Independent Living Specialist/Advocate

The Independent Living Specialist Advocate is a professional level, direct service position responsible for providing:  intake and assessment, developing and implementing independent living skills plans utilizing all available resources under the direct supervision of the Executive Director, information and referral, independent living skills training (basic money management) equipment services, benefits counseling, peer counseling, both group and individual, barrier removal and housing location assistance, individual and systems advocacy, disability awareness and outreach, and other services as assessed.

The position purpose is to assist individuals obtain and maintain independent living situation through the utilization of existing resources, and is responsible for all assigned case maintenance, documentation, follow-up, and reports.

PART-TIME .50 FTE, 20 hours per week, M-F, some evenings, and weekends.

SALARY: DOE $20.00 to $25.00

BENEFITS: Paid sick and vacation leave, federal holidays, half hour unpaid lunch, one 15-minute break

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The Agency is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Agency will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with Human Resources.We're Hiring

Qualified individuals’ persons with disabilities, minorities, women, and the elderly who possess the capability to perform the job are encouraged to apply.

If you are interested in joining a dynamic team with the passion to guide other individuals with disabilities to live an independent quality life in Clark County Nevada, please forward a letter of intent to asantiago@sncil.org. A full job description is available at www.sncil.org. Please note that our funding source mandates the majority of SNCIL Staff must be individuals with disabilities to maintain compliance.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

No supervision, team working environment. Supervised by ED.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/DUTIES

Responsibility for reports includes:

  • Accurate data entry of all case services and information and referral calls.
  • Conduct intakes and independent living service plan for minimum 120 consumers annually.
  • Log a minimum of 1200 information and referrals calls annually.
  • Produce a monthly, quarterly, and annual report of all activities in a timely manner.
  • Conducts outreach per the outreach plan.
  • Attend SNCIL Service Team Meetings that related to Independent Living referrals sources for consumers and conducts review of peer case management files.
  • Maintain accurate case records, i.e., contact notes on the computer of consumer activity.
  • Guide consumers develop, maintain, and implement Independent Living Plans.
  • Advocate for consumers and train in self-advocacy in independent living and community advocacy to assure equal access.

 

Responsibility to coordinate and provide Independent Living Skills Training in financial management, learning about community resources, and other Independent living Skills training as necessary, (only if there is no other source that can provide this training) and other life skills as needed.

Develop good working knowledge of community resources, coordinate services with other community agencies and developers, and provide updates for the SNCIL Disability Resource Matrix.

Assist or provide information in establishing independent residence for consumers requesting living arrangements:

  • Coordinate with parents, guardians, and funding source representative in facilitating living arrangements.
  • Educate consumers about subsidized housing lists and how to get on them.
  • Research all available benefits, i.e., public housing, food stamps, etc., and assist consumers obtaining maintain benefits.
  • Assist consumers utilize benefits to obtain independent living equipment.
  • Advise the Executive Director about any new funding sources for program expansion or continuation if encountered.
  • Assist with Disability Awareness Day preparation and facilitation.
  • Assume any other responsibility as designated by the Executive Director or the Business Manager.

 

Assist in planning and finding activities that lead to community involvement and development of a support system for consumers.

  • Assume responsibility and accountability for my actions and decisions.
  • Maintain cooperative working relationships with co-workers, volunteers, public, vendors, suppliers, consumers, and other organizations.
  • Maintain loyalty towards SNCIL, discretion and confidentiality.
  • Carry out major assignments in conducting business operations with limited supervision.
  • Work with sensitive and confidential CIL information including co-workers, volunteers, public, vendors, suppliers, consumers, and other organizations.
  • Provide tactful, courteous assistance to CIL staff, co-workers, volunteers, public, vendors, suppliers, consumers, and other organizations.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Attend workshops, team meetings, and other job-related meetings.
  • Discuss tasks assigned the previous and generate new task.
  • Log Tasks completed on matrix.
  • May be assigned training on a one-to-one basis.
  • Maintain Timesheet and Time to Project Log.
  • Research and prepare materials for workshops (i.e., Independent Living Skills Training in) financial management, learning about community resources, and other Independent Living Skills training, as necessary.
  • Develop a good working knowledge of community resources.
  • Generate monthly data reports for ED to review at team and sustainability meetings; satisfaction survey specialists periodic reporting; clerical staff inventory and file inactivation.
  • Exercise discretion with respect to matters of significance in areas such as accommodations, auditing, quality control, liability insurance issues, benefits regulatory compliance, and as they pertain to the CIL.
  • Perform office or non-manual work directly related to CIL operations.
  • Process and maintain CIL database for performance assessments as required.
  • Exercise good judgment in performance of job duties.
  • Assumes any other responsibility as designated by the Executive Director and the Office Specialist.
  • Report workplace safety issues, consumer injuries, consumer threats to supervisory personnel.
  • Complete all necessary training.
  • Responsible for itinerate office outreach and intakes, VA Office, Coronado, Sandy Robinson, Shade Tree, and West Care.
  • Responsible for outreach and intakes in North Las Vegas, Logandale, Overton, Laughlin, and Mesquite.
  • Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES, AND EXPERIENCE

