Independent Living Advisor (ILA)

Independent Living Advisor (ILA)

The Independent Living Advisor (ILA) works directly with people living with disabilities within our six county service region. Responsibilities include speaking with current and potential participating consumers to gather information and create an Independent Living Plan by identifying areas of need. Based on this plan, the ILA will then help the consumer identify necessary resources through assisting in the completion of paperwork, applying for benefits, and pursuing avenues of self-advocacy. Duties may also include teaching Independent Living skills and providing peer support in one-on-one and small group settings. The individual in this position will serve as a role model and mentor for people with disabilities within the community, and maintain positive and effective relationships with CPWD staff and partner agencies.

Essential DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide direct services and outreach to consumers and the community.
• Provide one-on-one direct service to consumers, including the core services of Independent Living skills training, advocacy, information and referral, and peer support. This may include formulating an Independent Living plan, assistance with Fair Housing complaints, assisting with benefits applications, training in utilizing public transportation, and supporting the achievement of Independent Living goals.
• Maintain 60% of work time providing direct services and support to consumers.
• Must be able to manage a full caseload of approximately 30-40 consumers.
• Meet with assigned consumers at least once a month to ensure that their goals, and progress on meeting them, are regularly assessed.
• Assist consumers in applying for financial assistance, as needed.
• Assess consumers' stated and implied needs and goals as part of setting individual Independent Living goals.
• Facilitate peer support groups and one-on-one mentoring, as needed.
• Provide Independent Living skills training individually, and through workshops or small classes.
• Develop and maintain a deep knowledge and understanding of local community resources, such as cross-disability, government and nonprofit agencies that work with CPWD consumers.
• Engage new consumers and community partners through outreach efforts.
• Gain an understanding of Independent Living Philosophy and CPWD's mission, vision and programs to be able to uphold and communicate them to consumers and community organizations.
• Work independently, schedule and manage personal workload, and recognize when there is a need for approval or support from supervisor.
• Complete thorough, accurate and timely electronic documentation.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and work within the confines of HIPAA regulations.
• All CPWD staff members are considered mandatory reporters, obligated to report signs of abuse they are aware of both on and off the job.
• Travel as needed for direct services, groups, trainings, and outreach events.
• Participate in CPWD staff meetings, program meetings, and staff training activities.
• Perform other duties, as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least three years of relevant experience.
• Proficiency with MS Windows, MS Office, Google Suite, and other common computer programs.
• Strong organizational and customer service skills, and attention to detail.
• Leadership and interpersonal skills with diverse peers, consumer base, other staff members and management.
• Able to positively represent CPWD and outreach to the community and public.
• Able to work independently, making solid decisions and exercising sound judgment with consumer and community contacts.
• Working knowledge of disabilities and disability-related issues.
• Commitment to co-creating a culture that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Able to demonstrate commitment to CPWD's non-discrimination policy DEI Statement
• Able to demonstrate CPWD's core values of inclusiveness, flexibility, person-first, accountability, and integrity.
• Effective written and oral communications skills.
• Valid driver's license, insurance, and clean driving record (if applicable).
• Satisfactory backgrounds checks.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Personal experience with a disability is strongly preferred!
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and or at least three years of relevant experience.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish).
• Exposure to Independent Living Philosophy and best practices in the IL community.

PHYSICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Office environment requiring ongoing computer use and an extended amount of time sitting or standing.
• Local and regional travel in various weather conditions.
• Primarily based out of North Metro CPWD office location.
• May be asked to work out of any CPWD office, as needed.

Benefits

Benefits include: medical, dental, vision, life and accident insurance; Employee Assistance Programs (EAP); 401(k); paid holidays, vacation time, and sick time.