Independent Living Specialist

Independent Living Specialist Overview

• The Independent Living Specialist role focuses on supporting individuals with mental health challenges in a shelter environment.
• Provide intake and assessment services to identify client needs and develop tailored support plans.
• Offer individual and group counseling sessions to promote mental health and well-being.
• Assist clients with accessing entitlements, advocacy, and concrete services to enhance their independence.
• Escort clients to appointments and ensure proper documentation and record-keeping of progress notes.
• Develop psychosocial treatment plans and provide aftercare follow-up to ensure continuity of care.
• Participate in staff meetings and training sessions to enhance professional skills and knowledge.
• Facilitate housing placement and provide emergency first aid/CPR assistance as needed.

Independent Living Specialist Key Responsibilities & Duties

• Conduct client intake and assessments to determine individual needs and challenges.
• Provide individual and group counseling to support mental health recovery and stability.
• Assist clients in accessing entitlements, advocacy services, and concrete resources.
• Escort clients to appointments and ensure accurate documentation of their progress.
• Develop and implement psychosocial treatment plans tailored to client needs.
• Provide aftercare follow-up to ensure sustained support and care for clients.
• Participate in staff meetings and training sessions to stay updated on best practices.
• Support housing placement efforts and provide emergency first aid/CPR assistance.

Independent Living Specialist Job Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish-English is highly desirable.
• Experience working with homeless individuals with mental illness is essential.
• Knowledge of outreach, entitlement programs, and substance abuse services is beneficial.
• CASAC certification preferred; CPR training certification or willingness to obtain it required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel, is required.
• Strong documentation and record-keeping skills are essential for success in this role.
• Ability to work on-site and commit to the specified working hours.