Independent Living Specialist

Independent Living Specialist

Atlantis Community Inc. has been advocating for people with disabilities for 49 years. Atlantis serves a seven county catchment area (Adams, Arapahoe, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Elbert, and Jefferson Counties). As a Center for Independent Living, we support the rights of people with disabilities to direct their own lives by providing advocacy, life skills training, transition services (youth, from nursing homes, and diversions from institutions), information and referral, and peer support.

The mission of Atlantis is to advocate for all people with disabilities to be a meaningful part of an integrated community of their choice.

The Independent Living Specialist (ILS) works directly with people living with disabilities within our service region. A typical day may include speaking with current and potential participating consumers by video conferencing, telephone, or in person to gather information and to create an independent living plan through identifying areas of need. Based on this plan, the ILS will then help the participant identify necessary resources through assisting in the completion of paperwork, scheduling appointments, and self-advocating.

To stay current on emerging trends in Independent Living, our ILS attend training sessions to deliver the best services and knowledge to our consumers. This position reports to the Director of Independent Living Programs.

To be successful as an Independent Living Specialist at Atlantis Community, Inc., a person must be deeply committed to the principles of disability justice and the independent living philosophy. They need to be compassionate, organized, and adaptable—able to manage multiple consumer needs while staying detail-oriented and responsive. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as is the ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative, consumer-focused team.

The ideal candidate will be proactive in problem-solving, comfortable navigating complex systems, and passionate about empowering people with disabilities to achieve their goals and live with autonomy.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Direct Consumer Services & Independent Living Support – 60%
• Conduct intake appointments with potential consumers and complete necessary documentation in alignment with ACI's intake procedures.
• Collaborate with consumers in the development of an Independent Living Plan, identifying individualized goals, measurable action steps, and timelines.
• Support consumers in identifying and addressing barriers by assisting with paperwork, navigating systems, scheduling appointments, and self-advocating.
• Make referrals to appropriate resources when needed, ensuring proper follow-up or warm hand-offs to maintain continuity of support.
• Provide appropriate services to consumers, including Information and Referral, Advocacy, Peer Support, and Independent Living Skills Training, while ensuring consumer control and active participation.
• Monitor consumer progress and follow up regularly to ensure movement toward goals. Revise ILPs as necessary to reflect changing needs or directions.
• Maintain consistent communication with consumers using their preferred contact methods (email, phone, text, in-person, etc).
• Educate consumers on their rights, benefits, and community-based resources, promoting a self-determination and independent living philosophy.
• Community Engagement, Peer Support & Systems Advocacy – 20%
• Facilitate peer support groups and/or workshops that foster connection, skill-building, and shared learning among individuals with disabilities.
• Represent ACI and act as a liaison between the disability community and other agencies serving people with disabilities to ensure coordination and…