Independent Living Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description

Job Type: Full-time, Salary 

Location: San Diego, CA

Salary: $70,300

Work Environment: Community-based with regular engagement across student apartments, CLE centers, and community locations 

Transportation: This role requires transporting students to approved program-related locations in accordance with organizational policies 

 Are You Looking for a Leadership Role Where You Guide Life Skills Programming and Support Staff and Students?  

Description 

College Living Experience (CLE) is a comprehensive post-secondary transition program supporting young adults diagnosed with autism, AD/HD, and learning differences. Students receive individualized support across academics, career development, social skills, and independent living as they prepare for adult independence. 

We are looking for someone who is patient, creative, and passionate about helping students reach their potential. Someone who enjoys mentoring, adapting their approach to different learning styles, and celebrating growth along the way. Candidates often come from backgrounds in education, tutoring, special education, academic coaching, psychology, student support services, learning assistance, or humanities instruction. We especially welcome candidates with experience teaching or tutoring writing, English, literature, history, communications, philosophy, political science, or related fields. 

The Independent Living Skills (ILS) Coordinator provides leadership, coordination, and direct support for CLE's Independent Living Skills programming. This role oversees ILS instruction, supports student development across daily living domains, supervises ILS staff, and ensures consistent documentation, scheduling, and program quality. 

This position balances direct service to students with administrative and supervisory responsibilities, supporting both student outcomes and staff development. 

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys mentoring staff, coordinating services, and remaining actively engaged in student support. One day, you may be coaching students in daily living routines or problem-solving a student support challenge. On another day, you might be reviewing documentation, supervising ILS staff, adjusting schedules, or facilitating team meetings. Over time, your leadership helps ensure students receive consistent, high-quality independent living instruction while staff feel supported and guided.  Your work directly impacts student independence, staff effectiveness, and program consistency. 

Why People Love Working at CLE 

Working at CLE means being part of a collaborative, mission-driven organization focused on real student outcomes. 

• You lead with purpose. Your coordination supports student safety, independence, and growth. 
• You mentor others. This role plays a key role in staff development and program quality. 
• You stay connected to the students. Direct service remains a core part of the role. 
• You collaborate across domains. ILS work integrates with academic, career, and social support. 

What You'll Do 

Independent Living Skills Programming 

• Coordinate and participate in Independent Living Skills instruction, including meal planning and preparation, household organization, financial instruction, and self-care 
• Provide instruction, consultation, and coaching to students in life skills such as conflict resolution, self-monitoring, and time management 
• Assist students with medication routines and, when appropriate, support prescription refill coordination 
• Facilitate student transportation needs for social, recreational, medical, and daily living activities, promoting public transportation when appropriate 

Student Advising & Support 

• Serve as an advisor to assigned students, including weekly coaching sessions and ongoing communication 
• Act as a liaison between students, families, funding sources, and CLE staff 
• Prepare reports, attend meetings, and ensure accurate sharing of student progress information 

Staff Supervision & Team Leadership 

• Supervise ILS staff, including hiring, onboarding, performance evaluations, and ongoing coaching 
• Review and ensure timely, accurate completion of student progress notes and inventories 
• Hold weekly ILS team meetings to address program needs, problem-solve challenges, and support staff development 
• Participate actively in all-staff meetings to share student updates and recommendations 

Documentation, Scheduling & Administration 

• Complete CLE student progress inventories and review staff-completed inventories for accuracy and timeliness 
• Schedule ILS staff and student support as requested, balancing direct service and administrative needs 
• Ensure compliance with documentation standards and organizational policies 
• Use required technology platforms (email, scheduling systems, documentation tools) to support program operations 

Transportation & Community Engagement 

• Transport students to employment sites, internships, volunteer placements, and other approved program-related locations 
• Follow all organizational transportation policies, including safe driving practices and documentation requirements 
• Support community-based learning and engagement opportunities 

Who Thrives in This Role 

• This role is well-suited for individuals who enjoy leadership, organization, and hands-on involvement in student support. 
• Successful ILS Coordinators are dependable, organized, strong communicators, and comfortable balancing administrative responsibilities with direct student engagement. 

What Makes This Role Unique 

• You balance direct student service with staff supervision and coordination 
• You shape the quality and consistency of ILS programming 
• You remain actively engaged in student support while leading a team 
• You work in real-world environments where skills are practiced daily 

Benefits Include: 

• Health insurance 
• Dental insurance 
• Vision insurance 
• Health savings account (HSA) 
• Flexible spending account (FSA) 
• Life insurance 
• 401(k) 
• Paid time off 

Requirements

 Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in psychology, social science, or a related field with a minimum of three years of relevant experience working with special needs students 
• Experience supporting neurodivergent young adults strongly preferred 
• Experience supervising staff or leading programs preferred 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint 
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills 

Transportation Requirements

This role includes travel between work sites and transporting students as needed.

Applicants must:

Possess a valid driver's license

Have at least one year of licensed driving experience

Meet company motor vehicle insurance requirements