Job Openings

Current Job Openings:

 

 

Independent Living Specialist – Housing and 55+

Job Description

 

Reports to: Office Manager

Location: Loveland

Status: Full Time 40 hours a week Non-exempt

Salary: $20 Hourly

 

The mission of Disabled Resource Services (DRS) is to empower individuals with disabilities in our community to achieve their maximum level of independence at home and in the community by setting and achieving goals, enhancing self-esteem, self-advocacy, and providing peer support and education.

As a Colorado state-certified Center for Independent Living, we believe that advocating for yourself with support from your peers is the path to living a fulfilling, independent life. We serve people with all types disabilities: physical, visual, auditory, cognitive, or mental/emotional free of charge (except for our low-cost medical equipment rental program).

At DRS, we strive to create safe spaces where our clients are free to be their full, authentic selves. Staff members should believe in and adhere to DRS’ values of: Independence, Support, Compassion, Collaboration, knowledge, and Respect.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Independent Living Specialist – Housing and 55+ provides housing counseling and peer support to people with disabilities who are unhoused or are at risk of becoming unhoused and those aged 55+. This includes processing applications, assessing, and verifying eligibility, and serves as a contact to community partners, including promoting awareness about DRS programs and services within the Northern Colorado community. If functioning in a bilingual role, the Housing Specialist will assist with translation and interpretation needs within the team and the wider organization. This position is partially grant-funded.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintains caseload of 25-30 clients/week and approves an average of 45 files per month
• Assess eligibility for rent assistance, provide documentation, distribute, and administer funds
• Provide rental counseling, including budgeting, homelessness prevention assistance and landlord/tenant counseling to low- and moderate-income households
• Assess client needs and barriers to stabilize housing and provide clients with appropriate information and referrals to community resources
• Ensure that all clients have basic understanding of program specifics including eligibility standards and that signed documentation is implemented and kept in the client file.
• Advocate with agencies, landlords and organizations working with clients
• Document client interaction in various databases.
• Work independently, schedule and manage personal workload, and recognize when there is a need for approval or support from supervisor.
• Complete thorough, accurate and timely electronic documentation.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and work within the confines of HIPAA regulations.

 

• Conducts community outreach activities once a month.
• All DRS staff members are considered mandatory reporters, required to report signs of abuse they are aware of both on and off the job.
• Travel as needed for training and outreach events.
• Participate in DRS staff meetings, program meetings, and staff training activities.

• Perform other duties, as assigned

 

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

 

Six months’ experience in a similar setting with similar duties. Ideal qualifications include experience of working with people with disabilities, general office work, knowledge of data entry, databases, and reporting.

• Strong organizational and customer service skills
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficiency with MS Windows, MS Office, Google Suite, and other common computer programs.
• Able to positively represent DRS and outreach to the community and public.
• Commitment to co-creating a culture that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Effective written and oral communications skills.

• Problem solving and multitasking skills.
• Team player and the ability to take direction.

• Valid driver’s license, insurance, clean driving record and reliable transportation.
• Satisfactory backgrounds checks.
• 2 years of related experience providing services to clients or equivalent education
• Proficiency in both English and Spanish preferred
• Demonstrated counseling skills, primarily the ability to understand and empathize with others.
• Exceptional attention to detail in files, makes infrequent and insignificant errors.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbally and in writing
• Knowledge of local resources or willingness to learn resources to make referrals.
• Experience working with low-income populations.
• Good organizational and problem-solving skills

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Personal experience with a disability
• Bilingual English/Spanish.
• Exposure to Independent Living philosophies, and best practices in the IL community.
• Must pass background check

 

PHYSICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

 

• Office environment requiring ongoing computer use and an extended amount of time sitting or standing.
• Primarily based in the DRS Loveland office location.
• May be asked to work out of DRS Fort Collins office, as needed.

 

TO APPLY: Please email cover letter, resume and 3 references to: Denise Mullhaupt, Executive Director at: denise.m@drsnoco.org. For more information visit: drsnoco.org.

DRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: Disabled Resource Services is dedicated to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age 40 and over, race, gender or gender ID, sexual orientation, color, religion, national origin, disability, military status, marital status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to empower a qualified candidate with a disability to perform the essential functions of the job.

 

 

 

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Position Posting

 Independent Living /Transitions Specialist

 

Reports to: IL Program Manager

Location: Loveland

Status: Full time

Hourly: $20

 

Basic Function:

 

This position supports Disabled Resource Services and its mission by assisting the youth, the incarcerated, and those living in nursing homes to transition into their maximum level of independence through the provision of the core services.  

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including case managers, social workers, therapists, healthcare providers, Department of Corrections, representatives, judicial representatives, teachers, scholastic administrators, and family members to ensure holistic and coordinated care.
• Keep current on information related to employment, housing, education, and benefits available in the community.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments of individuals’ needs and capabilities to determine appropriate transition plans.
• Develop individualized transition plans in collaboration with consumers, taking into consideration their unique circumstances, goals, and support networks.
• Coordinate and facilitate necessary services and resources to support successful transitions, including housing, healthcare, employment, education, and community integration.
• Monitor and evaluate consumers’ progress in achieving their transition goals, adjusting plans as needed to promote successful outcomes.
• Advocate for consumers’ rights and access to services, working closely with community organizations, social service agencies, and government/judicial entities.
• Provide counseling and guidance to individuals, offering emotional support and practical strategies to navigate the challenges of independent living.
• Assist with Independent Life Skills training ranging from resume building, interview skills, job searching, budgeting, and other strategies to maintain independence.
• Provide ongoing support and follow-up services to individuals to promote self-sufficiency and long-term stability.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of all consumer interactions, progress, and service plans in both paper form and electronic form.

 

Qualifications: Minimum 3-years relevant experience working with people with disabilities, youth with disabilities or other related experience.

 Specific qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, other relevant areas or equivalent experience.
• Intimate knowledge of community resources and support services for individuals transitioning to independent living.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and advocacy skills.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Ability to work effectively with groups and coordinate between many different points of contact.
• Ability to represent DRS in a professional manner when engaging with consumers, the community, or specific individuals related to transitions (landlords, doctors, etc.).
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Proficient in documentation and record-keeping.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical guidelines.
• Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.
• Working knowledge of disabilities and disability related issues.

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bi-lingual in a foreign language or ASL
• Personal experience with a disability

 

ADDITIONAL

 

Must pass a background check

 

TO APPLY: Please email cover letter, resume and 3 references to:  Denise Mullhaupt denise.m@drsnoco.org

 

 

Disabled Resource Services is an equal opportunity employer. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities