Information & Referral Specialist

SUMMARY:

Provides direct services to persons with disabilities. These services include, but are not limited to: information and referral, individual advocacy, peer support, and training in independent living skills. Provides advocacy, outreach, and community education activities throughout St. Clair, Monroe and Randolph Counties. Provides support to the Older Individuals who are Blind Program. Manages LINC's Equipment Loan Program.

REPORTS TO

Senior Program Director

RESPONSIBILITIES

Review latest vision screening done by qualified/certified professionals to help identify areas of need. Provide assistive devices and aids to qualified individuals. Provide training related to devices provided or those purchased by consumer. Provide home/community orientation and mobility (O & M) services and travel training. Provide communication skills training such as Braille literacy, keyboarding and computer literacy & training, using the telephone, among others depending on consumer needs. Provide Independent Living Skills training in such areas as: personal and household management; financial management; shopping; recreational activities. Provides other CIL Core Services as needed: Information and Referral; Peer Support; Advocacy. Assists consumers in identifying their own needs and develops an Independent Living Plan and action steps for each consumer participating in LINC's programs. Maintains an up to date file on each active consumer, documenting all services and activities with or on behalf of the consumer. Acts as an advocate with and on behalf of consumers. Serves as an advocate to help break down barriers in employment, services and public facilities. Researches and provides information to staff, consumers and community members about technology available that improves consumer's ability to be independent. In collaboration with other LINC staff, plans and coordinates community education and advocacy programs, including disability awareness programs for schools, businesses and units of government. Promotes good public relations within the community, including presentations to service groups. Conducts outreach activities to increase community awareness of services available through the center. Encourages networking to sustain good working relationships with other agencies and consults on blind or Deaf/Blind service needs. Along with other staff, creates videos and other public relation materials to educate the community as well as consumers. Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

Sensitive to the needs of persons with disabilities. Demonstrated ability to be an advocate and ability to increase public awareness on pertinent disability related issues. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to be self motivated and to work independently, to analyze situations carefully and adopt effective courses of action. Travel is required in order to carry out some to the duties of this position and to attend training workshops, conferences, etc.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

From $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Mileage reimbursement Paid time off Vision insurance

Experience:

American Sign Language:

2 years (Required)

Work Location:

In person