  • Extensive knowledge of CIL operational requirements and independent living skills.
  • Familiarity with CIL rules, policies, and procedures, federal, state, and local laws, including disabilities.
  • Strong commitment to the mission and work of a CIL.
  • Demonstrated commitment to the philosophy of independent living, including consumer control, peer support, self-determination, equal-access, and individual and systems advocacy.
  • Possess compassion and a desire to work with the disabled and impaired community.
  • Possess excellent “project management and case management skills.”
  • Extensive knowledge of benefit programs and administration, community-based services, employment rights, heath care programs, and ability to navigate these programs and systems.
  • Experience and skills in general office procedures.
  • Experience in outreach, public speaking, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Working knowledge of available community resources for children with disabilities and their families; or the ability to gain working knowledge.
  • Maintain competency in my profession through continued learning and attending and being an active participant in staff meetings and trainings.
  • Recognize the autonomy of the individual’s receiving services while also being attentive to reducing their risk of harm.

Ability to:

  • Develop and implement appropriate outreach plans for itinerate offices and rural areas.
  • Understand and follow the CIL Strategic Plan.
  • Work with a diverse and underserved consumer populations.
  • Make and track referrals and make information and referral calls.
  • Communicate with people with disabilities.
  • Accept direction and work harmoniously with a wide range of individuals in a wide range of settings.
  • Promote a positive and professional image in the community.
  • Perform outreach and network with other agencies, community partners, educational institutions, etc.
  • Produce effective communications materials, written and oral.
  • Assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands.
  • Balance multiple priorities at one time with a calm demeanor in high stress situations.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality for all consumer information.
  • Work in a team environment and as an individual.
  • Observe and record programming and behavioral data.
  • Promote a positive and professional image in the community and remains flexible while maintaining a good sense of humor.
  • Establish effective relationships with governmental agencies, clients, staff, and vendors.
  • To think and act strategically.
  • Maintain financial security by adhering to internal controls.
  • Problem-solve using creative and individualized approaches.
  • Support individuals to learn, maintain, or improve skills through their participation in everyday life activities.
  • Work safely, with difficult people, and flexible hours.
  • Develop training materials and put on individual and group training events.
  • Establish and maintain effective and efficient working relationships with co-workers.
  • Work in a demanding and stressful environment remaining “calm and objective.”
  • Exercise creative planning and documentation skills
  • Complete compensation reports and data on time.
  • Communicate clearly with staff and consumers orally, in writing, and with a computer.
  • Use effective telephone etiquette.

 

Mathematical skills, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, and must be “detail oriented.”

Personal integrity and professionalism with the ability to work independently, utilize time management skills, ambition, loyalty, and motivation.

Must be honest, fair, dependable, and respect the rights and privacy of employees and consumers.

Update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications.

Computer skills required include:

  • Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
  • Internet.
  • CIL First Database Agency specific software.

Read, write, and speak English.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training, and Work Experience

  • 21 Years of age and be an individual with a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Americans with Disabilities Amendment Acts.
  • Degree preferred but not required and/or five (5) years of experience in a relevant field.
  • Five (5) years progressive experience working in a CIL environment a plus.
  • Demonstrated commitment to the philosophy of independent living.
  • No criminal offenses relating to harming others.
  • Must be able to pass pre-employment substance abuse tests and a comprehensive personal background test.

Licenses and Certifications

  • Ability to perform data input at 45 words per minute as specified by keyboarding certificate within one year of application.
  • Valid Nevada Driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Physical Ability

  • See the Physical Job Requirements Section at the end of this job description.
  • Accommodation may be made for some of these physical demands for otherwise qualified individuals who require and request such accommodation.

Environmental Factors

Works in an office environment with limited exposure to adverse or extreme environmental conditions.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY.

The Agency is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Agency will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with Human Resources.

Qualified individual’s persons with disabilities, minorities, women, and the elderly who possess the capability to perform the job are encouraged to apply.

DUE DATE:

Please forward a resume or application and cover letter to asantiago@sncil.org attention
Alicia Santiago, March 18 -27, 2026.