Student and Family Advisor

Greater Old Saybrook Chamber; Westbrook, Northern (CT, KY); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

medical, dental, and vision insurance

company-paid life and AD&D coverage

long-term disability

403(b) with employer contributions and

generate accrued PTO

Employee Assistance Program

wellness incentive program

Job summary

Vista Life Innovations is seeking a Student and Family Advisor for its Discover Program in Westbrook, CT. The role supports students and families during the transition to supervised independent living, with case management and skill-building across four areas: social/emotional, vocational, life skills, and community involvement.

The position requires a Master’s degree (or five years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s) and a valid driver’s license; CPR/First Aid/PMT certs or certification

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Special Education, Social Work or related field plus one year of related experience.
• Candidates with a minimum of five years of relevant experience and a Bachelor’s degree may be considered in lieu of a Master’s degree.
• Valid driver’s license and maintain an acceptable driving record as defined by Vista.
• CPR, First Aid, and PMT certification, or ability to obtain required certifications within 90 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Develop written program plans (IPPs and IPs) for each student/member and evaluate progress.
• Implement systems supporting each student’s goals across social/emotional, vocational, life skills, and community areas.
• Serve as the primary liaison between students, families, and the Discover Program.
• Counsel families as they navigate their child’s transition to independent living.
• Coordinate assessments, goals, and service needs as lead case manager (medical, wellness, financial).
• Lead trainings, workshops, and informational sessions for families and staff.
• Provide vocational counseling and direct instruction in social skills, money and time management.

Education

Master’s degree in Special Education, Social Work or related field

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Student and Family Advisor

About Vista Life Innovations

For more than 35 years, Vista Life Innovations has supported adults with disabilities in building independent lives, finding meaningful work, and becoming active members of their communities. Our programs are grounded in a person-centered philosophy, meeting each individual where they are and supporting them toward greater independence at every stage of life.

The Role

Vista is seeking a Student and Family Advisor in our Discover Program to support students and families during the transition to independent living in a supervised dorm setting. This senior-level counseling and case management role provides individualized support, coordinates student goals and service needs, and helps students build the skills needed for successful independence.

What You’ll Do

• Develop written program plans (IPPs and IPs) for each student/member that evaluate progress, determine individual goals, and identify programmatic service needs.
• Implement systems that support each assigned student/member’s programmatic and individual goals that address four main areas: social/emotional, vocational, life skills, and community involvement.
• Serve as the primary liaison between students, families, and the Discover Program.
• Support and counsel families as they navigate their child’s first experience living independently, fostering collaboration, trust, and clear communication.
• Serve as the student’s lead case manager, coordinating assessments, goals, documentation, and service needs such as medical, wellness, and financial needs.
• Lead trainings, workshops, and informational sessions for families and staff.
• Provide vocational counseling and direct instruction in such areas as social skills/cognitive development and medication, money management, and time management.
• Maintain all necessary records and documentation with accuracy, efficiency, and clarity.

What We’re Looking For

• Master’s degree in Special Education, Social Work or related field plus one year of related experience. Candidates with a minimum of five years of relevant experience and a Bachelor’s degree may be considered in lieu of a Master’s degree.
• Valid driver’s license and maintain an acceptable driving record as defined by Vista.
• CPR, First Aid, and PMT certification, or ability to obtain required certifications within 90 days of hire.

Why Vista

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by supporting students and families as they navigate the transition to independent living and helping students build confidence, independence, and the skills needed for successful community living.

Benefits

• medical, dental, and vision insurance
• company-paid life and AD&D coverage
• long-term disability
• 403(b) with employer contributions and match
• generous accrued PTO
• Employee Assistance Program
• wellness incentive program

Salary

$58,000 annually

Location

Westbrook, CT

Status

Full-time, Exempt, Monday-Friday

Reports to

Director of Discover

Equal Opportunity Statement

Vista Life Innovations is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.

Vista and the CT Shoreline

https://www.vistalifeinnovations.org/community/connecticut-shoreline