Be Part of a Great Team!

Independence First is looking for awesome people to join our team!

You are just the person to join our growing team if you are...

* Looking for an Excellent Benefits Package

* Passionate About Helping Others

* Prefer Bilingual in English, Spanish, Hmong or Arabic (Not required)

Benefits include:

* 12 sick days, 13 vacation days and an additional 11 paid holidays a year

* Employer paid Dental, Life Insurance (twice annual salary), AD&D, Short and Long Term Disability

* Health Insurance Benefits (partially employer paid, depending on coverage)

* Low-cost Vision Insurance

* Employer-matched 403(b) Retirement Account

* Fitness Center On-site

* Annual Health Risk Assessment

* Annual Flu Shot

* Comprehensive Wellness Program

* Tuition Reimbursement Program

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position: Assistive Technology - Information and Referral Specialist

Status: Full Time, Hourly

Reports to: Independent Living Services Program Manager

Position Summary: Responsible to provide the assigned services and data collection required for the agency activities related to assistive technology and adaptive equipment evaluations, home and vehicle modification evaluations, to enhance the quality of the lives of individuals with disabilities. Assist in the development of internal resources to serve targeted groups, including rural populations, minorities and cross disability groups. Responsible for information and referral services to consumers, staff and members of the community.

Position Expected Hours of Work: This is a Full-Time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Occasional evenings and weekends.

Independent Living Services Essential Functions of the Position:

1. Provide the following assistive technology related services: assistive technology and adaptive equipment evaluations, home and vehicle modification evaluations, training, information and referral, advocacy, funding information and assistance with the appeals process.
2. Must be able to enter buildings that have stairs, chemical scents (fabric softener, air fresheners, cleaning products), cigarette smoke, animals, etc. Must be able to maneuver in homes that are not wheelchair accessible.
3. Promote self-advocacy by teaching individuals how to access services, assert their rights and obtain funding for the purpose of reaching their assistive technology needs.
4. Provide information and training to the community at large on assistive technology, adaptive equipment and related resources.
5. Supply AT services on a fee-for-service basis to employers, schools, DVR, county services, etc. These services include, evaluations, consultations, bids, recommendations and reports.
6. Provide appropriate and timely information and referral services to consumers and members of the community on independent living issues, Independence Firstservices and disability related resources.
7. Maintain informational materials related to the issues and needs of persons with disabilities. Order informational materials when supplies are low.
8. Complete agency required documentation for all activities in agency database. Complete agency and vendor required documentation, including documentation related to fee-for-service activities.

Disability Policy Change Essential Functions of the Position:

1. Participate in individual and systems advocacy activities by voicing opinion at public hearings and educating public officials through letter writing or other appropriate means on issues relating to independent living.
2. Participate in the Consumer Advocacy team of choice.
3. Present testimony on disability issues by writing, email, and fax, in person testimony to legislative bodies on the local, state and federal levels. This includes contacting congresspersons, senators and giving opinions on pending legislation.
4. Assist consumers with their advocacy needs.
5. Participate in Disability Policy Change Events

Work Environment

1. Work environment is generally performed in an office setting with minimal to moderate noise level.
2. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Disclaimer:

The above statements reflect the general details necessary to describe the principle functions of the occupation described and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the occupation.

As an Independent Living Center, it is required that 51% of Independence First's staff have a disability. Independence First is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages people with disabilities to apply for this position.

Professional Qualifications

1. Must have a firm belief in consumer control, the independent living philosophy and our agency Vision Statement:

Independence First is for full inclusion of persons with disabilities in every aspect of our community and Independence First commits itself toward this end.

'Empowerment is part psychological, part social, and part political. It is the process by which individuals define their own problems, find their own voice, develop their own plans, act on their own behalf, and claim their own power.'

'Empowerment means more than having responsibility, but also having the authority and ability to make one's own choices.'

• Bachelor's degree in related field or life experience may be substituted in lieu of, in full or part of academic requirements.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.
• Excellent organizational and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent computer skills, knowledge of website applications, ability to teach basis computer skills to individuals with disabilities.
• Demonstrated positive attitude, reliability, a self-starter who assumes responsibility when warranted, is conscientious, professional in manner and hard working.
• Knowledge of federal, state and community services and funding resources.
• Knowledge of disability rights legislation including the ADA, Rehabilitation Act, IDEA, etc.
• Transportationally mobile or able to arrange own transportation.
• Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision required.
• Must be willing to pursue related certifications when requested.