Community Support Specialist

DIAL-Center for Independent Living is looking for a Community Support Specialist to provide a full range of independent living and disability-related services for consumers with disabilities in the Passaic & Essex Co. areas. Position involves provision of mandated disability services across several program areas. Knowledge of the ADA and wide-ranging disability issues required.

 Regular telephone contact providing Information & Referral services.

 Data entry for Information & Referral records in agency database.

 Responsible for assigned cases and range of core IL case service provision and required case record

documentation. (5 Core Services)

 Maintain knowledge of and access to disability related resources.

 Responsible for proactive community education / outreach presentations on agency services.

 Provide technical assistance on the ADA and disability rights to individuals and community groups as

needed.

 Designing and staffing of information tables at health fairs and conferences as needed.

 Employee attendance required at Monthly Peer Groups and IL Seminars and other center sponsored

programs/events.

 Perform NJ Transit Customer Assessments /Other Fee-for Service work based upon schedule and agency needs.

 Coordinate transportation for IL services / agency activities.

 Provide oversight / guidance / direction to Peer Counseling Groups including documentation of monthly

group service activity.

 Contribute to agency newsletter and dissemination to various outlets.

 Other service assignments / duties at the direction of the Executive Director.

 Nights and weekend assignments per agency needs.

Essential Job functions:

1. Oversee and assist persons with disabilities and families to access community based supports and services

through specific public programs.

2. Implementation of independent living plans and ongoing case management.

1. Provide case file management and documentation, including research related to specified field.

3. Attend all staff meetings and required staff trainings.

4. Support consumers with comprehensive individual advocacy.

5. Various other duties as assigned by Executive Director.

6. Participates in monthly program activities and other activities at the discretion of the Executive Director.

7. Timely and accurate preparation of reports for specific funders/programs.

Related Job Functions:

1. Assists in providing information and referral to consumers, their families, and the general public.

2. Conduct outreach efforts to raise community awareness of independent living for people with disabilities.

3. Provide statistical and other input for the development of annual reporting and long-range plans.

4. Evening work and other duties as required.

Qualifications:

1. BSW preferred

2. Experience working with people with disabilities.

3. Knowledge and support of the Independent Living Philosophy

4. Good people skills.

5. Excellent organizational skills.

6. Good communication skills.

7. Ability to work with minimal supervision.

8. Valid driver's license required.

Prior experience in human services delivery and knowledge of community-based services is required. An understanding of issues faced by people with disabilities is essential. The individual filling this position must be self-directed, detail-oriented and possess excellent interpersonal, verbal, written, and computer skills. Qualified individuals with disabilities encouraged to apply.

Comments:

Detailed cover letter and resume required for application to be complete.

No phone calls please.