Independent Living Specialist - Blackfoot

Job Title: Independent Living Specialist
Locations: Blackfoot
FLSA Status: Part-time, Nonexempt

Job Summary:
The Independent Living Specialist (ILS) works under the direction of the Independent Living Program
Manager. The ILS provides Independent Living Services (information and referral, peer counseling, skills
training, advocacy, and other non-core services) to persons with disabilities seeking an independent
living situation; responds to requests for information about disability concerns; makes outreach
presentations about services offered; advocates for the collective needs of people with disabilities; and
documents services provided according to policies and procedures.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Empower people with disabilities to have personal control over their lives, self-direction, freedom
  of choice of acceptable options, risk-taking, equal access, and significant participation in society;
• Assist people with all disabilities in overcoming their expressed barriers to Independent Living and
  assist in reaching the goals they choose to pursue in their quest to live as independently as
  possible. There are many services you may provide, but there are specifically five core services
  that you will assist all consumers: 1) information & referral; 2) individual & community advocacy;
  3) peer counseling; 4) Independent Living skills training 5) transition services;
• Assist consumers in relocating from nursing homes or other institutions to community-based
  living arrangements;
• Meet and establish rapport with consumers in the LIFE service area;
• Advocate for the collective needs of people with disabilities. Activities may include: working with
  participants in filing discrimination complaints; writing letters and giving testimony concerning
  proposed ordinances; regulations or legislation affecting people with disabilities; making telephone
  calls or in-person visits with elected officials to advocate for consumers' rights and/or benefits
  needed;
• Assist consumers in problem-solving and decision-making;
• Teach self-advocacy skills;
• Conduct outreach and community education, presenting information about services offered to
  individuals, families, and groups, and other relevant disability-related information;
• Teach Independent Living skills one-on-one and in small groups, which may include occasional after-hours classes or activities;
• Provide information and referral to consumers, agencies, and others;
• Advocate and work for systems change within our communities;
• Manage special projects as assigned;
• Support with management, cleaning, storing, and distribution of assistive technology;
• Knowledge, accuracy, and timeliness of documentation of each Consumer Information File (CIF)
  for each consumer you serve;
• Serve on local committees and groups to increase collaboration and improve service delivery and
  effectiveness for our consumers;
• Maintain documentation of services and other activities according to policies and procedures;
  maintain objective, clear, and concise records of consumer contacts in consumer's files; solicit
  needed information from consumers for program evaluation and reporting purposes; record
  completed requests for information; complete monthly reports in a timely manner;
• Adhere to principles of confidentiality.
• Additional duties assigned by the management team for the operational and financial well-being of
  the organization.

Competencies:

• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes
  information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem-solving
  situations; uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; maintains confidentiality; listens to
  others without interrupting; remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to
  others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; able to
  build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; support everyone's efforts to
  succeed.
• Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; exhibits sound and accurate judgment;
  supports and explains reasoning for decisions, and makes timely decisions.
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently; develops
  realistic action plans.
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote
  quality; applies feedback to improve performance; monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; arrives at meetings and
  appointments on time.
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; and takes responsibility for
  own actions; keeps commitments; completes tasks on time or notifies the appropriate person with an
  alternate plan.
• Initiative - Takes independent actions and calculated risks.
• Skilled in the use of phones, faxes, filling systems Google Suite, and Microsoft applications

Knowledge & Critical Skills

• Personal experience with a disability;
• Highly organized and detail-oriented;
• Knowledge of local community services and resources;
• Ability to work effectively in a team;
• Computer literacy and adaptability;
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written;
• Understanding of, and commitment to, the Independent Living Philosophy;
• High level of initiative and ability to work effectively with minimum supervision;
• Excellent interpersonal skills; and
• Public speaking skills.

Physical Requirements

• Predominantly a sedentary job in an office environment; a person is not substantially exposed to
  adverse environmental conditions;
• Occasional bending at the waist;
• Data entry into computer; and
• Lifting of no more than 50 pounds.

Disclaimer
Life, A Center for Independent Living provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, political affiliation, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Life, A Center for Independent Living complies with applicable state and local nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company facilitates.

Life, A Center for Independent Living is a non-profit organization that offers employees growth and development, team spirit, a family-friendly environment, and access to a benefits package that includes: medical, dental and vision insurance, paid holidays, and much more. Reviewed: 01/17/2024