Olmstead Housing Independent Living Specialist
GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION
Assist individuals seeking eligibility for housing subsidy to transition from institutional setting to the community. Work as part of a coordinated Independent Living service team.
SPECIFIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Manage the assignments of OHS consumers for the region to Housing Specialists.
- Ensure coordination and communication between Housing Specialists.
- Identify housing opportunities for individuals who are in need of housing in order to leave a nursing home, as well as for those who have unstable housing after leaving a nursing home.
- Assist eligible Olmstead Housing Subsidy (OHS) participants through all steps necessary for enrollment, including filling out housing applications, obtaining household goods and/or support for moving expenses, arranging unit inspections, etc.
- Work with applicants and/or their Olmsted Housing Specialist Team Leader, Transition Specialist, Service Coordinator (SC), Nursing Home Discharge Planner, Care Manager (CM), natural supports, or advocate in order to ensure that a support services plan is in place for program enrollment, and complete independent living services duties as assigned.
- Conduct follow-up after subsidy is initiated, including but not limited to, verifying occupancy of unit and continued eligibility for program.
- Work to identify landlords, public housing, and private housing in the region which may be suitable for individuals enrolled in the OHS program in the future.
- Maintain list of available housing in the region, including degree of accessibility, location, proximity to services and rental costs.
- Track and report on all activities using the New York Association on Independent Living (NYAIL) statewide project database.
- Accurately document consumer services and required paperwork in Western New York Independent Living, Inc.’s (WNYIL’s) the Electronic Consumer Record (ECR), within two (2) working days of the date of service.
- Attend Agency’s in-service training and staff meetings as well as any other Agency-related activities as required.
- Participate in maintaining a neat, clean and safe work environment.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the supervisor.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Associate Degree in Human Resources/Services or related field
OR
Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources/Services or related field
- Professional and life experience may be considered in lieu of, in full or part of academic credentials.
KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE (if required)
- Professional experience in housing, community organizing, Independent Living, long term care, and/or disability rights strongly preferred.
- Associate degree requires two (2) years of work experience related to Human Resources/Services.
SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Must have reliable transportation and the ability to travel independently throughout Erie, Niagara, Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming Counties.
- Must have intermediate level knowledge of computers including the use of excel spreadsheets, databases, word processing and networks.
- Perform in a professional, conscientious, and efficient manner for the purpose of ensuring a better quality of life for persons with disabilities.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Office/ Community
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
- Sitting for extended periods of time.
- Occasional lifting of not more than 15 pounds.
HOURS / SHIFTS
- 37.5 – 40 hours per week. M – F 8:30 am – 5:00 pm.
- Overtime rarely required.
CLASSIFICATION
- Full-time, salary, non-exempt, Professional staff.
- Range: $39,000 - $40,000
BENEFITS
- Agency provided group health insurance.
- Vision, dental, life, supplemental insurances available.
- PTO and paid holiday package.
- 403(b) retirement with Agency match.
- Employee Assistance Program
OTHER
- Western New York Independent Living, Inc. values our employee safety and follows all recommended NYS required Infectious Disease Prevention Protocols.
- Western New York Independent Living, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
- Reasonable accommodations will be made for people with disabilities.
- Western New York Independent Living, Inc. is a scent-free Agency.