Outdoor, Recreation & Activities Life Skills Instructor
Foundations Asheville | Asheville, NC
IMPORTANT SCHEDULE NOTICE - PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING!!!
This is not a typical 9-to-5 or standard shift job, and it's essential that you understand the schedule before applying:
- You will LIVE at the program for one full week at a time (Monday through the following Monday), including overnight responsibilities.
- Then you are COMPLETELY OFF for one full week — you leave the program and return to your own home/life.
- This pattern repeats continuously: one week living in, one week fully off.
- Housing, meals, and accommodations are provided during your live-in week.
Please only apply if a week-on/week-off, live-in schedule with overnight duties genuinely works for your life. This is the single most important detail of this job, and it's one people often miss when applying — we want to make sure it's abundantly clear up front.
POSITION: Outdoor Recreation Life Skills Instructor (Live-in, week-on/week-off)
LOCATION: Asheville, NC
COMPENSATION: Up to$43K, plus an excellent benefits package!
SCHEDULE: (Read This Twice!)
- Week-on/week-off, live-in position.
- Schedule runs Monday through the following Monday while on rotation, followed by one full week completely off.
- Overnight shifts are required while on rotation (you sleep at the program).
- You leave the program entirely during your off week — this is true time away, not on-call.
- Housing accommodations are provided during your scheduled workweek.
- (If you need a schedule where you go home every night, this role is not a fit — and that's okay! We'd rather you know that now than after you've applied.)
BENEFITS:
- Paid Time Off
- Vision Insurance
- Paid Life Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Excellent Health Insurance
- 401(k) with possible matching
- Education opportunities and ongoing training
- Food and meals provided while on shift
- Clean, cozy, private staff rooms and accommodations
- Health and wellness opportunities
- A positive, welcoming, and fun community
- And much more!
ABOUT:
Love the outdoors and believe in the power of experiential learning and community while working together in a team setting? Do you thrive on hiking, camping, climbing, paddling, biking, creating art, hosting board game nights, sharing potluck meals, promoting health and wellness, or simply bringing people together through meaningful experiences?
If so, Foundations Asheville is looking for you.
We're seeking an energetic, compassionate, and adventure-minded individual to join our team as a Life Skills Instructor. While this is our standard Life Skills Instructor position, we're especially interested in candidates with a passion for outdoor recreation, experiential education, and community building because those skills are invaluable in helping young adults (ages 18–24) grow into confident, independent adults.
In this role, you'll mentor and coach residents while helping them develop the practical life skills needed for successful independent living. You'll also have the opportunity to plan and lead engaging activities such as hiking, camping, kayaking, biking, climbing, arts and crafts, fitness and wellness activities, community outings, board game nights, and other recreational experiences that foster confidence, resilience, teamwork, and personal growth.
This is a full-time, live-in residential position that combines mentorship, life skills coaching, outdoor adventure, recreation, and community engagement in a supportive home environment. Every day brings new opportunities to build meaningful relationships, create memorable experiences, and make a lasting difference in the lives of young adults as they discover their strengths and build the foundation for successful, independent adulthood.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Create a Safe and Supportive Environment
- Foster a consistent, emotionally safe, and structured residential environment.
- Build positive relationships that encourage growth, accountability, and independence.
- Support residents through daily routines while promoting healthy decision-making.
Collaborate with the Support Team
- Partner with clinical, academic, and residential staff to implement individualized support plans.
- Communicate regularly with team members to help residents achieve personal, educational, and therapeutic goals.
Teach and Model Life Skills
Provide individual and group instruction in executive functioning and independent living skills.Coach residents in areas such as:
- Time management and organization
- Budgeting and financial responsibility
- Meal planning, cooking, and nutrition
- Household cleanliness and maintenance
- Health and wellness
- Medication management
- Transportation and community navigation
Lead Outdoor, Adventure & Recreational Activities
This is where your outdoor and recreation background really shines. Plan and lead engaging experiential, adventure, and community-based activities, including:
- Hiking and nature walks
- Camping, boating, and biking
- Community events and art strolls
- Potlucks and cooking activities
- Board games and tabletop RPGs
- Music events
- Creative writing, arts, and crafts
- Recreational and wellness activities
Serve as a Positive Role Model
- Demonstrate emotional maturity, healthy communication, effective problem-solving, and strong executive functioning.
- Encourage confidence, resilience, and healthy interpersonal relationships.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Preferred:
- Background or strong personal experience in outdoor recreation, adventure programming, wilderness activities, camping, hiking, or similar (a big plus for this role!).
- Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Education, Psychology, Social Work, Outdoor/Experiential Education, or a related field.
- Experience in human services, teaching, mentoring, experiential education, or a similar role.
- Experience providing direct care in a therapeutic or residential setting.
- Excellent communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.
- Creativity, flexibility, and the ability to adapt to changing needs.
Required:
- Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
- Willingness to obtain CPR and First Aid certification.
- Willingness to complete a criminal background check.
- Willingness and ability to commit to a week-on/week-off, live-in schedule with overnight responsibilities (see schedule details above).
Why Join Foundations Asheville?
At Foundations Asheville, you'll have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of young adults as they transition into independent adulthood — while bringing your love of the outdoors and adventure into your everyday work. If you're passionate about mentorship, experiential learning, outdoor recreation, and helping others build the confidence and skills to thrive, we'd love to hear from you!
Foundations Asheville is an Equal Opportunity Employer!
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: Up to $43,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Do you understand that this is a "live-in" position with a week-on/week-off work schedule?
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
License/Certification:
- driver's license (Required)
Work Location: In person
