Youth Independent Living Coordinator

Description

The Ability Center (ACT) is a non-profit Center for Independent Living serving seven counties in NW Ohio. With the assistance of competent, professional staff, and the support of volunteers, ACT works for the rights and concerns of people living with disabilities on local, state, regional, and national levels. Our mission is to advocate, educate, partner, and provide services supporting people with disabilities to thrive within their community. 

The Youth Independent Living Coordinator is responsible for assisting persons with disabilities ages 13-24 achieve goals toward greater independence. This includes information and referral services, skills training, self-advocacy, and support. The Youth Independent Living Coordinator will research best practices for Independent Living (IL) skills training.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

· Will serve as a resource for information and referral services for consumers ages 13 – 24.

· Will be responsible for completing initial intakes, including all applicable paperwork, with consumers. 

· Meet with consumers to set individualized goals and assist them in the development of Independent Living Plans (ILP).

· Will be responsible for managing a consumer caseload to evaluate goals, objectives, and additional trainings as needed.

· Responsible for curriculum development in cooking/nutrition, emotional and physical health, safety, and sex education. 

· Will assist with the development and training of pre-employment and employability skills, financial management, future care planning/benefits counseling, volunteering, self-advocacy, and leadership. 

· Will collaborate with other social service agencies on resources and services needed.

· Will develop and implement a peer support and mentoring program for adolescents and young adults. 

· Develop an advisory committee of adults with disabilities to advise and provide support.

· Must be able to attend meetings and trainings within our service area.

· Participate and attend outreach events related to youth programming. 

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Special Education, Social Work, Psychology or Human Service-related field preferred. Prefer at least 3 years’ experience working with transition age youth, independent living, and planning, developing, and organizing programs. Experience with workforce development, vocational education, and job coaching helpful. Prefer teaching or training experience. This position requires excellent written/oral communication and interpersonal skills. Must have the ability to build rapport and collaborate effectively. Must have the skills to facilitate individual and group trainings. Must be goal oriented and display the ability to motivate others to work toward common objectives.

Essential Physical Demands:
The essential physical demands described here must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The employee in this position will need to remain stationary for periods of time while working in a workstation, office, or at a desk. The employee will operate/use a phone, computer, copier, and printer. The employee in this position frequently communicates with others and may do so in various ways as able. They may converse, convey, and exchange accurate information via phone, text, written, e-mail, or face to face. The employee may frequently move from one office space to another, meeting spaces, and occasionally from one building to another.

ACT is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce and inclusive culture. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and do not discriminate. The Ability Center is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. All candidates must pass an FBI/BCII background check, drug screen, if position is offered. The Ability Center is a family friendly work environment offering comprehensive compensation and benefit package. Full time employees are eligible health insurance, a generous paid time off package, including vacation, sick, goal days, and holiday pay.