The Community Resource Specialist will be responsible for offering light case management to consumers under our core services which include information and referral, advocacy, peer support, independent living skills training, and transition to those requesting to leave an institutionalized environment or to help with transitioning youth up to age 24 who are no longer receiving their education entitlements. The Community Resource Specialist creates Independent Living Plans (ILP) with their consumer and guides them toward achieving established goals with light case management and follow-up. This position also includes various forms of outreach and the development of resources within Mercer County to share with consumers.

The Resource Specialist will direct his/her work complementary to the spirit and intent of the independent living philosophy. A bi-lingual applicant is preferred.

Resource Specialist Duties:

· Conduct independent living skill training which includes, but is not limited to the following areas: job readiness, money management, daily living skills, household management, mobility, peer support, self and individual advocacy, assertiveness, and socialization.

· Assist consumers with completion of various applications such as; SSI/SSDI, and denial process, social service applications such as SNAP, TANF, General Assistance, LIHEAP, and Medicaid, DVRS referrals, and DDD applications.

· Assist consumers with the steps of obtaining housing which may include but are not limited to obtaining affordable and/or accessible housing, applying for subsidies, seeking back rent options, accessing funding to pay for accessibility modifications, communicating with landlords and public housing agencies, and deinstitutionalization.

· Provide individual advocacy to complement consumer self-advocacy, when needed and appropriate.

· Work with consumers one-on-one and possibly in groups, primarily at our office or community environment, as is appropriate.

· Facilitate timely completion of Independent Living Plan goals including light case management and follow-up services according to those goals.

· Maintain appropriate interpersonal relationships with consumers, staff, and peers.

· Conduct systems advocacy as opportunities arise or are requested by the supervisor.

· Partake in general outreach and to offer IL support.

· Provide detailed progress notes on each individual and all activities within the agency database.

· Assist in providing information and referral to consumers, their families, and the general public under our core services.

· Attend webinars, conferences, and training to enhance skills.

Other duties as needed:

· Organize after-hour group meetings.

· Conduct intake interviews for Access Link.

· Participate in the development of the quarterly newsletter.

· Assist with the planning and implementation of monthly social recreational activities.

· Assist within the Campership Fund by disseminating applications, collecting eligibility documentation, sending out follow-up forms, and gathering necessary forms for reimbursement.

Required Education and Experience:

· Associate’s degree and/or related job experience.

· Demonstrated commitment to the philosophy of independent living.

· Familiarity with a range of independent living skills and ability to teach others such skills.

· Demonstrated ability to problem solve with creative, individualized approaches.

· Demonstrated interpersonal skills. Knowledge of and ability to work with community resources.

· Demonstrated verbal and written skills sufficient to use IL skills training materials, and report on individuals’ progress.

· Creative planner with good organization and documentation skills.

· Knowledge and experience using a personal computer.

· Willingness to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends for outreach activities, peer support group, and/or recreation activities.

· Experience developing and implementing individualized goal plans and coordinating work with others.

· Must have own transportation, a valid driver’s license, and insurance as travel is required.

· Experience using: Office 365, Outlook, Zoom, Teams, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, etc.

· Candidate with fluency in reading and writing Spanish preferred.

· Qualified person with a disability, preferred.

Agency Description

Progressive Center for Independent Living (PCIL) is a human services non-profit agency providing programs and services for people with disabilities in Mercer and Hunterdon counties. PCIL has been empowering the lives of people living with disabilities since 1996. We offer our four core services: information and referral, advocacy, peer support, and independent living skills as well as pre-employment transition services for youth and adults, recreation programs, a campership fund, case management for traumatic brain injury, support coordination case management and Access Link eligibility determination. Programs available at PCIL encompass our mission to advance the independent living and rights of people with disabilities. Services are available in Mercer and Hunterdon counties, with support coordination also available in Somerset County.

Progressive Center for Independent Living is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $38,000.00 - $45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Flexible schedule
• Professional development assistance

Patient demographics:

• Adults
• Children
• Older adults

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Application Question(s):

• Do you have light case management experience?

Education:

• Associate (Preferred)

Experience:

• working with disability population: 1 year (Required)

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• driver's license (Required)

Work Location: In person