Independent Living Advocate/Case Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

The Independent Living Advocate provides individualized and group-based services to people with disabilities in support of DCIL’s mission to promote independence, inclusion, and self-determination. Core services include information and referral, self and systems advocacy, independent living skills training, and education.

The Independent Living Advocate collaborates with consumers to set and achieve goals, maintain accurate documentation, and support transitions to community living. They also assist with DCIL’s social, recreational, and educational programming to encourage community engagement.

The Independent Living Advocate requires knowledge of cross disabilities, effective communication, and strong interpersonal skills to work with consumers, families, staff, and community partners. This position requires the ability to ensure service continuity, coordinate resources, and provide follow-up after goals are achieved. The Advocate must demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills, uphold confidentiality, and embody the Independent Living philosophy, including an understanding of its history, disability rights movement, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

QUALIFICATIONS

• Two-year degree in Human Service or a related field. Equivalent life and/or work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Two years of experience working with individuals with disabilities.
• Effective communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and manage multiple priorities.
• Familiarity with the Independent Living philosophy and disability rights movement.
• Knowledge of Medicaid, Social Security programs, and community resources preferred.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Develop and maintain a thorough understanding of DCIL's mission, programs, services, history, and the Independent Living Philosophy.

2. Determine eligibility, gather required background information, and complete intake documentation for new consumers.

3. Inform consumers of their rights, including the Client Assistance Program (CAP), during the intake process.

4. Collaborate with consumers to develop, implement, and monitor Independent Living Plans (ILPs) that reflect person centered goals.

5. Establish and maintain accurate, up-to-date consumer service records and document all consumer contacts, services, outreach, and community activities in DCIL's database on a weekly basis in accordance with agency policy.

6. Provide Information and Referral (I&R) services and assist consumers in accessing appropriate community resources and support services.

7. Provide Self and Systems Advocacy, Independent Living Skills Training, Peer Support, and other core Independent Living services that promote consumer independence and self-determination.

8. Coordinate referrals to community agencies, service providers, and other organizations while ensuring continuity of services.

9. Maintain a working knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provide accessibility information to consumers, businesses, and community organizations as appropriate.

10. Assist consumers in applying for Social Security benefits or other benefit programs when appropriate.

11. Plan, coordinate, and facilitate social, recreational, educational, and independent living activities for consumers and community members.

12. Assist with transition services, educational presentations, and independent living curriculum as assigned.

13. Conduct outreach throughout the Dickinson service area to increase awareness of DCIL services and identify unmet Independent Living needs.

14. Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community organizations, service providers, schools, healthcare providers, and other community partners.

15. Participate in systems advocacy efforts, legislative initiatives, and community education activities that promote disability rights and accessibility.

16. Publish and distribute DCIL's monthly consumer activity calendar.

17. Prepare and submit required monthly, quarterly, and annual reports and documentation to the Program Director in a timely and accurate manner.

18. Travel throughout DCIL's service area as necessary to meet consumer and program needs.

19. Complete the agency's annual work plan as it relates to the Independent Living Advocate position.

20. Perform all additional duties as assigned by Branch Office Coordinator, Program Director, or Executive Director.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Participate in staff meetings and agency committees as assigned.

2. Participate in professional development, continuing education, and in-service training opportunities.

3. Maintain strict confidentiality and comply with all agency policies, procedures, and ethical standards.

4. Participate in annual performance evaluations and contribute to the development of the agency's annual work plan.

5. Maintain current knowledge of community resources, disability services, benefits programs, and available supports.

6. Demonstrate proficiency with Microsoft Office and DCIL's database system (CIL Suite).

7. Maintain a professional work environment and represent DCIL with professionalism and respect.

SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIPS

This position is supervised by the Dickinson Branch Office Coordinator.

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY

This position has no supervisory authority.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Knowledge of physical, cognitive, and mental disabilities and the ability to assess independent living needs to support each consumer in reaching their independent living potential.

2. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with consumers, families, significant others, staff, and community professionals.

3. Ability to provide information and conduct accessibility assessments for businesses, service providers, and community organizations within the Dickinson service area.

4. Understanding of the Independent Living Philosophy, the history of the disability rights movement, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

5. Strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

1. Occasional work outside of standard business hours may be required.

2. Subject to a 90 day to 180 day probationary period.

3. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.

4. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties of this position.

5. DCIL is a fragrance-free work environment.

6. Work environment includes a quiet to moderate noise level.

7. Duties are performed in a variety of settings, including the office, community locations, consumer homes, and throughout the service area.

8. Requires the ability to communicate effectively, including talking and hearing.

9. Must be able to lift or transfer a minimum of 20 pounds.

10. Frequently required to sit, stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, and movements such as climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, or crouching.

11. Travel is required as part of this position.

Pay: From $20.60 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Paid training
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Working with individuals with disabilities: 2 years (Preferred)

Language:

• English (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Dickinson, ND 58601 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Dickinson, ND 58601: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $21