Independent Living Specialist - Together Sc : Job Details

Able South Carolina (Able SC) is South Carolina's premier organization promoting disability rights, independence, and equity for individuals with disabilities. Serving throughout the state, Able SC promotes individual leadership, creative teamwork, and cultivates a shared pride in the future of an inclusive state.

Able SC offers a competitive salary with benefits including health, dental, vision, life, an employee assistance program, and a contribution to a retirement plan. Paid leave includes vacation, quarterly bonus days, sick leave, and 21 holidays annually.

Purpose of the Position: As an Independent Living Specialist, you will champion the rights and independence of individuals with disabilities by partnering with consumers to set and achieve personalized goals and assisting them with leading their own lives. This position reports to the Director of Independent Living.

Hours: Full-time, Flexible work week 34-40 hours per week.Status: Non-Exempt

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES (with or without accommodations):

• Provide peer mentoring and individual advocacy to assist individuals with all types of disabilities with leading their own lives.
• Assist individuals with adjusting to their disabilities and developing confidence and disability pride.
• Provide assistance with adapting skills to be successful with everyday tasks. This may include assistive technologies, modifications and supports.
• Prevent individuals with entering institutions or other restrictive settings.
• Transition individuals from institutions into the community.
• Preserve and protect disability rights.
• Assist individuals in developing independent living plans (ILPs) and keeping updated consumer progress notes.
• Provide independent living skills training and adapted strategies based on consumer needs.
• Provide support to individuals who have recently acquired a disability, helping them navigate and adjust.
• Assist monthly peer support groups and offer ongoing support for active cases.
• Conduct monthly reporting and database entry.
• Connect consumers to other Able SC programs as relevant.
• Advocate on behalf of individuals to ensure that their rights are being respected.
• Advocate with individuals for consumer choice and consumer-driven interests in all situations.
• Assist individuals with transitioning from restrictive environments to the community of their choice.
• Assist individuals with finding disability pride.
• Educate individuals and community members on the Independent Living (IL) philosophy and disability rights.
• Participate in disability-focused committees and work groups.
• Research and refer individuals to appropriate and accessible community resources.
• Maintain and update the agency's resource database with new adequate resources.
• Attend staff meetings and workgroups, and pursue professional training opportunities.
• Stay informed regarding disability rights, disability justice, and any new trends.
• Protect consumer and organization information by adhering to confidentiality standards.
• Travel onsite to meet consumers at their homes or in the community.
• Complete additional assignments from supervisors promptly.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services or other related fields. An equivalent combination of education and personal experience with disabilities may be substituted for a college degree.
• At least two years of documented experience working with persons with disabilities or personal experience with a disability is required.
• Knowledge of disability rights, disability justice and IL philosophy is required.
• Knowledge of the service system, benefits, entitlements, and supports utilized by people with disabilities.
• Experience with working in teams to accomplish goals.
• Working knowledge of community resources available to people with disabilities
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in written form
• Must have reliable transportation
• Must be able to operate a computer
• Knowledge of assistive technology and related resources

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES:

• Advocacy skills
• An embodiment of IL Philosophy
• Knowledge of community resources/systems
• Professionalism
• Ethical, Integrity, Honesty
• Emotional Intelligence
• Interpersonal skills
• Personal Accountability/Self-motivated
• Clarity in Communication
• Attentive to details, high accuracy
• Time management/skilled at prioritizing tasks
• Ability to remain calm under pressure
• Creates a positive work environment; good team player
• Works independently
• Ability to Motivate Others
• Social/Field Intelligence
• Prudent/Sound Judgment
• Conflict Management/De-escalation
• Identifies and Manages Risks
• Results Driven
• Creativity with finding alternative solutions for achieving tasks
• Commitment to Growth/Excellence
• Problem Solving/Multi-dimensional Thinker/Analytical
• Expertise in relevant laws (ADA, Fair Housing Act, Educational Rights, State Disability Laws)
• Stamina/Ability to finish long-term projects
• Consumer Motivation
• Persuasive Communication/Commands Respect
• Cultural Competency
• Confident and Engaging
• Creativity/Innovation
• Partnership Building/Builds Trust
• Provides consumer-driven services
• Demonstrates proficiency with cross-disability

Able South Carolina is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, or national origin. People with disabilities are encouraged to apply.