Independent Living Coach

Job Type

Full-time

Description

Are you passionate about helping individuals achieve their goals of independence and personal growth? Aspire is seeking a dedicated Independent Living Coach to join our team. In this role, you will work closely with participants, their families, and other stakeholders to develop and implement personalized plans that promote self-sufficiency and enhance the quality of life for each individual.

We Offer

• $21 an Hour
• Sign-on bonus of $1,500 (Paid out in two installments)
• Referral bonuses
• Hybrid Schedule; Monday through Friday
• Retirement plan with matching contributions
• Health and insurance benefits
• Paid time off benefits
• And more! (see benefits list below)
  
  

Independent Living Coach Summary

In partnership with participants, families, and others invested in the individual develop and encourage all aspects of each person’s plan to transition to living on their own or gaining further independence at their current home. Assure a safe and comfortable home environment where each person can be motivated to achieve all of his/her goals toward independence. Conduct meetings and check-ins with participants while maintaining proper documentation to help with participant growth and development.

Independent Living Coach Responsibilities

Plan development duties:

• Writes, develops, schedules, and facilitates progress, emergency, and other participant-centered meetings timely and professionally for all assigned participants.
• Develop, implement, and oversee individualized plans based on assessments of needs, strengths, and goals within each “basic” needs area.
• Work with participants, track individual goal performance and develop strategies to meet goals as needed. Adjust goals as needed to ensure the individual’s ability to successfully achieve goals.
• Ensure participants are receiving all services identified in the plan within the timelines established through regular monitoring and documentation of progress and any necessary adjustments.
  
  

Advocacy Duties

• Assure each participant is treated with dignity, respect, and human rights; given the opportunity to exercise their individuality, and has access to explore opportunities of interest.
• Links participants with community agencies/services as recommended in the plan.
• Maintain information on community resources including, but not limited to food banks, transportation assistance, rental subsidies, medical bill/prescription assistance, entitlements, in-home support services, recreational/social opportunities, and more.
• Visiting participants where they live, work, and socialize on a regular basis (including 1 on 1 weekly meetings; 1 hour or more based on need) per the plan.
• Encourage participants to engage in LoMO programming including LoMO Hangouts and LoMO Workshops. (LoMO - Life on My Own)
  
  

Training And Continued Learning

• Remain current with trends in the field of intellectual/developmental disabilities (specifically in the Mild and Moderate levels) through participation in professional development activities. Maintain all agency-required training.
• Conduct training for instructors and family members as needed to develop a better understanding of participants’ goals, interventions, and/or milestones.
• Educating and communicating the plan’s vision to program staff in order to ensure program methodologies, goals and data tracking are implemented in compliance with clients’ service plans;
  
  

Communication

• Maintain a consistent and professional line of communication as the main liaison between guardians and/or family, Aspire’s staff and community members for each participant. Support systems are updated weekly after one-on-one meetings.
• Maintain the integrity and compliance of the participant’s paper and electronic file. Ensure each participant’s file is up to date and organized at all times.
• Attend and actively participate in supervision with Director keeping them informed of needed information.
• Provide on-call coverage for participants as scheduled or as assigned (on-call assistance may require responses at night or on weekends). Please Note: This is infrequent.
• Complete all required reports, forms, notes, goal tracking, and other documentation accurately and timely (IR, Med report, etc.)
  
  

Administration

• Make recommendations and assist with changes in the development and delivery of new and/or existing policies, procedures, services, etc., to optimize quality assurance, reduce department deficits, and maintain the integrity of the department and Aspire
• Assist in recruitment and program expansion as needed
• Provides crisis intervention to individuals as necessary
• Maintain certification in CPR, First Aid, Abuse/Neglect, and Aggression Management. Training provided by Aspire.
• Important Notes Working with Proviso Township (PTMHC) Participants:
• Complete necessary documentation for the Proviso Township Grant including: MSU (Monthly Status Updates) on goal progress, monthly PTMHC billing sheets for each person served, and the Quarterly LoMO Skill Assessment in October, January, April, and July.
• Common tasks working with PTMHC participants: budgets, supporting medical appointments/information/tests/conditions/medication management, understanding and knowledge of what they are taking, how often, and for what reason.
• Assist in filling out needed/annual/renewal paperwork on behalf of the person to ensure eligibility of assistance from agencies like Social Security, DHS/Public Aid, HUD Housing, or any other benefit agency.
• Complete other duties as assigned by supervisor.
  
  

Reporting to this Position: None

Requirements

Independent Living Coach Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent work experience
• One year experience working with people in residential setting and/or mental health; intellectual/developmental disabilities preferred.
• Valid driver’s license (Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin) with good driving record
  
  

Preferred Certifications

• QIDP-certified or eligible for QIDP certification
  
  

Required Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Minimum 21 years of age.
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from families, employees, and the general public.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Experience with teaching or coaching
• Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with participants, employees at all levels, families, and the general public.
• Ability to work flexible hours and days and ability to be on-call (this can include nights and some weekends).
• Experience with program and curriculum development and implementation.
• Working knowledge of PC operations and software.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional documents, technical procedures, and regulations.
• Ability to quickly build rapport with clients and good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical incidents and the physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency situation.
  
  

Voted as one of the 101 Best and Brightest Companies to work for in Chicago!

We know that Together, We’re Better!

Aspire was founded in 1960 and is recognized as a leader in providing bold, pioneering, and uncompromising services to adults with developmental disabilities, their families, and the community. In 2019, we joined forces with NorthPointe Resources to be one of the most recognized and respected disability service providers across the Chicago metropolitan area, Lake County (Illinois), and southeastern Wisconsin areas.

Full-Time Benefits (regularly schedule to work more than 37 1/2 hours per week)

• Health Insurance
• Benefit Time (Vacation, Sick, Personal)
• 13 Holidays
• 403(B) Retirement Savings Plan with matching contribution
• Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Voluntary Insurances available
  
  

Aspire’s priority is keeping our team members and participants healthy and safe. PPE is provided and regular cleaning and disinfecting regiments are followed to maintain a safe work and living environment. Hand sanitizer is available throughout our facilities.

Aspire is an equal employment opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Aspire is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities so that an applicant may complete the essential functions of a position. The essential functions of positions are outlined in a position’s job description. To request an accommodation or if you have a question regarding what the essential functions of a position are please contact the People Team at 708.632.5502.

Salary Description

$21 / Hour