Description

The IC: Building a world where everyone is Known, Valued, and Included.

Getting to know us: 

The Independence Center is the local home of civil rights for people with disabilities. Working with individuals, their families, and the community, we create independence so that all may thrive. We are not an assisted living center; instead, our organization provides information, resources, and support to help people with disabilities live, learn, work, play, and participate in civic life as equals. 

Why YOU are a good fit:

Are you familiar with local housing markets, subsidized housing programs, and fair housing laws? Can you empathize with clients and be understanding of the cultural and socioeconomic needs of the populations we serve? Will you combine your knowledge with compassion and empowerment of individuals to help them obtain stable housing? If you said yes, then this is the position for you!!

What makes us one of the Gazette’s “Best Places to Work” every year:

Want to make a meaningful difference in our community while enjoying a healthy work-life balance? The IC offers a fun, casual and supportive work environment, competitive pay, and great benefits including:

• Flexible Fridays 
• Paid sick time and frontloaded PTO
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Exceptional medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Tuition reimbursement

Requirements

What you bring to the table:

A desire to work alongside people with disabilities, make a significant contribution to the independent living movement and work with terrific teammates. You’re passionate, excited about making a meaningful impact, and ready to join an organization that leans into the challenges of educating our community about the importance of equal rights and empowerment for people with disabilities.

The IL Housing Specialist II is responsible for meeting the needs of The Independence Center (The IC)’s housing program consumers. This includes engaging with voucher program participants and other stakeholders, increasing consumer access to state and federal housing assistance, and advocating for affordable and accessible housing in our community.

Specifically:

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to establish and maintain constructive working relationships.
• Excellent observational skills.
• Strong organizational skills and detail oriented.
• Possess integrity and reliability.
• Self-motivated, persistent, and flexible.
• Capacity to work individually and as a member of a team in a team-oriented, inclusive environment.
• Takes responsibility for high-quality work.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to analyze processes and provide recommendations for improvement. 
• Possess decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Maintains a high level of confidentiality and works within the confines of HIPPA regulations.
• The capacity to empower individuals to advocate for themselves to maximize independence.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Support and uphold the philosophy, mission, and goals of the Independent Living program.
• Possess a working knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, and the Fair Housing Act.
• Manage an active housing voucher caseload efficiently.
• Determine housing voucher holders' eligibility and conduct annual recertifications.
• Conduct voucher participant briefings, providing overview and introduction to the associated voucher program.
• As needed, conduct new admission and annual Housing Quality Standards inspections 
• Provide accurate documentation to the Division of Housing within specified timelines.
• Enter services into the ELITE system promptly to meet State regulatory requirements.
• Foster engagement with voucher program participants, families, landlords/property managers, Division of Housing, and IC staff to enhance access to housing and support program participants with state and federal housing assistance.
• Develop and maintain relationships with landlords/property managers, updating the database as needed, and collaborate with VA system Case Managers and other partnering agencies.
• Attend the Division of Housing educational webinars, affiliated partner meetings and conduct tenant conferences as needed.
• Advocate for affordable, accessible, universally designed, and “visit-able” housing in the community.
• Support the Independent Living Team through attendance and participation in Team meetings.
• Participate in IC Committee and Pillar Groups.

Education and Experience:

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Three or more years of experience working in case management or a related field. 
• Desire to work with people with disabilities.
• Ability to travel within Colorado Springs and surrounding counties to meet with individuals and groups, to present information and training.
• Proficient with computers, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Outlook, Teams, and Zoom.
• Demonstrates The Independence Center’s core values of Inclusion, Adaptability, Person First, Collaboration, and Integrity as well as its essential team virtues of Humble, Hungry, and Smart.
• Bachelor's Degree preferred.
• Knowledge of housing accessibility standards preferred.
• Experience managing housing vouchers preferred.

Travel

• Regional and national travel may be required.

Working Conditions:

• Office environment requiring ongoing computer use and extended amount of time sitting or standing.
• Internet access to work remotely if protocols are issued for remote work.
• Must maintain an acceptable Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) as determined by The IC’s liability insurance carrier. Employees who are required to drive for the agency in the course and scope of employment will be subject to reasonable suspicion, post-incident, and bi-annual random MVR checks to determine driving acceptability and must maintain an acceptable Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) as determined by The IC’s liability insurance carrier to maintain employment. 

Physical and Mental Requirements:

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

We are accessible, inclusive, and awesome – here’s why:

The Independence Center is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity. We will not tolerate any employee engaging in unlawful discrimination, harassment or retaliation against any employee or applicant because of race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, age, pregnancy status, religion, creed, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, spousal or civil union status, veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law. In accordance with the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, The IC will not discriminate against individuals with disabilities.