Independent Living Specialist

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Full time Exempt Milwaukee, WI, US

At Wellpoint Care Network, our mission is to facilitate equity, learning, healing, and wellness by restoring the connections that help children and families thrive.

Every person deserves the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. It’s part of human nature, and the promise of our country, that everyone be given a fair chance to be and do their best. Yet, many in our community live with unresolved childhood and generational trauma.

That’s where we come in. We believe we can create a world where children and families have a clearer path to their fullest potential. Wellpoint Care Network has championed the restoration of families for nearly 175 years.

Our next Independent Living Specialist
will be the primary contact/relationship for the youth in the Supervised Independent Living (SIL) program. The ILS will use a strength-based trauma informed approach to supporting youth to independence. The ILS will be a teacher, at times hands-on, and coach of independent living skills using the 5 pillars of stability framework and connecting the youth to resources in their community. ILS support a youth driven service plan that celebrates successes and focuses on youth needs and goals.

The ILS works closely with child welfare and Youth Transitioning to Adulthood to ensure the youth is prepared for independence.

• Bachelor’s degree in social work/human services field required.
• At least 2 years’ experience in human services or related field, working with high-risk teens, and young adults
• Basic experience and/or knowledge of CHIPS court orders
• Must have flexible availability and respond to occasional after business hours calls or youth needs.
• Experience and knowledge of mental illness/treatment and trauma.
• Experience in networking and community outreach.
• Knowledge and skill in creative problem solving.
• Good judgment and strong personal boundaries and ethics.
• Ability to work well independently and as part of one organization.
• Proficient in the usage of computer software; demonstrate an understanding of computer file systems and computer software packages, e.g., Microsoft Office, Excel, Outlook, Teams, ADP, etc.
• Must be honest, dependable and able to meet deadlines;
  Self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Must be organized and able to manage their calendar to meet program protocols and policies.
• Physical exam, drug screen, motor vehicle report, and background checks are required for this position

A valid Wisconsin Driver’s License or occupational driver’s license, reliable transportation and insurance is required.

• Provide IL services to program participants, ages 17-21, who are in out of home care on a CHIPS order.
• Help participants obtain and sustain housing.
• Hands-on, face-to-face supervision and contact in accordance with contract requirements, in the community, at their home and/or at the office.
• Connect with leadership in weekly supervision, system partners and emergency resources to communicate safety concerns and develop a plan to support the youth.
• Facilitate the development of skills that demonstrate total independence, such as budgeting, finding employment, paying bills. Support participants work through the balance of dependency on system care to pursuing income that helps them sustain, meet basic needs, and provides total independence.
• Provide coaching, teaching and guiding participants with independent living skills based on the participants’ needs and skills.

• Provide advocacy for…