Employment Opportunities

Employment Opportunities at LifeWise StL

At LifeWise StL, we value diversity in our workplace and the communities we serve. As an equal opportunity employer, we aim to create a culture that appreciates differences. We are dedicated to ensuring all employees feel acknowledged and respected.

Emotional & Physical Wellness Coordinator

Salary Range:  $45,000 – $48,000

Position Description:

The Coordinator is responsible for supporting the successful planning and coordination of activities of Emotional & Physical Wellness Programming. The Coordinator will be responsible for providing culturally diverse services and will plan, organize, and provide administrative support to programs and activities as they relate to Emotional & Physical Wellness for LifeWise StL participants.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

Coordination:

• Outreach to individuals interested in learning about Emotional & Physical Wellness programming.
• Maintain consistent contact with individuals who inquire via interest forms, connecting them with the appropriate program.
• Conduct intake sessions with participants to initiate their involvement in the program.
• Perform initial and ongoing assessments of program participants to monitor progress and needs.
• Schedule individual therapy appointments, including setting up automated reminders for participants.
• Enter and update assessment and attendance data to ensure accuracy and currency.
• Assist with Medicaid billing, manage database entries, handle online forms, and support grant reporting tasks.
• Provide task management support for practicum students involved in the program.
• Aid in the planning and coordination of mental health programs, including ongoing groups and special events.

Participant Support:

• Provide individual case management and maintain updated documentation for each participant.
• Opportunity to facilitate group sessions as part of the program’s offerings.
• Opportunity to provide one-on-one psychoeducation to participants.

Agency Support:

• Ensure adherence to and implementation of agency policies and practices.
• Coordinate with other departments at LifeWise StL to identify and execute opportunities for interdepartmental collaboration.
• Ensure that all programs and services within the Emotional & Physical Wellness program align with the organization’s mission and meet funder requirements.
• Prepare and organize paperwork, online forms, and other materials necessary for outreach and programming.
• Report directly to the Director of Emotional and Physical Wellness.

Required Experience and Skills:

• Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of one year in social services, with proficiency in one-on-one direct client interactions. Experience with group facilitation preferred.
• Language Skills: Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is required. Ability to work with interpreters in person and over the phone.
• Technical Skills: Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and capability to work independently with minimal oversight.
• Personal Qualities: Demonstrated initiative, problem-solving capabilities, and flexibility in adapting to change.

How to Apply:

Please send your resume and a cover letter to jobs@lifewisestl.org, with “Emotional & Physical Wellness Coordinator” in the subject line.

LifeWise StL is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Financial Social Worker (FSW)

Salary Range:  $45,000 – $48,000

Position Description:

LifeWise StL is seeking a dedicated full-time Financial Social Worker (FSW) to establish and nurture relationships with participants, aiding them in developing and achieving their economic wellness goals. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of each participant’s holistic needs, including addressing immediate basic needs and employing effective goal-setting techniques. This role involves crafting personalized plans to help participants overcome economic barriers and promoting a culture of asset building and financial wellness among low-income communities, including both native and foreign-born participants. LifeWise StL will also provide training and certification in Financial Social Work to equip the FSW for success in this role.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Client Engagement and Support: Conduct formal intake assessments, develop S.M.A.R.T. action plans, and provide ongoing one-on-one coaching to help participants set and achieve their financial goals.
• Educational Programming: Co-facilitate and lead financial and wealth management education workshops, tailored to enhance participant understanding and skills in financial management.
• Data Management and Reporting: Ensure accurate data entry and management to uphold the integrity of program outcomes. Assist in marketing and outreach efforts to recruit and retain program participants.
• Professional Development: Engage in required trainings and professional development opportunities, which are fully supported and financed by LifeWise StL.
• Community Collaboration: Maintain and build productive relationships with volunteers, community partners, and staff to support holistic, client-focused programming. Actively embrace the collaborative spirit of LifeWise StL by participating in staff meetings, strategic planning, and community engagements, working alongside all stakeholders to enhance our services.

