Qualified persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply for open positions at Independence, Inc.
Open Positions
➡️Youth Transition Specialist: Kansas Youth Transition Network Program
This is an exciting opportunity for a uniquely-qualified individual to begin (if a recent college graduate) or advance their career in disability and youth-transition services under the Federally-funded grant position of Youth Transition Specialist – Kansas Youth Transition Network Program (KYTN) in Kansas City, KS.
The ideal candidate will have experience, education, or a combination of both, working with youth and young adults on pre-employment, job-readiness, education and career goals, using creative problem-solving, networking and collaboration to create transition plans with youth and young adults based on their goals, interests, talents and needs and be able to help bridge the gap between middle school, high school and post-secondary employment or higher education. An understanding and adherence to the Independent Living Philosophy (IL), Disability Rights, Accessibility and Inclusive Employment in carrying out all work, is required.
Responsibilities include: Outreach and networking within the local (Wyandotte County) disability and disability services communities, attending related events when necessary; attending and participating in our local transition council meetings (Youth Transition Alliance of Wyandotte County – YTAWC); working one-on-one with youth and young adults, as well as in groups; researching resources available to assist in Youth Transition planning and training; creating and carrying out effective transition plans/goal-completion steps and training with consumers; assisting with social media and website management as directed by KYTN Manager; assisting with local events, table-hosting and other outreach opportunities as needed; engaging with area school-districts to continue already-begun collaborative efforts to train in classrooms and peer groups as well as identifying ways to collaborate with partners like Vocational Rehabilitation, Pre-ETS, Project Search and Families Together, Inc.; and accurate and timely data-entry, record-keeping and time management.
This is a full-time, 40-hour per week position with occasional evening/weekend work as needed for community events. This position is funded through September 30, 2028 at which point the position will end. There may be potential to continue work in similar capacity within our organization once the grant ends but there is no guarantee. Consider this a 2-year position. Our office is located near the Legends in Kansas City, KS.
To apply, please read through the job description below, email cover letter, resume and 3 references to Amy Ballinger, Kansas Youth Transition Network Program Manager: aballinger@independenceinc.org
KYTN Youth Transition Specialist Job Description
Qualified persons with a disability are encouraged to apply!
➡️ Independent Living Counselor (ILC)/Community Services Coordinator (CSC)
This individual will be a self-starter and problem-solver with experience and interest in assisting people with disabilities to secure and/or maintain their employment and achieve their independent living goals. All work performed will complement the spirit and intent of the independent living philosophy under the supervision of the WORK/ILC and STEPS/CSC Manager.
Essential Functions of the Position Include:
- Provide consumer services per KDHE and MCO requirements/guidelines on an ongoing basis. See WORK Program and STEPS Program Manuals on the KDHE website: https://www.kancare.ks.gov/members/benefits-services/working-healthy
- Serve as point of access for WORK and STEPS participants.
- Assess consumer service needs and ensure consumer understanding of the WORK and STEPS program policies.
- Assist consumers to complete necessary evaluation for program eligibility and service needs, including transition to HCBS waivers or wait lists if needed.
- Assist consumers in Individualized Budget development to accurately reflect services approved through the WORK Assessment
- Assist consumers in Individualized Service Plan development to accurately reflect services approved through the STEPS Assessment
- Assist consumers in development of Emergency Backup Plan for service delivery
- Assist consumers in development of required WORK and/or STEPS supporting documents for service delivery
- Assist consumers in all aspects of hiring and managing providers or personal assistants
- For more essential job functions please carefully review the job description: ILC & CSC-(WORK-STEPS) job description
This is a full time position with excellent benefits, professional training opportunities, a supportive, inclusive environment and a history of dedicated staff and management.
Hours: Full Time, M-F, 8:00-5:00 (occasional evening or weekend hours for community events or consumer meetings)
Locations for two positions available:
- In-office, 11010 Haskell Ave, Kansas City, KS 66109
- Remote: residing in or near Lyon County, KS
Supervisor: Jennifer Moore, WORK/ILC and STEPS/CSC Manager at jmoore@independenceinc.org
Please read the full ILC & CSC-(WORK-STEPS) job description before applying
Application Process: To be considered for this position:
- Please read the full job description (linked above) before applying
- You are highly encouraged to visit our website and familiarize yourself with our organization and our programs and services
- email a cover letter, resume, and 3 references to Jennifer Moore, WORK/ILC and STEPS/CSC Manager at jmoore@independenceinc.org
All programs and employment positions of Independence, Inc. are open to all members of the community, without regard to race, color, creed religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, economic status, or disability.
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 protects the rights of people with disabilities to equal employment opportunities. Arrangements will be made if you have a disability that requires an accommodation in completing any part of the employment process. A request for an accommodation will not affect your opportunities for employment. It is your responsibility to make your needs known. Call 785-841-0333.