Roads To Independence
3355 Washington Blvd. Ogden, UT 84401
801-612-3215 – 801-612-3732(fax)
Employment@roadstoind.org
Position Title: Independent Living Specialist (Bilingual
English/Spanish)
Short Description: As an ILS at RTI, you’ll be at the forefront of
empowering individuals with disabilities to set and achieve goals for
independent living. The diversity of our positions reflects the varied needs of
our community.
Agency Description: Roads To Independence (RTI) is a non-profit, grassroots, advocacy
organization by and for people with disabilities. RTI is an active agency
looking to assist individuals with disabilities live as independently in the
community as possible. Core services include but are not limited to
Advocacy, Information and Referral, Life Skills Training, Peer Support,
Recreation, Assistive Technology and Nursing Home Transition and
Diversion. We primarily cover Davis,
Morgan and Weber Counties.
Status:
Full-time. Travel required, mainly through Davis, Morgan, and Weber Counties. People
with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Salary: Based
on experience (Range $18 to $23 an hour) with Retirement Benefits, Health
Insurance, Dental, Health Savings Account, and other Benefits (for those that
are employed at 30 hours and above). People with disabilities encouraged to
apply.
Reports to: Program
Manager and Executive Director.
Closing Date:
Position remains open until filled by qualified applicant.
To Apply: Email
resume and cover letter,
in your cover letter please what interests you in the position, and share with
us your experience and expertise. Please send cover letter to Employment@roadstoind.org (Please
reference “ILS position” in
the subject line of your email or resume) or mail/deliver resume to:
Roads To Independence
Attn: Andy Curry, Executive Director
3355 Washington Blvd. Ogden, UT 84401
Job Description: An Independent Living (IL) Specialist
partners with people with disabilities to identify, develop, and achieve goals
that support greater independence, self-determination, and full participation
in community life. Independent living goals are individualized and based on
each person’s unique needs, strengths, and aspirations. Examples of goals are (but not limited to): Finding
affordable accessible housing, acquiring and using adaptive equipment, transitioning
people out of nursing homes, transitions youth to adult hood, developing life
skills (such as cooking, cleaning, money management, etc.), applying for
various social service programs like social security, food stamps, Medicaid,
employment programs, systems advocacy, individual advocacy, transportation,
employment, etc.
As an ILS at RTI, you’ll be
at the forefront of empowering individuals with disabilities to set and achieve
goals for independent living. The diversity of our positions reflects the
varied needs of our community.
An exemplary Independent
Living Specialist (ILS) seamlessly blends the roles of a compassionate case
manager, a dedicated life skills instructor, and, unquestionably, a relentless
advocate. Together, these facets form the foundation of our commitment to empowering
individuals with disabilities towards a path of independence. If you’re ready
to be an integral part of a mission-driven organization, fostering independence
in diverse communities, we encourage you to apply. Be a catalyst for positive
change as an Independent Living Specialist at RTI!
Essential Duties/Qualifications:
¨
Knowledge of community resources, food stamps,
Medicaid, Medicare, social security programs, Employment services, housing
programs, transportation, etc.
¨
Experience with setting independent living goals
with people with disabilities, providing individual and group services and
maintaining consumer service records.
¨ The ability to advocate on issues promoting the
independence of people with disabilities.
¨ Ability to build alliances with disability advocates
and covered entities.
¨ Knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and
other disability related laws (helpful but not required.
¨
Ability to verbalize and express ideas clearly
in written, oral, and computer communications.
¨
Bilingual abilities strongly recommended.
¨ Interact with consumers in a professional manner with
respect for their rights and maintain strict adherence to the independent
living philosophy.
¨ Keep accurate counts and records of individual goals
set by consumers and goals reached, and all demographics of each consumer.
¨ Personal experience with a disability is preferred.
¨
Evaluate consumer’s needs (including independent
living skill development and community supports needed for increased
independence) and make eligibility recommendations (re: Medicaid, subsidized
housing, Medicaid waivers, food stamps, Area Agency on Aging services, etc).
¨
Advocate for consumers and teach Independent
Living skills to consumers accessing community services like housing, personal
attendant services, financial resources, transportation, medical care,
housekeeping services, etc., by working with discharge planners, collaborating
with community service providers, and providing follow up services needed to
ensure that consumers achieve their goals.
¨
Provide individual services, peer support and
conduct independent living skill classes, groups, and activities as consumer
needs dictate.
¨
Participate in public awareness activities
including disability awareness presentations.
¨
For positions working with youth with
disabilities: knowledge of IEP’s, 504, lesson plans, etc.
¨
For position working with adults in
transitioning out of nursing homes or other institutions: knowledge of nursing
home eligibility, Medicaid, ADL’s, IADLS,
¨
Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive
Director.
Requirements:
¨ Bilingual
in English and Spanish.
¨ High school diploma or GED required; some college
experience and/or a degree preferred.
¨ Computer literate.
¨ Willingness to advocate, coordinate, and educate.
¨ Experience working with people with disabilities or
other minority groups, personal experience with a disability is preferred.
¨ Reliable means of transportation to travel throughout
a multi-county service area.
¨ Must have an acceptable Criminal Background Check.
¨ Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Miscellaneous information:
This job description is not intended to be and
should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills,
efforts or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to be an accurate
reflection of the job requirements, RTI reserves the right to modify, add or
remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary.
The work schedule requires flexibility and is
dependent upon program needs. Work is typically performed in an office
environmentally controlled setting. The position requires traveling in
the service area and working flexible hours and occasionally working weekends
and evenings.
RTI is an affirmative action/equal opportunity
employer and is committed to increasing the diversity of its workforce and
sustaining a work environment that is inclusive. Women, minorities, veterans
and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Reasonable
accommodations will be made for employees with disabilities.