Required Experience and Skills:

• Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience: At least one year of experience in social services, with specific skills in one-on-one case management or counseling required. Experience in facilitating any type of group is necessary, with a preference for those who have led psychoeducational groups.
• Knowledge and Skills:
  • Basic understanding of financial management tools and terminology.
  • Proficient in public speaking and able to facilitate discussions effectively in group settings.
  • Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Knowledge of the St. Louis social service landscape including TANF, SNAP, WIC, etc.
• Additional Skills: Experience with financial services and products is a plus. Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish are highly desirable.
• Personal Qualities: Strong initiative, problem-solving skills, and the ability to adapt flexibly to change.

Working Conditions:

• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including some non-traditional hours (evenings) as needed.
• Participation in a dynamic, collaborative, and fast-paced environment.

How to Apply:
Please send your resume and a cover letter to jobs@lifewisestl.org, with “Financial Social Worker” in the subject line.

LifeWise StL is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Director of LifeWise Academy & Young Scholars Program

Salary Range:  $60,000+

Position Description:

LifeWise StL is seeking a dynamic and experienced Director to lead our LifeWise Academy and Young Scholars Program. Ideal for candidates with a Master’s degree in Social Work, Education, Counseling, or a related field (though a Bachelor’s degree with relevant experience is acceptable), this full-time role involves overseeing a team dedicated to delivering academic support, enrichment activities, life skills, and job skill development.

The Director will manage both the LifeWise Academy and Young Scholars After School Programs, working closely with the President/CEO to set and refine strategic objectives. This role is crucial in enhancing the academic and personal development of a diverse range of students, especially those from underserved communities.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Strategic Oversight: Lead a dedicated team in both LifeWise Academy (serving 9th through 12th grade scholars) and the Young Scholars Program (serving Kindergarten through 8th grade scholars), driving the vision and operational goals in close collaboration with the President/CEO. This includes setting strategic objectives and ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission.
• Specialized Program Leadership:
  • Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools: Act as the Program Director, overseeing the implementation of summer program.
  • Young Scholars After School Program: Manage and enhance after-school programming during the school year.
• Community Engagement and Collaboration: Develop and maintain strong relationships with staff, volunteers, and community partners to foster an environment that supports holistic, participant-focused services. Enhance these services through strategic community partnerships and initiatives.
• Financial and Administrative Management: Oversee program budgets for all educational initiatives, manage financial resources, and ensure compliance with financial protocols, licensing guidelines, and requirements. Coordinate with the Director of Finance and Accounting to ensure budget compliance and approve and submit all necessary financial documents.
• Program Development and Evaluation: Coordinate professional development for staff across all programs, manage data entry and tracking as an ETO administrator, and stay updated on evidence-based practices in educational programming and youth development. Experience in tracking outputs and outcomes to ensure program effectiveness and adaptability is essential.
• Grant Management: Lead grant writing efforts, manage grant reporting for all educational programs, and oversee compliance for federal programs such as the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).

Required Experience and Skills:

• Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Counseling, or Social Work is required; a Master’s Degree in Counseling, Social Work, Education, Public Administration, or Non-Profit Management is strongly preferred. Professional licensure is a plus.
• Professional Experience: Minimum of five years of leadership and supervisory experience in the youth development sector, with a strong background in program management, development, facilitation, and administrative management.
• Operational Competence: Demonstrated ability to manage significant program budgets, with preference for experience overseeing budgets exceeding $600,000.
• Soft Skills: High degree of flexibility, mental agility, strong initiative, creativity, and robust computer proficiency.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional communication abilities, both written and verbal, essential for effective leadership and collaboration.
• Cultural Competence: Proven track record of effectively working with and understanding the unique needs of diverse populations.

How to Apply:
Please send your resume and a cover letter to jobs@lifewisestl.org, with “Director of LifeWise Academy & Young Scholars Program” in the subject line.

LifeWise StL is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Early Childhood Center Lead Teacher

Salary Range:  $18 – $22 per hour

Position Description:

LifeWise StL is seeking a dedicated Lead Teacher to join our Early Childhood Center team. This role offers a unique opportunity to impact the lives of children aged 6 weeks to 5 years by providing nurturing care and innovative educational experiences. The ideal candidate will have a strong passion for early childhood education, a positive and nurturing attitude, and a commitment to professional growth. Both part-time and full-time positions are available.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

Child Interaction and Educational Leadership

• Interact with children in a warm, positive, and nurturing manner.
• Develop and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans that promote social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth.
• Use learning time effectively, managing daily routines and transitions to support children’s learning and kindergarten readiness.

