Job Description
INDEPENDENT LIVING SPECIALIST
Coastal Bend Center for Independent Living Corpus Christi, TX Job Details Full-time From $17 an hour 2 hours ago Benefits Mileage reimbursement Health insurance Dental insurance Flexible spending account Paid time off Vision insurance 403(b) Life insurance Qualifications Disability support services Civil rights Computer operation Microsoft Excel Interpersonal skills Working with individuals with disabilities Writing skills Driver's License Working with adults with disabilities Productivity software Community relationship building Assistive technologies Full Job Description GENERAL FUNCTION
The Independent Living Specialist is responsible for assisting individuals with disabilities to receive or access services that enable them to live independently. The Independent Living Specialist supports consumers in identifying and pursuing self-directed goals in any area of independent living the consumer chooses — including but not limited to housing, employment, education, transportation, benefits, community living and integration, and daily living skills. The Independent Living Specialist provides the core services of information and referral, peer support and counseling, independent living skills training, transition assistance, and individual and systems advocacy, as well as support for consumers in programs available through CBCIL or outside the Center. The Independent Living Specialist has direct contact with consumers one-to-one, in group settings, over the telephone, and through electronic communication, and maintains the required documentation for all activities. Join us as an Independent Living Specialist and become a vital part of empowering individuals toward greater independence! Your dedication will help transform lives through compassionate support, skill-building opportunities, and community engagement. RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS
Conduct intake of individuals seeking assistance, assist in personal goal setting, establish Independent Living Plans, develop Consumer Service Records (CSR), and input data electronically in CIL Suite in a timely manner to ensure compliance with funding stream requirements and agency need. Maintain a consumer caseload. Support consumers in identifying and pursuing self-directed goals in any area of independent living the consumer chooses — including but not limited to housing, employment, education, transportation, benefits, community living and integration, and daily living skills. Answer phones and receive and respond appropriately to information and referral (I&R) requests by phone, in writing, or in person, and make appropriate referrals; obtain necessary information from consumers to provide appropriate resource information; document in CIL Suite in a timely manner. Assure accuracy of information provided to consumers and callers through current listings of resources identified in community reviews of available community-based services and supports; help verify and update the directory of community resources. Maintain current information about benefits, employment, and educational options for individuals with disabilities of all ages. Initiate consumer status for individuals with disabilities requesting assistance beyond I&R (e.g., when direct services or supports are requested). Send out applicable consumer forms that require signatures and the welcome letter; ensure consumer records and other required document files are entered into CIL Suite, and any other online documentation systems and maintain in a timely and accurate manner. Assist consumers to find community resources, access waiting lists, apply for community services and supports as appropriate, process appeals, and/or advocate for civil rights. Meet with consumers as necessary to assist them in meeting their goals, carry out their Independent Living Plans, or provide program status follow-up. Document consumer demographics and contacts by entering data into CIL Suite and produce hard copy for the CSR; some travel to meet with consumers may be necessary. Provide individual and group peer counseling and independent living skills training. Create presentations and participate in outreach efforts to educate the community about IL services and programs and increase awareness among underserved areas or populations. Work with staff of partner agencies and collaborate to increase the availability of resources and develop professional relationships. Conduct consumer satisfaction surveys and provide consumer success stories on a monthly basis or as consumers meet their goals. Make recommendations about program or service needs to the IL Program Manager, Program Director and/or Executive Director as requested. Prepare accurate activity documentation (e.g., Activity Detail Document) and submit per CBCIL policy as part of the payroll process. Attend monthly staff meetings and attend training as requested by the IL Program Manager, Program Director, Executive Director, or designee. Assist the IL Program Manager, Program Director and Executive Director as needed and requested. Other related duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
Direct experience with disability (personal experience as a person with a disability preferred, or professional engagement with the disability community). Demonstrated understanding of, and personal commitment to, the Independent Living philosophy. Organizational skills and the ability to prioritize multiple needs and tasks. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to research new sources of assistance. Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and work under pressure. Strong written and oral communication skills with diverse populations; bilingual preferred. Knowledge of community resources, disability rights laws, assistive technology, and government benefits for people with disabilities of all ages. Cross-disability team player. Associate's degree in human services or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and directly related experience, is preferred; formal training in education or counseling is desirable. Proficiency with personal computers, including Microsoft Word and Excel. Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred. Current Texas Driver's License and a reliable, insured vehicle preferred. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
(with or without reasonable accommodations): Ability to lift 5 pounds. Repeated use of sight or appropriate adaptations to read documents and computer screens. Repeated use of hearing and speech or appropriate adaptations to communicate on the telephone and in person. Walking, bending, sitting, reaching, and stretching in all directions, or appropriate adaptations. Repetitive hand movements or appropriate adaptations, such as keyboarding, writing, or operating a calculator. Pay:
From $17.00 per hour Benefits:
403(b) Dental insurance Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Mileage reimbursement Paid time off Vision insurance Work Location:
In person
