Independent Living Specialist - General

Job Description

Job Description

Independent Living Specialist - General (ILS-Gen)

Full-time, Non-Exempt Position

Overview: Responsible for assisting individuals with disabilities and family members with attaining and maintaining their independence through the achievement of their goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1)Consumer services

-Participate with consumer in the development and implementation of a comprehensive independent living plan.

-Work in coordination with consumers and other necessary community support services to assist individual in attaining goal(s), by referral to appropriate staff or other agencies, fund raising, etc.

-Provide appropriate services to consumers including information and referral, individual advocacy, peer support, skills training.

-Travel throughout 5-county service area, as needed and appropriate.

-Provide direct consumer services for approximately 80% of scheduled hours.

2)Community Involvement

-Participate as an active member in one or more community networking group(s) which address issues pertinent to our consumers and the broader disability community.

-Facilitate needed peer support group(s) and skills training classes.

-Represent the Center and act as a liaison between the disability community and other agencies serving people with disabilities to ensure coordination and comprehensive services to the consumer.

-Work on systems advocacy issues, educational forums, and other community activities to promote greater access to people with disabilities.

3)Operations

-Develop and maintain necessary records and consumer fi les and complete all reports as required by the program.

-Maintain program and community resource files.

-Attend periodic program trainings.

-General assistance with agency operations.

-Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

We welcome applicants with a variety of educational, professional, and lived experiences. A Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field and two year's experience in the delivery of services to people with disabilities are preferred, but not required. Knowledge of disability issues and community resources is helpful, and training will be provided. People with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.

Critical skills:

Computer skills and familiarity with adaptive equipment are necessary. Must be able to take initiative, and meet goals and deadlines with minimal supervision. Need excellent organizational, time management and communication skills. Understanding of and alignment with independent living philosophy. Must be available to work in person.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed in this position. You will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties requested by a supervisor.