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.
Disaster Case Manager, Older Adult Specialist
Job Status: Full-time, Exempt, On-Site, 40 hours/week
Salary: Base salary $5,000 monthly for 7 months (prorated salary of $60,000 annually) with benefits (health, dental, vision, retirement, PTO, life insurance, etc.)
Position Description: 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.
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:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Travel & Field Work
- Visit clients in various settings including homes, agencies, or community locations; reliable transportation is required, with mileage reimbursement provided.
Required Experience and Skills:
- Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in social work, public health, counseling, education, or related field required.
Master of Social Work (MSW) preferred. - Experience: 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
- Knowledge and Skills: 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:
- Duration: February-August, probable renewal based on funding opportunities
- Compensation: Base salary $5,000 monthly for 7 months (prorated salary of $60,000 annually) with benefits (health, dental, vision, retirement, PTO, life insurance, etc.)
How to Apply:
Please send your resume and a cover letter to jobs@lifewisestl.org, with “Disaster Case Manager/Older Adult Specialist” 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
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.
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.




