that promotes independence and quality of life for residents.

You will lead staff, align activities with ISP goals, and ensure programming meets DBHDS and HCBS standards, while building confident, engaged community participation.

Qualifications

• Degree and experience aligned with developmental disabilities or related fields.
• Three years of experience working with adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
• Supervisory or program leadership experience.
• Experience designing educational or life skills programming.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee Life Skills curriculum and daily programming.
• Lead staff coaching and orientation to person-centered supports.
• Coordinate daily schedules and community outings.
• Document resident participation and progress for ISP.
• Ensure compliance with DBHDS, DMAP, HCBS standards.

Skills

Person-centered programming

Staff coaching

Program development

Leadership & training

Documentation & compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred in Special Education

Equivalent experience considered

Job description

Job Overview

The Life Skills Manager is responsible for creating, coordinating, and overseeing meaningful daily programming that promotes independence, personal growth, community engagement, employment readiness, and quality of life for Vanguard Landing residents. This position ensures that every resident has opportunities to build practical life skills while participating in engaging, person-centered activities aligned with their Individual Support Plan (ISP), interests, and personal goals.

The Life Skills Manager serves as both a leader and mentor, helping staff implement “The VGL Way” through creative programming, coaching, and continuous quality improvement. This role works collaboratively with all departments to ensure learning opportunities are naturally incorporated into everyday life across the Vanguard Landing neighborhood.

Program Development

• Develop and oversee Vanguard Landing’s Life Skills curriculum.
• Design engaging daily, weekly, and seasonal programming.
• Ensure programming supports ISP goals and resident outcomes.
• Create opportunities that promote independence, dignity, and meaningful participation.
• Incorporate evidence-based teaching strategies appropriate for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Evaluate program effectiveness through resident participation, outcomes, and feedback.
• Oversee all of the “Landing Practice” experiences onsite —including the café, gift shop, gardening, housekeeping, culinary instruction, theater, fitness, and volunteer opportunities—ensuring every activity intentionally teaches independence rather than simply filling the day’s schedule.

Resident Skill Development

Oversee instruction and opportunities in areas including:

• Personal hygiene and grooming
• Cooking and meal preparation
• Household management
• Laundry
• Cleaning and organization
• Budgeting and money management
• Shopping skills
• Transportation and community navigation
• Time management
• Medication awareness and self-advocacy (as appropriate)
• Social communication
• Healthy relationships
• Employment readiness
• Volunteer opportunities
• Technology and computer skills
• Safety awareness
• Recreation and leisure planning

Program Coordination

• Coordinate daily schedules for educational and life skills programming.
• Collaborate with DSPs to ensure residents actively participate.
• Coordinate community outings that reinforce learning objectives.
• Develop special workshops utilizing community volunteers and guest instructors.
• Ensure programming remains fresh, engaging, and individualized.

Staff Leadership

• Train DSPs on effective teaching and coaching techniques.
• Provide guidance on implementing life skill instruction during everyday routines.
• Observe programming and provide coaching to staff.
• Assist in orientation and ongoing education regarding person-centered supports.
• Promote consistency in instructional methods across all cottages.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain documentation supporting resident participation and progress.
• Assist with ISP implementation and data collection.
• Participate in interdisciplinary meetings.
• Ensure programming meets all applicable DBHDS, DMAP, HCBS, and Vanguard Landing standards.
• Assist with audits and quality assurance initiatives.

QualificationsEducation

Bachelor’s degree preferred in:

• Special Education
• Human Services
• Psychology
• Recreation Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Education
• Related field

Equivalent experience may be considered.

Experience

Preferred:

• Three years working with adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
• Supervisory or program leadership experience.
• Experience developing educational or life skills programming.
• Experience with person-centered planning.

The Life Skills Manager helps transform everyday moments into meaningful opportunities for learning, independence, and confidence. Through innovative programming and compassionate leadership, this role ensures residents continue growing toward their personal goals while experiencing purposeful, fulfilling lives at Vanguard Landing.