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:

We are seeking someone with exceptional empathy, strong interpersonal skills, and a person-centered approach. This role may be perfect for you if you possess excellent assessment skills, decision-making abilities, and the ability to collaborate effectively with residents living in Skilled Nursing Facilities and Transition Coordination Agencies.

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

Requirements

What you bring to the table:

The Options Counseling (OC) Specialist is responsible for receiving referrals and meeting with residents living in Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF) who want to transition to independent living in the community. The Specialist gives the SNF resident information on transition options, services, and the transition process along with processing resident referrals with Transition Coordination Agencies (TCAs). The Specialist works within the guidelines set forth by the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) and to begin the process to successfully transition consumers out of nursing home environments and into independent living arrangements. 

Along with 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.

Specifically:

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Demonstrates The IC’s core values of Adaptability, Collaboration, Inclusion, Integrity and Person First.
• Commitment to co-creating a culture that fosters diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.
• Extraordinary customer service skills.
• Effective communication skills.
• Self-motivated, persistent, and flexible.
• Strong organizational skills and detail oriented.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities as well as deadlines.
• Takes responsibility for high-quality work.
• Capacity to work individually and as a member of a team in a team-oriented, inclusive environment.
• Possess decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• The capacity to empower individuals to advocate for themselves to maximize independence.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and work within the confines of HIPAA regulations.
• Proficiency with computers, including MS Windows, MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams), Zoom and other common computer programs.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Ensure the philosophy, mission and goals of the Independent Living Program are maintained. 
• Have a working knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, and the Fair Housing Act.
• Receive referrals from facility residents through self-referrals and Minimum Data Set (MDS) section Q process, family, friends, case managers, and Long-Term Care (LTC) facility staff. The transition meeting shall occur within ten business days of the referral.
• Counsel residents who wish to transition to the community and offer them a choice of programs available through Medicaid Home and Community Based Services.
• Complete necessary Health Care Policy & Finance (HCPF) paperwork and make a referral to a TCA.
• Complete all paperwork and documentation necessary to start a consumer service record in a timely manner, enter data into the database to meet State regulatory requirements.
• Work as a team member to ensure consumers receive quality services by identifying needs and making appropriate referrals to IL staff as needed for employment, housing, SSI benefits, etc.
• Conduct educational training to the general, public, and nursing facilities concerning the TCM-TC program.
• Support the Independent Living Team through attendance and participation in Team meetings.
• Participate in IC Committee and Pillar Groups.
• This position may also require the performance of other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• High School diploma or GED.
• Associate degree preferred.
• Experience facilitating meetings in both virtual and in-person platforms.
• Experience working with people with disabilities preferred.
• Knowledge of the Community Transition Services program preferred.
• Familiarity with Skilled Nursing Facilities preferred. 
• Lived experience with a disability preferred.

Travel:

• Sporadic travel 1- 2 times per week to meet with local partners, collaborators, and vendors for official IC related business and events may be required.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and car insurance.

Working Conditions:

• Office environment requiring ongoing computer use and extended amount of time sitting or standing.
• Frequently lift, push, pull, up to 10 lbs. 
• Internet access to work remotely if protocols are issued for remote work.

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.