Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Salary: $17/hr.

Job Title: Independent Living Specialist

Location: Joplin

Employment type: Full-time / Non-Exempt

Job Reports To: Director of Consumer Directed Services.

Position Overview:

The Independent Living Specialist (ILS) supports individuals with disabilities in achieving their personal goals toward greater independence. Reporting to the Director of Programs, the ILS provides case planning, skills training, advocacy, information and referral services, and community outreach. This position works directly with consumers to develop individualized goals, completes intakes for new consumers, provides ongoing support, documents services, and represents the Center in community activities.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

Direct Service -50%

Provide case planning services to consumers with disabilities.

Assist consumers in identifying needs and developing individualized Independent Living Plans.

Provide skills training and one-on-one support to help consumers reach their goals.

Advocate for consumers as needed, helping them navigate systems, services, and barriers.

Perform additional direct service tasks as assigned.

Advocacy and Outreach 15%

Advocate for the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities both individually and systemically.

Support consumers in communicating their needs to agencies, service providers, and community partners.

Draft letters, make calls, or provide testimony on disability rights or consumer needs.

Conduct outreach to underserved communities to increase awareness of services and programs.

Training and Education 10%

Assist in training peer supporters.

Provide workshops or presentations to consumers, community groups, and the public on disability issues, empowerment, and disability rights.

Participate in staff meetings and internal professional development opportunities.

Documentation 20%

Document all services according to agency policies and funding requirements.

Maintain accurate, clear, and timely case notes and records.

Update and organize community resource information.

Other Duties 5%

Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission of the organization. D

Occasionally drive the agency van to transport consumers as needed.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Bachelors degree in psychology, sociology, social work, rehabilitation, education, or a related field and at least one year of experience working with individuals with disabilities.

OR

A combination of education and experience, with two years of relevant experience equating to one year of higher education.

Required Skills and Knowledge

Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Effective interpersonal and human-relations skills.

Experience with case management or direct consumer services.

Knowledge of community resources and service systems.

Commitment to the philosophy of Independent Living and the disability rights movement.

Preferred

Lived experience with disability is beneficial to this role.

The Independent Living Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in the workplace. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including those from underrepresented groups.

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