Independent Living Coordinator - Youth Transition

Independent Living Coordinator - Youth Transition

The Youth Transition Coordinator will support young people with disabilities in developing skills for greater independence at home and in the community. This role includes coordinating services and community connections, as well as recruiting and training high school students to provide peer support and advocacy. The Coordinator will lead the planning, promotion, and implementation of the annual Youth Transition Camp and conduct outreach activities to expand awareness and increase transition referrals.

• Provide basic independent living skills training to promote independence, i.e. decision making, organizing time & activities of daily living, self-care, budgeting and managing finances, accessing public transportation services, and development of self-advocacy skills.
• Provide information on available disability and community resources to assist with developing independence.
• Establish a monthly peer support to bring youth with disabilities together to address barriers to independence.
• Outreach statewide to schools. Establish a referral path for schools, the Office of Rehabilitation Services (ORS), parents, and youth.
• Work with consumers referred to the program to jointly establish an IL Plan for Independent Living. Address all IL barriers to independent living (comprehensive) with emphasis on transition services that will facilitate independence in the community.
• Work with consumers within this program to address core IL services.
• Establish a referral plan to acquire appropriate applicants for the Youth Transition Camp.
• Establish the YT Camp Alumni peer review committee and team of volunteers/participants to hold the YT Camp annual event
• Oversee the progression of all services as established in the consumer’s IL transition plan.
• Maintain accurate, detailed, up-to-date records of consumers in this program, identifying progress, accomplishments, and/or complications and barriers.
• Document consumer activity for preparation of quarterly reports.
• Fulfill any other duties as assigned.

• Formal training in human services, youth education, rehabilitation, social work, or a related field is preferred; however, candidates with substantial experience in independent living skills training and working with youth or individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Minimum of three years’ experience in a position with similar responsibilities.
• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, or an associate’s degree and significant relevant lived or work experience.
• Knowledge and commitment to the independent living movement and philosophy.
• Experience in advocating for the rights of individuals with disability.
• Knowledge of community resources available to people with disabilities, i.e. benefits, housing options, assistive technology/devices, and community support services.
• Ability to work independently and under time constraints, with the ability to set priorities for task accomplishment.
• Possess effective, strong, written, and interpersonal communication skills to effectively convey program content and articulate issues in one-to-one and/or group settings.
• Possess computer skills in Microsoft Word processing.
• Must be able to travel to consumer sites and partner locations throughout Rhode Island (regular in-state travel).

Hours: 35 hours per week

Rate: $23.00 per hour

• Health Insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays