Qualified persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply for open positions at Independence, Inc.
Open Positions:
➡️ Independent Living Specialist – Lawrence, KS office
This individual is primarily responsible for providing independent living skills (ILS) training to people with disabilities but also assists with providing peer support, outreach and other services. This individual will direct their work complementary to the spirit and intent of independent living philosophy. The Core Service Manager supervises the individual in this position.
Job responsibilities include:
- Conduct Independent Living Skills training in accordance with the philosophy of independent living
- Assist consumers with housing goals, including but not limited to obtaining affordable and/or accessible housing, seeking housing/shelter services, supporting communication with landlords and public housing agencies, applying for subsidized housing options, and housing related advocacy
- Provide individual advocacy that compliments consumer goals – especially as related to learning and exercising their rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Fair Housing Act and other applicable laws relevant to the consumer’s situation
- Work with consumers one-on-one and in groups, both at the Center and in the individual’s home or in the community, as appropriate.
- Keep appropriate records and submit required reports in a timely and professional manner
- Provide individual peer support, if applicable and as needed
- Participate in planning and conducting outreach to diverse and underserved populations
Requirements include:
- Bachelor’s and/or related job experience
- demonstrated understanding of and committment to the independent living philosophy (including consumer control, peer support, self-determination, equal access etc.)
- familiarity with a range of independent living skills and ability to teach others such skills
- ability to problem-solve with creative, individualized approaches
- knowledge of and ability to work with community resources
- demonstrated ability to be a team player
- willingness to work occassional flexible hours to accommodate consumer or community needs
- willingness to occasionally work flexible hours including some evenings if needed
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)
Location: In-office, 2001 Haskell Ave, Lawrence, KS 66046
Supervisor: Daniel Brown, Core Services Manager dbrown@independenceinc.org
Please read the IL Specialist 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 Daniel Brown, Core Services Manager, dbrown@independenceinc.org
➡️ Independent Living Specialist – Community Inclusion (This position was recently filled. Please check back for further openings)
This individual will work out of our Kansas City, KS office and is responsible for providing independent living skills (ILS) training, conducting outreach, and assisting with the Peer Counseling Program. This individual will direct his/her work complementary to the spirit and intent of the independent living philosophy under the supervision of the Core Services Manager.
Daily work in this position may include conducting independent living skills trianing, assisting with housing goals, providing youth transition training, assisting with in-class training at area schools, providing diversion services to at-risk youth, providing information and referral services, working one-on-one with consumers, planning and conducting community outreach, assisting with peer counseling services and writing transition and/or independent living plans and assisting the core services and KYTN departments as needed.
The person best suited to fill this unique position will posess and display:
- a dedicated commitment to the philosophy of independent living and consumer control
- an understanding of independent living skills
- the ability to train and teach others on such skills
- familiarity with and ability to work and partner with community organizations and resources
- creativity in planning, organizing and developing/growing programs, training material and community connections
Requirements include:
- college degree and/or related job experience
- demonstrated understanding of and committment to the independent living philosophy
- ability to problem-solve with creative, individualized approaches
- demonstrated ability to be a team player
- willingness to work occassional flexible hours to accommodate consumer or community needs
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: Monday through Friday 8:00-5:00
If interested:
- please review the full job description for ILS-Community Inclusion HERE
- submit COVER LETTER, RESUME and REFERENCES to LaNeece Jardon, Core Services Manager ljardon@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.