DISABILITY RESOURCE AGENCY FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING



DISABILITY RESOURCE AGENCY FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING

Independent Living Specialist

POSITION: Independent Living Specialist

SALARY: Full-time hourly employee, benefits include: medical, life insurance, paid holidays, sick leave and vacation after six-month probation period.

DEFINITION

Full-time/regular, At-Will employee working for an Independent Living Center (ILC), whose mission it is to empower individuals with disabilities to have choice and control of their lives. This involves the delivery of the six core services: needs assessments, information and referral to appropriate resources, outreach, developing consumer IL plans, housing assistance, peer advising, independent living skills training, case staffing, grassroots advocacy and the maintaining of required paperwork.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Full time/permanent position working for an Independent Living Center (ILC), whose mission it is to empower individuals with disabilities to have choice and control of their lives. Candidates applying for this position should expect to perform a full range of consumer services and grant writing duties related to this mission and will be expected to demonstrate appropriate office-related computer skills.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

This position works under general supervision, working alone on routine or regular work assignments and reporting to the Service Provider Manager, Program Manager or Executive Director on non-routine assignments or when in doubt as to the correct procedures to follow. This position does not supervise other individuals.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES (Illustrative Only)

• Responsible for coordination and delivery of the six “core" services.

• Coordination of service staff reports.

• Provide resources and other services available to persons with disabilities in DRAIL’s catchment area.

• Work with the disability community within San Joaquin/Stanislaus/Mother Lode in developing local resources, and provide input for DRAIL’s long-range plan process.

• Coordinate, network, and maintain working relationship with various agencies, and Independent Living Centers to facilitate coordination of independent living options, programs, services, and accessibility for persons with disabilities.

• Serve on appropriate Community Advisory Boards and work with community leaders to increase awareness/opportunities for persons with disabilities.

• Coordinate and conduct extensive outreach to underserved demographic, geographic, and disability populations, conduct public education in-services in the community regarding the Center’s programs, disability issues, and independent living.

• Advocate with agencies, business, and government bodies to assist persons with disabilities to live as independently as they choose.

• Submit monthly service provider reports to the Executive Director.

• Submit monthly strategic plan reports to the Executive Director.

• Carry out all other duties as assigned.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

• Standard office environment, working with and around people with varying degrees and types of disabilities.

• Various temperature exposure indoors and outdoors due to outreach services.

• Various lifting, bending, stooping and reaching activities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The knowledge and ability requirements are representative of essential duties. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Knowledge of:

• General office practices and procedures.

• Local Community Resources and Partnering Agencies

• Intermediate knowledge of various disability benefit programs and services.

• Grant writing practices

• Internet research and knowledge of programs and services available to persons with disabilities.

• Methods of data collection.

• Working with people with disabilities and disability related issues.

• Service delivery to persons with disabilities.

• Understanding the concept of the Independent Living philosophy and working knowledge of Civil Rights.

• Basic computer skills, operation of fax, copy, and TDD.

• Correct English usage, including spelling, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.

• The use of standard office equipment, including personal computers.

Ability to:

• Pass DOJ Background Check

• Provide proof of transportation, with a valid CA Driver’s License and valid Automobile Insurance.

• Have access to personal vehicle usage to travel to various work locations.

• Organize and prioritize work activities.

• Enter data into automated systems.

• Understand the concepts/philosophy of independent living.

• Read and understand rules, policies and procedures.

• Use standard word processing, spreadsheets and other software applications and desktop publishing skills.

• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing and communicate politely and in a professional manner with callers, visitors, consumers and staff.

• Effectively present information to consumers and their family, staff, local, and state agencies, and public groups on advocacy issues affecting people with disabilities.

• Determine consumer needs and direct to the appropriate resource.

• Use good judgment, discretion, and maintain confidentiality.

• Initiate projects and work with a minimum of supervision.

• Research and write grants, and oversee the development of new

programs and funding sources.

• Act as effective group leader and maintain good working relationship with staff and community representatives.

• Initiate needs assessments to determine program deficiencies, modifications, expansions, and reductions.

• Attend training, workshops, and conferences as may be applicable to the position's duties and responsibilities.

• Complete all paperwork and reports as required by agency and grantors in a timely manner.

• Works positively with DRAIL employees.

• Carry out all duties of the Strategic Plan and submit the monthly report to the supervisor.

• Complete the monthly service providers report and submit the monthly report to the supervisor.

• Ability to cope with high level of stress.

Physical Standards:

• Ability to work well under pressure.

• Mobility: ability to sit for long periods, move about an office, stand occasionally, and reach above and below desk level.

• Ability to work in various work environments with various working temps.

• Ability to walk/hike in various terrain to complete outreach activities.

• Dexterity: fine manipulation sufficient to operate a computer keyboard, handle individual papers, write and take notes.

• Visual Requirements: close vision sufficient to read files, documents, and computer screens and do close-up work; ability to adjust focus frequently.

• Hearing/Talking: ability to communicate with people with disabilities.

• Interpersonal Skills: ability to make decisions and concentrate; frequent contact with others including public contact; frequent deadlines and time-limited assignments.

Education and Experience:

• A.A. /A.S. degree in human services or equivalent in human services or related field and significant experience with disability issues.

• Self-motivated with good verbal, written, and organizational skills.

Additional Skills Desirable but Not Required:

• Experience working with people with disabilities.

• American Sign Language (ASL).

• Fluent, accurate, spoken and written Spanish

DRAIL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

To request an alternative format of this document, or further information concerning the position, please e-mail Heather Santos at heather@

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