Independent Living Services Coordinator

Basic Function

As part of the Community Services Department, assist consumers with varying disabilities in gaining skills, support resources and information they need to live independently in the community. Participate in outreach activities to members of the general community: service providers, community organizations, individuals with disabilities and their families.

Responsibilities

• Information and Referral: Provide reliable information and make referrals where a need is identified to members of the general community, service providers, community organizations, employers, family members, and individuals with disabilities. Understand the programs GSIL offers and who/when is appropriate for a referral to these programs.
• Direct Services: Conduct in person intakes; assess consumer needs; develop Independent Living plans with consumers; provide independent living services and skill-building.
• Record Keeping: Submit accurate, required consumer notes within 24 hours of service and complete required reports within assigned time frames.
• Resource and Development: Identify and utilize local resources in support of community living for people with disabilities such as: referral and service resources; housing, transportation services and other services as needed.
• Access Modification: Visually evaluate home, vehicle and community accessibility needs., Facilitate the AMP process by assisting consumers seeking Title VII, Part B or other AMP funding in accessing comparable benefits, locally and statewide; provide support, as needed, toward establishing eligibility; contact vendors, consult on project design and implementation, obtain bids, verify project completion by visual inspection and signing off on consumer paperwork that the job has been completed to their satisfaction and vendor can be paid.
• Coaching: Help people with disabilities accomplish their independent living goals and achieve greater levels of self-determination through teaching life skills that align with their IL Goals. Teach independent living skills training such as financial management, organization skills, etc. by facilitating one-on-one or group workshops
• Community Education: Participate in outreach presentations and individualized outreach on disability topics for the general community: including to service providers, community organizations, consumer groups and employers.
• Advocacy/ Self-Advocacy: Support and encourage consumer self-advocacy efforts and when necessary and requested, advocate on behalf of consumers.
• Transportation: Conduct travel training by educating individuals on how to use the public transportation system to access his/her community transportation system alone. Help coordinate other transportation services as needed.
• Youth Transition Program: Support youth with disabilities as they transition to becoming independent adults.
• Peer Support: Connect people with disabilities with their peers so they can help each other
  achieve individual and shared community goals. Assist in providing GSIL's Peer Support activities for the region in which you work.
• Employment: Support individuals who wish to maintain or obtain employment in achieving their goals by referring to the appropriate agency.
• Conduct other duties as assigned that will increase options for persons with disabilities to live independently in the community.

Quality and Performance Standards:

Ability to develop an appropriate professional relationship with program participants, community agencies and funding sources
Contribute to the achievement of program and fiscal goals
Achievement of goals and objectives set out in Annual Performance Appraisal
Develop innovative initiatives to enhance program services.

Other Responsibilities

• Participate in general GSIL events and activities.
• Maintain professional knowledge/skills by reviewing professional literature and attending trainings/workshops.
• Support and uphold GSIL policies and procedures, workplace regulations and safety practices.
• Share newsworthy information appropriately throughout the organization.

Education/Training/Experience

Minimum of an associate degree in social services, education, or a related field with at least 2-3 years of related experience required. A bachelor's degree in social services, education, or a related field with at least 2 years of related experience preferred. Outgoing individual with ability to communicate well and organize work independently. Ability to provide information, direct services, and advocacy for consumers. Personal experience with a disability preferred. Proficiency in Microsoft Office. 

Physical /Mental Demands

While performing the duties of this position, the individual is regularly required to sit, use a computer, a telephone, and other office equipment and to move throughout the building and attend outside meetings. Employees may occasionally need to exert up to 10 pounds of force to lift carry, push or otherwise move objects (e.g., files or presentation materials). Travel throughout the state is required. May enter an unsafe (sanitary/structural concerns) environment while performing job duties, if this occurs leave and report to the appropriate parties. This position requires excellent communication and organizational skills. Exceptional judgment is regularly required to evaluate results and make decisions.
Reasonable accommodations will be made available to assist persons with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

About Us!

Granite State Independent Living is a statewide non-profit and New Hampshire's only Center for Independent Living, we stay close to our roots with a focus on our 5 core services of education, information, advocacy, support, and transition services for people with disabilities and underserved youth. We can speak and think with authority on behalf of the people we serve and support because we are led by a board of directors and staff of which over 51% are people with disabilities.

We carry out our mission through our Home Care Services, Community-Based Disability Supports and Employment Services. With the help of our local New Hampshire communities, we assist people with the tools for living life independently, so they can change their lives for the better. While much has changed over the years, one thing remains the same; GSIL is committed to the principle of personal choice and direction.

Granite State Independent Living is an Equal Opportunity Employer!

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement