Montana Jobs

The Independent Living Specialist is responsible for the provision of advocacy and resourcedevelopment, peer support, information and referral, skills training, and service coordinationfor people with disabilities. This position will also serve as a coordinator and mentor for theKalispell area youth transition services. Excellent communication skills, ability to developrapport with youth, to work effectively as a Summit team member and independently in thecommunity are essential for success in this role.The starting hourly wage for this position is $19 per hour, DOE. Benefits include healthinsurance, life insurance, 401 (k) plan with employer match, flexible spending plan, paidholidays, generous personal allowable leave for vacation and sick days, and long-term illnessleave.I. JOB SUMMARY:Primary responsibilities of this position include provision of advocacy and resource development, peer support, information and referral, skills training, service coordination for people with disabilities, and coordinator and mentor for the Kalispell area youth transition services. Additionally, this position will work as a team member to conduct advocacy, outreach, and public education activities designed to improve service systems, increase public understanding of disability issues, improve community resources, and advance civil rights of people with disabilities.II. JOB RELATIONSHIPS:A. Responsible to the County Coordinator.B. Supervise others as assigned: interns, trainees, or volunteers.C. Responsible for maintaining successful relationships with management, coworkers, consumers, community representatives, and the public.D. Work as a team member in support of Summit’s mission, programs, and services; work collaboratively with other team members on joint assignments.III. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONSA. Consumer Service Duties:1. Act as service coordinator for consumers, including assessment of current needs, development of independent living plan, and coordination of services within Summit and outside agencies and service providers.2. Provide advocacy, skills training, information and referral, transitions assistance and peer support services to consumers to facilitate achievement of their independent living goals. Work as a team member to coordinate services with other staff.3. Research and stay current on regulations for SSI/SSDI, Medicaid/Medicare, vocational rehabilitation, housing subsidy programs, energy assistance, food stamps and other benefitsprograms; provide information, support and advocacy to consumers to help them secure benefits, services and community resources appropriate for their needs.4. Provide information, training and support to consumers to facilitate understanding of their rights and responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Fair Housing Act, and other civil rights laws for people with disabilities.5. Work as a team member to organize, coordinate, promote and facilitate classes and workshops.6. Provide information and referral (I&R) services to consumers, family, and community members.7. Work with consumers to set clear expectations, responsibilities, and goals. Assist consumers in learning and exercising self-reliance, self-help, and self-advocacy skills.8. Serve as role model, mentor, and proactive leader in the disability movement.B. Youth Transition Services:1. Serve as point person to coordinate Summit’s Pre-Employment Youth Transition Services (Pre-ETS).2. Responsible for working closely with Summit staff involved with youth transition services in the Kalispell area to coordinate youth transition and employment services and supports for transition-age youth with disabilities.3. Responsible for establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with local schools, Montana Vocational Rehabilitation, local and state social service agencies, employers, and the public to promote Summit services and solicit referrals.4. Assist with development and ongoing provision of work readiness and employment services for people with disabilities in Kalispell and surrounding areas.5. Assist with programming and facilitation of classes such as Building Advocacy & Learning Leadership Skills (BALLS), Building Occupational Success Skills (BOSS), YODA, and other activities, as assigned.6. Communicate with direct supervisors on a regular basis to discuss any problem areas, provide updates on new developments and report progress on program objectives.7. Assist with data collection and reporting to meet requirements of state and federal funding sources.C. Advocacy, Public Education and Outreach Duties:1. Work as a team member to plan, organize and implement advocacy and public education initiatives.2. Participate in community events and public relations efforts, to include public speaking/presentations to agencies, groups, and organizations, as assigned.3. Serve as liaison to local, state, and national agencies and organizations to promote disability issues and programs, as assigned.4. Work as a team member to organize and conduct workshops, public forums, and other community meetings, as assigned.5. Work as a team member to conduct outreach activities to identify and serve underserved/unserved populations, as assigned.D. GENERAL DUTIES:1. Complete accurate and timely documentation of activities including time card, employee expense sheet, online CIL Suite database, and other required documentation.2. Maintain consumer confidentiality.3. Complete general office duties such as answering telephone, scheduling appointments, making copies, sending, and receiving faxes, filing, and other general clerical tasks.4. Utilize computer for preparing work-related correspondence, reports and other documents, email, internet access, and organizing, storing, and retrieving data.5. Comply with all Summit policies and procedures.E. NON- ESSENTIAL DUTIES:Other duties as assigned.V. REQUIREMENTS:A. Education: Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, education, or related field; or a combination of related education, training, and experience (e.g. Associate’s degree in social work, human services, psychology, education, or related field).B. Licenses, Certification, Registrations:Must be able to provide/coordinate own transportation as well as have a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance if employee uses their vehicle for work-related travel.C. Qualifications:1. Two (2) years’ experience providing human services to people with disabilities or people with needs related to barriers to independent living. Personal experience with disability preferred.2. Knowledge (or ability to learn) history of disability rights, independent living philosophy and practices, and advocacy strategies and techniques.3. Knowledge (or ability to learn) service coordination procedures and community resources for persons with disabilities, including SSI/SSDI, Medicaid/Medicare, vocational rehabilitation, housing subsidy programs, energy assistance, food stamps, and other relevant benefits programs.4. Knowledge of (or ability to learn) skills training components related to independent living; ability to facilitate classes and workshops for people with disabilities and other participants.5. Knowledge (or ability to learn) working within plans, policies, and procedures of an organization; following regulations of local, state, and federal agencies.6. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with community partner agencies and the business community. Skilled in networking and liaison activities.7. Strong organizational and time management skills and ability to manage multiple priorities, meet project deadlines, and maintain high quality of services.8. Skilled in the use of computer, printer, fax machine and other basic office equipment found in a modern office setting.9. Demonstrated ability to work independent of direct supervision upon completion of on-boarding process.10. Ability to pass a criminal background check.11. Ability to maintain financial, employee, and consumer confidentiality, with knowledge and understanding of HIPAA.12. Ability to meet Summit's standard for appearance and conduct in a professional setting.VI. OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION:This is a 40 hour/week non-exempt position compensated on an hourly basis. The position is based in Summit’s Kalispell office.VII. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:Summit will provide reasonable accommodation for any known disabilities of employee to enable them to complete the essential functions of their jobs.Individuals interested in applying must submit a current resume, cover letter, and Summitemployment application. Position open UNTIL FILLED. Application materials available fordownload on Summit’s website at www.summitilc.org/about/employment

Montana Jobs