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.

Financial Social Worker  

Job Status: Full-time
Salary: $48,000-52,000

Position Description:

LifeWise StL is seeking a dedicated full-time Financial Social Worker 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 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.

Receptionist/Administrative Assistant 

Job Status: Full-time, 40 hours per week
Salary: $17 per hour

Position Summary:

Works under general direction managing the reception desk, primarily answering the telephone and greeting and directing participants (clients) and visitors. Performs varied and increasingly responsible administrative support as required. Maintains client confidentiality.

Duties:

• Greet participants, visitors and staff coming into LifeWise and/or the St. louis Community Credit Union micro-branch
• Direct/redirect visitors to their desired destinations as needed
• Manage secure exterior doors
• Answer telephone professionally and direct calls appropriately
• Take telephone messages when necessary and relay to intended recipients
• Maintain daily participant sign-in log
• Ensure that donation receipts are completed when donors bring in material goods
• Manage the participant queue during Market and Bodega hours
• Inform Finance Associate when front desk office supplies are needed
• LifeWise staff partner with individual and group volunteers, who provide over 25,000 service hours to the organization annually. As such, the successful employee will work collaboratively with organizational leadership, co-workers, volunteers, and colleagues from within and outside the organization to deliver and support holistic, client-focused programming.
• Fill in as needed in the Family Center and other supportive services
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus!
• Must be high school graduate or equivalent, some college course work preferred
• Must have at least one year of general office experience
• Must be courteous and tactful in all dealings with people and have the ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with others
• Must be computer literate – familiar with Google Suite, Word and Excel – and be willing to improve computer skills to perform necessary tasks
• Must possess ability to multi-task and work independently
• Must be able to dress in business casual attire appropriate for office work

Disclaimer:  This document does not create an employment contract.  Employees are employed on an “at will” basis and may be terminated at any time for any reason or no reason.

How to Apply

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

Please send a resume and cover letter to jobs@lifewisestl.org.  In the subject line, please write “Receptionist.”

Disaster Case Manager, Older Adult Specialist

Rooted in our foundation as Kingdom House since 1902, our mission is to help individuals and families achieve economic well-being by providing high-impact, relationship-based programming and by addressing systemic barriers to their success. Through holistic programs and services, we promote empowerment and growth in individuals and families.

In response to the May 16 tornado, LifeWise StL and many partners created the Senior Support Team to provide compassionate, client-centered support to impacted older adults. The Senior Support Team’s mission is to help adults 60 and older stabilize and recover from the disaster to the extent possible given available resources.

Job Purpose
The Disaster Case Manager, Older Adult Specialist serves as a specialized advocate and primary contact for disaster-affected older adults, designing and implementing personalized recovery plans, coordinating with community partners, entering data with accuracy and guiding clients through a structured recovery process.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Client Recovery & Case Management
• Serve as the main point of contact for a caseload of disaster survivors who are older adults, offering crisis advocacy, resource navigation, and detailed referral services.
• Conduct intake assessments to identify unmet disaster-related needs and develop comprehensive, individualized long-term recovery plans.
• Maintain consistent and responsive communication through in-person, phone, or virtual meetings based on client need.
• Facilitate access to housing restoration, FEMA assistance, mental health support, and other recovery services.

Data Entry & Documentation

• Record client interactions, case notes, financial expenditures, progress updates, and referrals using agency systems.
• Adhere to confidentiality guidelines and Safe From Harm protocols.

Coordination & Advocacy

• Collaborate with local recovery groups, community organizations, and other agencies to advocate for clients and ensure equitable access to resources.
• Monitor client progress, adjust recovery plans as needed, and coordinate escalation for additional support or funding.
• Maintain expertise in funding available in the community, ensuring clients are connected to the most effective and timely financial recovery resources.

Travel & Field Work
Visit clients in various settings including homes, agencies, or community locations; reliable transportation is required, with mileage reimbursement provided.

Required Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, public health, counseling, education, or related field required.
• Master of Social Work (MSW) preferred.
• Minimum of one year of relevant experience in case management, social services, or disaster recovery.
• Experience working with older adults preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse populations in high-stress environments.
• Able to work in a fast-paced, dynamic, collaborative environment
• Must be able to work independently and work with minimal supervision in the field
• Provide ethical and sound judgment when advocating and servicing clients in need

Technical Competencies

• Proficient in data entry, case management documentation, and knowledgeable in client management software plus general office tools.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace suite preferred (Docs, Sheets, etc.)

Personal Attributes

• Excellent communication, active listening, empathy, adaptability, attention to detail, and crisis resolution skills.
• A committed advocate, collaborator, and ethical steward of client trust and confidentiality.

Logistics

• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and capacity to travel for home visits and outreach activities are required.
• Participate in staff meetings, program meetings, strategic planning, and other community meetings as required
• Attend required trainings and recommended professional development and networking opportunities to advance personal and organizational capacity (paid for by LifeWise StL)

Position Details
Employment Type: Full-time (approx. 40 hrs/week)

Duration: Typically 12–24 months, contingent on funding

Compensation: Around $60,000/year with potential benefits (health, dental, vision, retirement, PTO, life insurance, etc.)

