Youth Independent Living Specialist (Part-Time)

Position Summary:

The Youth Independent Living Specialist works with students and young adults with disabilities to help them prepare for life after high school. This position will provide practical support, education, and connections to resources while helping youth build confidence, independence, and self-advocacy skills.

Main Responsibilities:

• Work directly with youth and young adults with disabilities on transition and independent living goals.
• Provide individual or group activities on topics such as self-advocacy, employment, college or training, transportation, budgeting, housing, and community living.
• Help students understand accommodations, disability rights, and how to communicate what they need.
• Connect students and families with CAL services and other community resources.
• Provide information on supported decision-making and alternatives to guardianship.
• Build relationships with schools, transition staff, families, OVR, community organizations, and other partners.
• Attend transition fairs, school events, presentations, and other outreach opportunities.
• Assist with youth and family surveys, workshops, and activities connected to the KDE Transition 360/SPARK grant.
• Maintain basic documentation of services, referrals, activities, and outcomes for program reporting.
• Share success stories and program highlights with CAL leadership for grant reporting.
• Assist with other youth-focused Independent Living activities as needed.

Independent Living Services:

The specialist may provide or connect youth to CAL's core Independent Living services, including:

• Information and Referral
• Independent Living Skills Training
• Individual and Systems Advocacy
• Peer Support
• Youth Transition Services

Qualifications:

• Experience working with youth, people with disabilities, education, human services, or a related area.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Comfortable working with students, families, schools, and community partners.
• Organized and able to complete documentation and follow-up in a timely manner.
• Ability to travel locally for school visits, meetings, and community events.
• Commitment to disability rights, consumer choice, inclusion, and Independent Living philosophy.

Preferred:

• Experience working with transition-age youth with disabilities.
• Knowledge of IEP transition planning, vocational rehabilitation, or community disability services.
• Experience with presentations, youth groups, outreach, or community-based programs.
• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent relevant experience.

What Success Looks Like:

The Youth Independent Living Specialist will help young people with disabilities feel more prepared for adulthood, understand their options, build skills, and connect with resources that support their individual goals. The position will also help CAL strengthen its relationships with Louisville-area schools, families, and community partners.

About the Center for Accessible Living:

The Center for Accessible Living is a disability-led organization that works to empower people with disabilities to live independently and participate fully in their communities. CAL provides services, advocacy, information, assistive technology, and other supports to individuals with disabilities and their families throughout Kentucky.

CAL is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages people with disabilities and individuals with lived experience of disability to apply.

Pay: $17.00 - $19.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20.0 – 30.0 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

Application Question(s):

• Do you have professional experience managing social media accounts for a business, nonprofit, or organization?

Ability to Commute:

• Louisville, KY 40202 (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17 - $19