Posted 04/25/11 - Resume with atleast three references must be received no later than 5pm, May 11, 2011 .

POSITION

Independent Living Specialist

SALARY:

Full-time salaried position ($28,273) with full benefits package.

DESCRIPTION:

The Independent Living Specialist is responsible for assisting persons with disabilities to receive appropriate direct and referred services, which will enable them to live more independently. Develop contacts and provide services to consumers in communities within the service area. This position reports to the Program Manager.

DUTIES:

1. Conducting intake and assessments of all consumers seeking independent living (IL) services.

2. Receive and respond appropriately to I&R requests, by phone (voice or TDD), written request, or in person, provide information and make appropriate referrals in a timely manner.

3. Provide orientation to Independent Living Philosophy and IL services to new consumers and those who request individualized services.

4. Provide the four core services: Information & Referral, Advocacy, Peer Support, Independent Living Skills Training and/or other IL services which address the needs of the consumer. Assists consumers to understand and overcome social and emotional problems associated with disability.

5. Maintain a thorough understanding of the needs of persons with disabilities and what resources are available in the community.

6. Keep detailed records of all contacts including I&R, advocacy, outreach and documentation of confident consumer files. Prepares reports/completes agency forms to document the consumers ability and the services provided to help the consumer perform varied activities necessary for independent function.

7. Conduct community training and in-service when appropriate; provide in service training to external service providers to increase awareness of psychological and informational needs of consumers with disabilities ; and, provide coordination/collaboration with local mental health providers for consumers in need of long term support services.

8. ILS must exercise incentive, ingenuity and sound judgment in technical matters and workload coordination.

9. Maintain and update information resources file as a complete, organized and usable database of disability-related services and organizations in the service area.

10. Conduct activities to reach un-served and under served populations. This includes developing resources in outlying communities in the service area.

11. Other duties as assigned by Program Manager

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor of Sciences in Social Services or related field preferred. Experience may be substituted for education on a year-to-year basis.

2. Life experience with a disability is preferred or experience working with people with disabilities.

3. Self motivated with good verbal, written and organizational skills.

4. Basic computer skills, operation of fax, copier and TDD.

5. Ability to maintain a large number of consumer files.

6. Ability to handle stress and work under pressure.

7. Must have a valid driver’s license and a vehicle for transportation. It is necessary to be able to travel in the service area on agency business.

8. Must have an understanding of commitment to the concepts and philosophy of independent living and self-determination of persons with disabilities.

9. Ability to define problems, collect and interpret information.

10. Knowledge of disability issues, laws, policies and regulations.

11. Ability to enter consumer homes and provide IL services.

Wyoming Independent Living Rehabilitation, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and is non-discriminatory in its hiring practice. However, all other qualifications being equal, an applicant with a disability will be given preference. EOE/ADA.

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