How to Apply

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

Please send a resume and cover letter to jobs@lifewisestl.org.  In the subject line, please write “Disaster Case Manager/Older Adult Specialist.”

Financial Social Worker/Benefits Specialist

Salary: $48,000-$52,000 per year

Position Summary

We are seeking a full-time Financial Social Worker/Benefits Specialist to work with older adults to create and maintain relationships and to develop and achieve goals towards economic wellness. An ideal candidate will be well-versed in understanding each participant’s holistic needs, addressing immediate basic needs, and have a basic working knowledge of goal setting, and developing a plan that will help participants overcome economic barriers. This role is in support of the Senior Resiliency Fund program that combines one-on-one coaching, educational seminars, economic casework, and matched savings. The Financial Social Worker/Benefits Specialist seeks to promote a culture of healthy aging within the context of the Social Determinants of Health. If the candidate does not already possess them, LifeWise StL will provide training and certification for Financial Social Work, and SHIP Counseling.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Co-Facilitate/ Facilitate and instruct financial and wealth management education workshops
• Provide formal intake, needs assessment, develop a S.M.A.R.T. action plan that identifies goals, barriers and next steps for the participants
• Develop on-going relationships with participants through one-on-one coaching sessions
• Utilize financial social work practices and financial coaching techniques and skills to support participants’ goals in: regularly saving, achieving greater income, reducing debt, increasing assets and net worth
• Update and report accurate data for the purpose of ensuring data integrity and outcome driven programming
• Assist with marketing, outreach, recruitment and retention of program participants
• Participate in staff meetings, program meetings, strategic planning, and other community meetings as required
• Attend required trainings and recommended professional development and networking opportunities to advance personal and organizational capacity (paid for by LifeWise StL)
• LifeWise StL staff partner with individual and group volunteers, who provide over 25,000 service hours to the organization annually. As such, the successful employee will work collaboratively with organizational leadership, co-workers, volunteers, and colleagues from within and outside the organization to deliver and support holistic, client-focused programming.
• Other duties as assigned

Experience/Qualifications

• Bachelors in Social Work or equivalent degree required. Masters in Social Work or similar field preferred
• One year experience in social services, particularly with one-on-one case management experience or counseling experience
• Minimum of one year experience facilitating groups, especially psychoeducational groups
• Basic knowledge of financial management tools and terminology
• Able to enthusiastically facilitate discussion and connect with individuals in a group environment
• Excellent organizational skills and detailed oriented a must
• Excellent public speaking, written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Flexibility and willingness to adapt role as needed, especially as the project evolves
• Able to work in a fast-paced, dynamic, collaborative environment
• Must be able to work independently and work with minimal supervision in the field
• Provide ethical and sound judgment when advocating and servicing clients in need
• Experience working with underserved and diverse populations; experience working with older adults
• Ability to work a flexible schedule and rare non-traditional hours (evenings)
• Basic knowledge of the St. Louis social service landscape and public benefits including TANF, SNAP, WIC, etc.
• Previous experience with financial services and products a plus
• Skilled at taking initiative, problem solving and working independently
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred

How To Apply

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

Please send your resume and a cover letter to: jobs@lifewisestl.org with “Financial Social Worker/Benefits Specialist” as the subject line.

Youth Program Van Driver

Salary:  $14 – $20 per hour

Position Description:

Join our team as a Van Driver and/or Co-Pilot, where you’ll do more than just transport students—you’ll be a vital part of their journey. In this role, you’ll ensure the safe and reliable transportation of school-age youth while serving as a positive role model. Beyond driving, you’ll help create a supportive and engaging environment, making each ride an extension of their learning and growth. Your presence and care will directly enhance their overall program experience.

Position Overview:

• Type: Part-Time
• Schedule:  25 hours per week
  • Academic Year: After-school and evening hours
  • Summer Months: Split shifts, similar to a bus driver’s schedule

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct daily vehicle inspections to ensure safety and operational readiness.
• Safely transport young scholars between LifeWise StL, their schools, homes, and summer program sites.
• Follow all traffic laws and maintain a clean driving record.
• Engage with youth, providing supervision and support in collaboration with After-School Staff.
• Participate in team meetings and professional development opportunities.
• Work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and community partners to enhance LifeWise StL’s holistic, participant-centered services.

Required Experience and Skills:

• Passion for working with school-age youth and commitment to positive youth development.
• Receptive to feedback and consistent in your approach to work.
• Must complete 12 hours of professional development per year.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Missouri Class E Driver’s License for 12-15 passenger vans is preferred, but not required.
• At least one year of experience in a similar driving role.
• Previous experience or a strong interest in working with school-age children.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills are highly valued and can strengthen connections with diverse communities.

How to Apply:

Please send your resume and a cover letter to jobs@lifewisestl.org, with “Van Driver” 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.