Independent Living Generalist

Description

The Independent Living Generalist serves as a universal worker dedicated to advancing the Independence Center’s mission by supporting and delivering core Independent Living (IL) services—Information and Referral, Peer Support, Advocacy, and Independent Living Skills Training. This role ensures consumers, including those in outlying and underserved areas, have equitable access to services that promote independence and self-advocacy. In addition, the Independent Living Generalist provides essential administrative and program support, including but not limited to transportation and program documentation, to strengthen the overall effectiveness of IL programs and staff.

Essential Responsibilities:

· Maintain a psychologically safe and inclusive work environment that embraces diversity and cross-disability perspectives, ensuring all coworkers and service users feel known, valued, and included.

· Help identify and carry out ways to bring Independent Living services to outlying counties, with a focus on the needs of the disability community

· Ensure equitable access to services such as Information and Referral, Peer Support, Advocacy, and Independent Living Skills Training across our catchment area, including underserved and rural communities.

· Attend meetings of the Emergency Operations staff in each of the counties we serve, as well as the city or other government agencies that offer emergency services, to understand and include the needs of people with disabilities.

· Assist with transition student meetings either in person at The Independence Center, at the District 8 Special Education Department Campus, or virtually to identify necessary services.

· Responsible for entering services into the database to meet State regulatory requirements in a timely manner as needed or requested.

· Maintain an understanding of each of The IC programs and services and community resources that assist people with disabilities.

· Participate and engage in any required program, committee or IC meeting.

· Punctuality and consistent attendance are essential for maintaining operations efficiency, contributing to your team, and fostering a positive work environment.

· This position may also require the performance of other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Required Skills/Abilities:

· Demonstrates The IC’s core values of Adaptability, Collaboration, Inclusion, Integrity and Person First.

· Commitment to co-creating a culture that fosters diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.

· Extraordinary customer service skills.

· Effective communication skills.

· Self-motivated, persistent, and flexible.

· Strong organizational skills and detail oriented.

· Ability to handle multiple priorities as well as deadlines.

· Takes responsibility for high-quality work.

· Capacity to work individually and as a member of a team in a team-oriented, inclusive environment.

· Possess decision-making and problem-solving skills.

· The capacity to empower individuals to advocate for themselves to maximize independence.

· Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and work within the confines of HIPAA regulations.

· Proficiency with computers, including MS Windows, MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams), Zoom and other common computer programs.

· Ensure the philosophy, mission and goals of the Independent Living Program are maintained.

Education and Experience:

· A minimum of one year of experience working with people with disabilities.

· Knowledge of Peer Support best practices preferred.

· Knowledge of community resources for people with disabilities is required.

· Experience working with people with disabilities is required.

· Lived experience with a disability preferred.

Travel:

· Daily travel within our catchment area, Park, Teller, El Paso, Lincoln, Cheyenne, and Kit Carson counties-to partners, collaborators, and vendors for official IC related business and events is required.

· Must have a valid driver’s license and car insurance.

Working Conditions:

· Office environment requiring ongoing computer use and extended amount of time sitting or standing.

· Frequently lift, push, pull, up to 10 lbs.

· Internet access to work remotely if protocols are issued for remote work.

Reasonable accommodations may be provided to empower the qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of this position.