Community Support Specialist Details

Community Support Specialist

The Northeast Independent Living Program, Inc. - Lowell, MA

Employment Type : Full-Time

Community Supports Specialist

Who are we? NILP is a rapidly growing, human service agency who assists persons with all types of disabilities who wish to live independently in their community throughout Northeast Massachusetts. NILP provides five core services of Advocacy, Peer Counseling, Information and Referral, Independent Living Skills Training, and Transition. NILP believes in consumer control and self direction and provides these services with the knowledge that persons with disabilities are the best determinants of their needs and goals.

Position Overview: Under the supervision of the Director of Community Supports, the Community Supports Specialist provides advocacy that helps create an environment that allows people with disabilities to participate in all aspects of community living through information and referral, advocacy, skills training, peer counselling and transition. We are seeking applicants with significant knowledge concerning MassHealth, its programs, services, eligibility criteria, as well as those passionate about helping others and willingness to show a commitment to Independent Living philosophy.

What you will be doing:

• Provides confidential Skills Training and Peer Counseling using a non-biased, person-centered approach
• Assists consumers in navigating the complex system of state, federal and community services, programs and benefits
• Supports consumers in the application processes of social security disability benefits, housing, MassHealth, assistive technology, home modifications, transportation, etc. and informs the consumers on what to expect during the process
• Engages in individual, group or systems advocacy for the rights of the persons with disabilities
• Provides guidance and support through appeal processes
• Enters and maintains all consumer interactions into WILD database and responsible for keeping confidential paper file as backup

Who we are looking for?

• An individual with an Associate's Degree or higher in a human service or relevant concentration, can be substituted with personal experience with a disability or equivalent human service experience
• Awareness and sensitivity to disability and multicultural issues
• Preference will be given for persons living with a disability or with significant personal experience with disability

The Northeast Independent Living Program, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and encourages persons with disabilities, women, and persons of color to apply for this position.