Youth (ILA) Independent Living Advisor

JOB TITLE

: Youth Independent Living Advisor (ILA)

REPORTS TO

Independent Living Services Manager

PRIMARY OFFICE

Boulder or North Metro (Thornton) with Travel Requirements

FLSA/EMPLOYEE STATUS

Full-Time (32 hrs. /wk.; 4 days/wk.); Non-exempt

PAY & BENEFITS

$28-32/hr.

Benefits include:

medical, dental, vision, life and accident insurance; Employee Assistance Programs (EAP); 401(k); paid holidays, vacation time, and sick time. Company Overview The Center for People With Disabilities (CPWD) is a dedicated nonprofit organization committed to fostering an inclusive community where all members are welcomed and supported. Established in in 1977, CPWD is a Center for Independent Living that offers a wide range of services led by individuals with disabilities, emphasizing consumer choice and empowerment. Summary This position will focus on providing employment and Independent Living services to youth with various disabilities ages 14 to 24, but may also work with consumers of all ages, as needed.

Services may include:

individual and systems advocacy, Independent Living skills training, information and referral services, and peer support to individuals and groups of youth and/or parents of youth with disabilities. Though primarily based out of CPWD's Boulder or North Metro Office, the Youth ILA will provide services to all consumers within all of CPWD's covered counties. 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 respons

Ibilities:

Provide one-on-one direct services to consumers, including the core services of Independent Living skills training, advocacy, information and referral, peer support and mentoring, and youth transitions. This may include formulating an Independent Living Plan, assistance with benefits applications, applying to local Community Center Board programs, or working with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Must be able to manage a full caseload of approximately 25-35 consumers. Meet with assigned consumers at least once a month to ensure that their goals, and progress on meeting them, are regularly assessed. Assess consumers' stated and implied needs and goals as part of setting individual Independent Living goals. Actively support consumers to pursue employment by providing job readiness training to assist youth with obtaining and maintaining employment. As needed, facilitate peer support groups, social activities and employment workshops in local schools. Participate in the planning and facilitation of CPWD's Youth Employment Program that occurs every summer. Collaborate with parents of youth to support the youth's goals. Develop a deep knowledge and understanding of local community resources for transition age youth, such as cross-disability service providers, government and non-profit agencies. 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 communicate them to consumers and other community organizations. Work independently, schedule and manage personal workload, and recognize when there is a need for approval or support from the supervisor. Complete thorough, accurate and timely documentation for direct services with consumers. 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 up to 50% as required for direct services, meetings, outreach activities, training events, and partner engagement. Participate in CPWD staff meetings, program meetings, and staff training activities. Perform other duties, as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Associate's degree in a relevant field or relevant equivalent 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 or relevant experience in a related human service field. 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 averaging up to 50% of work time, including travel in various weather conditions Primarily based out of the Boulder or North Metro CPWD office location. May be asked to work out of any CPWD office, as needed.

HOW TO APPLY

As a Center for Independent Living, CPWD values the perspectives of people with disabilities and encourages individuals with disabilities to apply. Please submit an updated résumé and customized cover letter to jobs@cpwd.org explaining why you are a strong candidate for this position. See the full post on our website, where you can read more about us and what we do. We look forward to hearing from you! www.cpwd.org

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The Center for People With Disabilities is committed to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity and to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We actively work to challenge and dismantle systemic racism and other forms of oppression. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants and employees on the basis of disability; race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles); color; national origin; ancestry; religion or creed; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; age (40 and over); genetic information; veteran or military status; marital or familial status; or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. CPWD provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to applicants during the hiring process, in accordance with applicable law, unless doing so would create an undue hardship. (Rev. 06.16.26)

Pay:

$28.00

• $32.

00 per hour

Benefits:

Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Mileage reimbursement Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance Application Question(s): Do you have working knowledge of disabilities and disability-related issues? This position regularly travels throughout (Counties) and surrounding communities to meet youth in schools, community settings, and our offices. Are you able to meet this requirement? What interests you about working with youth and young adults (ages 14-24) with disabilities? This position requires facilitating groups, building relationships with youth, and meeting participants in schools and the community. Which of the following best describes your experience?

• No experience
• Some experience (less than 1 year)
• 1-3 years
• More than 3 years Please briefly explain.

Our services are consumer-directed, meaning youth make their own informed choices whenever possible. Why is this approach important to you? This position requires occasional evening events and community outreach activities. Are you able to meet this requirement? Ability to

Commute:

Boulder, CO 80301 (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person