Classroom Management and Maintenance:

• Follow and improve opening and closing procedures, ensuring cleanliness and organization of the classroom.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and healthy learning environment, and report items in need of repair to the Director.
• Carry out daily classroom procedures, such as medication distribution, dietary plans, hand washing, and cleaning/sanitizing.

Professional Development and Parent Engagement:

• Demonstrate a commitment to professional growth by attending and actively participating in all service trainings, conferences, and staff meetings (minimum of 18 hours per year as required by Missouri Accreditation Standard).
• Engage parents in understanding developmental milestones and classroom activities.
• Communicate regularly with parents about their child’s progress and any issues that may arise, providing opportunities for family involvement.

Required Experience and Skills:

Educational Requirements:

• Associate’s (AA) or Bachelor’s (BA) degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field. Applicants should have completed at least 10 to 12 early childhood education classes.
• Child Development Associate (CDA) Certification is preferred. Candidates without this certification should be willing to obtain it within 2 years of hire.
• Previous teaching experience in early childhood education is highly desirable.

Professional Experience:

• At least 3 credit hours in early childhood education or a related field, with experience working in a group setting, preferably in an early childhood education environment.

Additional Skills:

• Ability to develop nurturing relationships with each child and encourage positive interactions among children.
• Competence in the use of computers for educational and communication purposes.
• Ability to lift up to fifty (50) pounds, pass a background check, and complete a pre-employment drug test and TB test.

How to Apply:
Please send your resume and a cover letter to jobs@lifewisestl.org, with “Lead Teacher” in the subject line.

LifeWise StL is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Mental Health Therapist – Bilingual

Salary Range:  Salary starts at $48,000 for LMSW and $52,000 for LCSW, varying by experience.

Position Description:

At LifeWise StL, we are committed to fostering a community where individuals and families thrive. We are currently seeking a dedicated Bilingual Mental Health Therapist to join our dynamic team. This role is pivotal in providing trauma-informed, culturally responsive care to both youth and adults within our community service setting.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide individual and group therapy, psychoeducation, and care coordination aligned with participants’ treatment plans.
• Manage a weekly caseload of 16 sessions, serving both youth and adults.
• Commit to at least three evening shifts per week, concluding by 7 PM.
• Facilitate in-person group sessions to bolster LifeWise StL’s Mental Health initiatives.
• Collaborate in the development and execution of mental health programs, working closely with a multidisciplinary team of therapists and social workers.
• Participate actively in case consultations and team meetings to ensure cohesive care.
• Adhere to and enforce all organizational policies and best practices.
• Align mental health services with LifeWise StL’s mission and the expectations of our funders.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records, and compile reports as needed.
• Report to the Director of Emotional and Physical Wellness and receive individual clinical supervision from the Clinical Director.
• Embrace the collaborative spirit of LifeWise StL, working alongside staff, volunteers, and community partners to enhance our holistic, client-focused services.

Required Experience and Skills:

• Hold a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) certification in Missouri. LMSW candidates eligible for in-house supervision may also apply.
• Possess at least one year of experience in social services, with a strong emphasis on individual case management or counseling.
• Have a minimum of one year of hands-on experience engaging directly with participants.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to and enthusiasm for LifeWise StL’s mission.
• Exhibit flexibility and adaptability in your role to meet the evolving needs of programs and participants.
• Bring experience in working with underserved and diverse communities.
• Be willing and able to accommodate a flexible and occasionally unconventional schedule.
• Fluency in both English and Spanish is essential.

Compensation Details:
Our salary structure is designed to reflect the value and expertise of our team members, with the starting salaries tailored to both licensure level and professional experience. For individuals holding an LMSW, the starting salary is set at $48,000, while those with an LCSW designation begin at $52,000.

How to Apply:
Please send your resume and a cover letter to jobs@lifewisestl.org, with “Mental Health Therapist” in the subject line.

LifeWise StL is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.