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.

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.

Manager of Young Scholars Program

Salary Range:  $48,000 – $55,000

Position Description:

LifeWise StL is seeking a dynamic and experienced Manager to lead the Young Scholars Program. This pivotal leadership role requires a strategic thinker with at least a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Counseling, or Social Work, though a Master’s degree is preferred. The Manager will manage both the Young Scholars After School Program during the school year and the Freedom School Summer Literacy Camp during the summer, collaborating with the President/CEO to align the program’s vision with strategic objectives and enhance the academic and personal development of school-aged youth, particularly those from underserved communities.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Strategic Oversight: Lead a dedicated team, driving the vision and operational goals of the Young Scholars Program in close collaboration with the President/CEO.
• Specialized Program Leadership:
  • Children’s Defense Fund Freedom School Summer Literacy Camp: Serve as the Program Director during the summer, overseeing this educational initiative that offers enriching literacy and learning activities.
  • Young Scholars After School Program: Manage and enhance after-school programming during the school year, focusing on academic support and personal development.
• 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.
• Financial and Administrative Management: Oversee program budgets, manage financial resources, and ensure compliance with financial protocols and licensing guidelines and requirements in coordination with the finance department.
• Program Development and Evaluation: Manage staff development, track program metrics as an ETO administrator, and maintain current knowledge of best practices in educational programming and youth development. Experience in tracking outputs and outcomes to ensure program effectiveness and adaptability is essential.
• Grant Management: Support in grant writing, oversee reporting, and manage compliance for federal programs including 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 is preferred.
• Professional Experience: At least five years of leadership experience in the youth development sector, with a strong background in program management and staff supervision.
• Operational Competence: Demonstrated ability to manage significant program budgets and resources.
• Soft Skills: High degree of flexibility, quick thinking, initiative, and creativity; proficient in the use of computers.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication abilities, both written and verbal.
• Cultural Competence: Extensive experience working with diverse populations and understanding their unique needs.

How to Apply:
Please send your resume and a cover letter to jobs@lifewisestl.org, with “Manager of 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.

Director of LifeWise Academy

Salary Range:  $60,000+

Position Description:

LifeWise StL is seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to serve as the Director of LifeWise Academy. This full-time position is ideal for a Master’s level social worker or an individual with an equivalent degree in Education, Counseling, or related fields. The Director will lead a dedicated team to deliver academic support, enrichment activities, life skills training, job skill development, and social support to high school students, helping them overcome barriers to success.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Strategic Oversight: Lead a team of six, driving the vision and strategic goals of LifeWise Academy in close collaboration with the President/CEO.
• Specialized Program Leadership:
  • Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools: Act as the Program Director, overseeing the implementation of this empowering educational program that provides summer and after-school enrichment that helps students succeed in school and in life.
  • Wyman Teen Outreach Program (TOP): Serve as the Coordinator and Trainer, guiding this nationally recognized program focused on positive youth development, community service, and healthy behaviors.
• Community Engagement and Collaboration: Foster a collaborative environment by working closely with staff, volunteers, and community partners. Enhance our holistic, participant-focused services through strategic community partnerships and initiatives.
• Financial and Administrative Management: Manage department budgets, oversee credit card expenditures, and coordinate with the Director of Finance and Accounting for budget compliance. Approve and submit all necessary financial documents.
• Program Development and Evaluation: Coordinate professional development for staff, manage data entry and tracking as an ETO administrator, and stay updated on evidence-based practices in youth development.
• Grant Management: Support grant writing efforts, manage grant reporting for this program, and oversee 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: Master’s Degree in Counseling, Social Work, Education, Public Administration, or Non-Profit Management. Professional licensure is a plus.
• Professional Experience: Minimum of five years in a supervisory role within the youth development field. Extensive experience in program development, facilitation, and administrative management.
• Operational Competence: Strong capability in managing program budgets, preferably with experience overseeing budgets exceeding $600,000.
• Soft Skills: Flexibility, mental agility, strong initiative, creativity, and robust computer proficiency.
• Communication: Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
• Cultural Competence: Proven track record of effectively working with diverse populations.

Preferred Experience:

• Advanced experience in proposal writing and securing funds through grants.
• Significant experience in grant reporting.
• Experience managing federal and/or state-funded programs.

How to Apply:
Please send your resume and a cover letter to jobs@lifewisestl.org, with “Director of LifeWise Academy” 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.

Senior Programming Coordinator

Salary Range:  $42,000 – $48,000

Position Description:

LifeWise StL is seeking a dedicated Senior Programming Coordinator to join our dynamic team. This role is pivotal in enhancing the lives of older adults through the Senior Companion Program (SCP) and the Senior Resiliency Fund (SRF). The Coordinator will work closely with the Director of Senior Programming, the Administrative Assistant, and the Financial Social Worker/Benefits Specialist to deliver impactful services to the community.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain relationships with active, low-income seniors and family caregivers to facilitate volunteer opportunities and respite services.
• Conduct home visits for client intake, maintain updated client records, and ensure seamless communication with team members.
• Lead outreach initiatives, including marketing, recruitment, and retention strategies to expand program participation.
• Organize and participate in community events such as Health Fairs and public speaking engagements to promote Senior Programming.
• Monitor and evaluate volunteer-client interactions and overall program effectiveness, adjusting strategies as needed to meet objectives.
• Manage referrals, waitlists, and data reporting to maintain high standards of program integrity and outcomes.
• Collaborate with the Director to address broader issues affecting participant well-being and to strategize on program enhancements.
• Embrace the collaborative spirit of LifeWise StL, working alongside staff, volunteers, and community partners to enhance our holistic, client-focused services.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum one year of experience in social services, with a focus on working directly with older adults.
• Proven ability to facilitate groups and engage individuals in diverse settings.
• Strong organizational skills, excellent time management, and attention to detail.
• Exceptional communication abilities, including public speaking and interpersonal skills.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic, evolving project scope.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and travel locally (must have own vehicle and insurance).
• Experience with underserved populations and a commitment to ethical service provision.
• Willingness to work flexible and occasional non-traditional hours.

Additional Skills:

• Familiarity with issues related to aging and caregiver support.
• Compassionate demeanor with a patient approach to client interactions.

Opportunities for Professional Development:

• Engage in ongoing training, strategic planning sessions, and professional networking to enhance personal and organizational capabilities.

We invite passionate individuals who are committed to making a difference in the lives of older adults to apply for this rewarding opportunity.

How to Apply:
Please send your resume and a cover letter to jobs@lifewisestl.org, with “Senior Programming 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.

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.