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 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)
Location: In-office, 11010 Haskell Ave, Kansas City, KS 66109
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.