Community Supports Coordinator

BASIC FUNCTION: Summarize position's purpose

Increase the independence and self-determination of up to 200 Chicagoans with disabilities annually. The employee works one-on-one with identified people with disabilities to address issues they face in their journey toward independence and self-determination.

SPECIFIC DUTIES: Describe responsibilities and tasks

• Overall, ensure that consumers can conduct their lives as independently as possible.
• Assess consumers by telephone and in person to identify resources and support that allow them to increase their independence in their own homes. Staff must consider the support and services already in place when completing assessments.
• Identify and recommend methods to increase consumers’ independence, including reviewing consumers’ needs for assistive technology, homemaker services, home-delivered meals provided by the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, and/or ongoing case management, if the consumer is eligible. Refer consumers to outside programs and/or other Access Living programs that would assist them in achieving their goals.
• Conduct MOPD phone screenings with consumers for services.
• Work with consumers to develop an Independent Living plan with goals that increase their ability to self-direct their lives.
• Empower consumers and model advocacy skills. Staff must always encourage consumers to complete this work independently, with support whenever possible.
  • Provide Activities of Daily Living training when requested by consumers.
  • Ensure all deadlines and outcomes are met.
  • Complete all required documentation in relevant databases
• Maintain client confidence and protect operations by keeping client information confidential.
• Contribute to team efforts by accomplishing related results as needed.

Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field, with one year of experience, or an equivalent combination. One year of experience serving people with disabilities is preferred. Experience evaluating individuals with disabilities for assistive devices and independent living skills training is a plus.

EXPERIENCE:

The employee must have basic knowledge of disability rights laws and experience in the fields of independent living, disability rights, and self-determination. An understanding of issues affecting people with disabilities is essential. Strong written, interpersonal, and good communication skills are needed. The employee must be able to handle pressure, maintain objectivity, stay organized, and demonstrate basic knowledge of federal and state funding reporting. The employee should be proactive, communicate effectively, be comfortable establishing client relationships, and have extensive knowledge of Microsoft Office programs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Staff must be able to travel and conduct home visits within the City of Chicago.

EQUIPMENT OPERATED:

Use a personal computer, telephone, fax, copier, and printer.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment consists of office space with cubicles shared by co-workers and surrounded by windows. Access Living uses a hybrid work schedule.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS:

No affiliation is necessary.

NO. OF EMPLOYEES DIRECTLY SUPERVISED: Zero.

SUPERVISED BY: Supervisor of Community Supports

OTHER: An offer of employment is contingent upon clearance of a state criminal background check.

SALARY RANGE: $54,000-$59,000 annually.

• Applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and no more than two pages of a writing sample, preferably related to this position. Materials should be sent to Jennifer Matthews at

jmatthews@accessliving.org and Tonya Edwards at tedwards@accessliving.org.

Health Insurance

• Available to employees working 30 or more hours per week.
• Offer HMO and PPO options.

Dental Insurance

• Available to employees working 30 or more hours per week.
• Offer HMO and PPO options.

Life Insurance

• Provide life insurance for all employees working 30 or more hours per week.
• Coverage is 1 ½ times your salary.

Vision Insurance

• Provide vision insurance for all employees enrolled in health insurance.

403(b)

• Provide a 403(b) retirement program for all employees who choose to participate.
• Access Living will match 100% of the first 3% contributed and 50% of the next 2%
• Matching doesn’t begin until after 1st year of employment and is subject to a 4 year vesting schedule.

Short Term Disability

• Provide Short Term Disability insurance for all employees working30 or more hours per week who have completed one year of service.

Long Term Disability

• Provide Long Term Disability insurance for all employees working30 or more hours per week who have completed one year of service.

Employee Assistance Plan

• Provide 24/7 assistance call-inline for all staff.

Vacation

• Available to employees working 20 or more hours per week.
• 17 days from 1 to 4 years of service, prorated for employees working less than 40 hours per week.

• Beginning of your fifth year you start accruing22 days each year, prorated for employees working less than 40 hours per week.

Sick Time

• Available to all employees.
• 12 days, prorated for employees working less than 40 hours per week.

Personal Days

• Available to employees working 20 or more hours per week.
• 5 days, prorated for employees working less than 40 hours per week.

Religious/Cultural Observances

• Add 3 floating holidays for religious or cultural observances

Hybrid Work Environment

• Staff are required to come to the office two days per week.
• Bank of 25 additional remote workdays can be used on an annual basis, prorated for employees working less than 40 hours per week.

All benefits are subject to change at any time based on the discretion of Access Living.