Community Supports Specialist

Description

The Ability Center, a Center for Independent Living (CIL), is on a mission to build the most disability-friendly community in the nation. As a CIL, we operate with a unique philosophy of consumer control, where individuals with all types of disabilities directly govern and staff the organization. We empower people with disabilities to achieve greater independence, pursue their passions, and transform how society views disability.

We are seeking a Community Supports Specialist who is passionate about helping people with disabilities navigate complex housing, healthcare, benefits, and community support systems. This position serves as a subject matter expert in housing stability, Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), Medicaid, waiver services, and community resources while providing direct support to consumers with more complex needs.

Working closely with our Navigator team and community partners, the Community Supports Specialist helps individuals identify and overcome barriers to safe, affordable, and accessible housing and connects them with resources that support long-term independence and quality of life.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain a caseload of approximately 20–30 consumers receiving ongoing support.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments and develop person-centered Individual Independent Living Plans (ILPs) addressing housing, healthcare, transportation, employment, benefits, and other barriers to independence.
• Assist consumers in accessing affordable and accessible housing, housing vouchers, rental assistance, and other housing resources.
• Provide ongoing follow-up and wrap-around support to promote long-term housing stability and address barriers that may threaten a consumer's ability to maintain housing.
• Assist consumers in understanding and navigating Medicaid, waiver services, public benefits, and other community-based supports.
• Provide consultation and guidance to Navigators and other staff on complex consumer situations involving housing, SDOH, Medicaid, waiver services, and community resources.
• Build collaborative relationships with housing, healthcare, government, and community partners throughout The Ability Center's 13-county service area.
• Identify recurring barriers and resource gaps and collaborate with the Advocacy team and organizational leadership to support service improvements and systems-level solutions.
• Represent The Ability Center in community meetings, coalitions, forums, and conferences.
  
  

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in social work required; Master of Social Work (MSW) strongly preferred. Candidates with a bachelor's degree in a closely related human services field and significant relevant social services experience may be considered.
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in disability services, housing services, healthcare, behavioral health, community resource coordination, case management, or a related field.
• Experience with Medicaid, waiver services, affordable housing programs, public benefits, or community resource systems strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of housing systems, Social Determinants of Health, Medicaid, waiver services, public benefits, and community resources.
• Ability to assess complex needs and coordinate services across multiple organizations and systems.
• Strong interpersonal, relationship-building, problem-solving, and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities using a person-centered approach.
• Knowledge of Independent Living philosophy and disability rights preferred; leadership experience preferred
  
  

Essential Physical Demands

• Primarily office-based with extended periods of sitting or standing.
• Regular use of computer, phone, and standard office equipment.
• Frequent communication via in-person, phone, email, and written formats.
• Occasional movement within and between office buildings.
• May require use of a personal or company vehicle for travel within our 13-county service area.
  
  

Why Join Us?

The Ability Center offers competitive pay and an excellent benefits package, including health, dental, vision, retirement, and paid time off. As part of our mission-driven team, you will contribute to creating a welcoming, inclusive community where your work truly makes a difference.

The Ability Center is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.