Reports To: Vice President of Community Integration
TO APPLY for this position please email COVER LETTER AND RESUME to the email address: darrelc@ability360.org Position will remain open until it is filled.
Position Summary:
Ability360 is a nonprofit organization that offers and promotes programs designed to empower people with disabilities to take personal responsibility so that they may achieve or continue independent lifestyles within the community.
The Independent Living Skills Advocate will work directly with people with disabilities to support their efforts to adapt or maintain an independent lifestyle. Complete assigned responsibilities with emphasis on assessing consumer needs, developing goals, and providing independent living skills instruction. The position provides a local presence and comprehensive Independent Living (IL) services, outreaching to Pinal County’s residents with disabilities, including unserved and underserved populations on the reservations.
Required Education and Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Social Services, counseling, social work, or related field.
- Experience working in the disability community and knowledge of community resources available to individuals with disabilities.
- Demonstrates through actions and language an understanding and commitment of the Independent Living philosophy of Centers for Independent Living (CILs).
- Excellent customer service and case management skills.
- Outstanding communication skills, both written and oral.
- Strong research, analytical and organizational skills.
- Sets appropriate priorities and develops course of action to achieve goals/objectives. Possess strong time management skills and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to take initiative and work with minimal supervision.
- Develops new methods of service provision.
- Considerable knowledge of the causes and effects of various disabilities.
- Ability to effectively establish and maintain professional relationships with consumers, staff, and community partners.
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.
- Pass Criminal Background Check.
- Bi-lingual highly desired.
Essential Responsibilities / Accountabilities:
Provide Independent Living Skills Instruction, Information & Referral services, Individual & Systems Advocacy, and facilitate Peer Mentoring and Support.
- Responds to initial contacts by consumers, contract service providers, family members, social service agencies and community at large.
- Assess and document consumer needs and goals, with emphasis on independent living skills training.
- Provides both one-on-one and group skills training, peer counseling/support, social and recreational assistance and outreach.
- Maintains current consumer information, utilizing computer database.
- Documents consumer progress and program activity and submits billing information and monthly activity reports as required.
- Makes referrals to other Ability360 programs or services in the community as appropriate.
Conduct weekly outreach to public and private groups throughout the county to increase community awareness of the IL Philosophy and availability of IL services.
One key function of the ILSA staff is to establish a registry of affordable, accessible housing. The staff at the satellite office will conduct outreach to determine how many people with disabilities NEED such housing and how many homes on the market can accommodate those needs.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Work Environment:
Position requires work inside the office as well as travel for home visits and presentations in the community. Must have own transportation.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
This is a full-time salaried position. Days and hours of work are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Salary:
A competitive salary commensurate with experience with a complete benefits package including health, dental, vision, 403 (b) retirement plan with employer match.
Ability360’s Affirmative Action Policy:
Ability360 abides by the requirements of 41 CFR §§ 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60- 741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, disability, or national origin.
Moreover, these regulations require that Ability360 take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.
Further, Ability360 will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of any protected status under federal and Arizona law, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the Age Discrimination and Employment Act, State Executive Order No. 75-5, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
When applying for a job and being considered for employment, applicants are given a form prescribed by the US Department of Labor Office for Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) asking him or her to voluntarily disclose whether he or she has a disability. Applicants may complete this form understanding that the information on it is kept separate from their application materials or any subsequent personnel file. The information is for statistical purposes only as required by Federal law. An applicant who completes the form is not guaranteed a job or any special preference for a job.
Reasonable Accommodation:
Any employee, whether full- or part-time, who requests a workplace modification or an alteration in policies, practices or procedures for purposes of providing an accommodation based on disability and performing the essential functions of the job is accommodated pursuant to Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Ability360 is Fragrance Free!
Please do not wear scented products at Ability360 while at work, meetings, and/or events.