Social Work - Independent Living Services

INDEPENDENT LIVING SPECIALIST

NOTE - This is a hybrid position in which you work from home (approximately 40%) AND out in the field with clients anywhere in Thurston County (approximately 60%). This can fluctuate depending on your caseload and complexity of clients.

Do you want to help empower individuals with disabilities to live their full potential? Are you ready to make a difference in the lives of others by being an Independent Living Specialist?

If this sounds like what you are looking for in a rewarding career, apply today. We look forward to hearing from you!

An Independent Living Specialist (ILS) serves as a member of the Validus Consulting and Services (VCS) team of professional field staff. Each team member is assigned a client caseload of individuals with various types and levels of disabilities and age-related impairments. The ILS will empower clients to develop, maintain, advance, and maximize their ability to live as independently within the community as the client’s abilities allow. The ideal candidate will be dependable, people-oriented, and possess strong attention to detail.

Seeking candidates in Thurston County!

**An ILS provides these services:

• Transitional Services - Services provided to clients living institutionally involving transitioning them to community living and reintegration.
• Community Stabilization – Services provided to clients living within community whose living situation has become unstable, placing them at risk of losing their ability to remain living independently and becoming institutionalized.
• Client Training: Life Skills – Services to those transitioning to or already living in the community who desire and need training to develop, maintain, and/or advance the skills necessary for them to develop, maintain, or advance their ability to live independently within the community.

**Key Responsibilities of an ILS:

• Conduct client consultations to determine support and/or services required to successfully facilitate meeting the client’s needs.
• Act as a liaison, as appropriate, to your assigned clients on behalf of the Home and Community Services (HCS)/Area Agency on Aging (AAA) staff, nursing facility and in-home case management, staff at nursing facility and institutional settings, housing, medical personnel, legal representatives, formal caregivers, family members, informal supports and any other involved party.
• Provide direct assistance and support to clients individually both in partnership and coordination with HCS and AAA case managers, as well as in accordance with their respective established and authorized goals.
• Facilitate maintaining the identified processes/services required for the client to continue advancing toward meeting his/her ultimate goal.

**The successful candidate will have the following:

• Bachelor' degree in social work or psychology with two years of experience in the coordination or provision of independent living services (ILS) OR Two years of experience in the coordination of ILS in a social service setting under qualified supervision OR Four years personal experience with a disability.
• Reliable transportation and current WA State driver's license & auto insurance.
• Computer access and proficiency. Ability to access and exchange electronic transmissions on a daily (timely) basis. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Outlook.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills, ability to coordinate and multitask.
• Self-starter who can prioritize and execute duties with minimal oversight.
• Pass a criminal background check.
• Must read, understand and agree to abide by Validus Consulting and Services’ Policies and Procedures.

**Compensation/Benefits Include:

• Competitive Compensation - $22 - $23 hourly
• Paid Sick and Safe Leave

**About Validus Consulting Services (VCS)

Validus Consulting Services (VCS) is registered with the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services as a social service agency. As such, VCS provides contracted services for Washington State’s Department of Social & Health Services (DSHS), Aging and Long Term Support Administration (ALTSA), Home & Community Services (HCS), Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) and private pay service organizations and individuals having related needs. Our focus is providing services to individuals with disabilities and age-related impairments who are economically disadvantaged and/or who would otherwise go without the assistance they need to advance their ability to live with greater independence and a heightened quality of life. The mission of VCS is to empower individuals with disabilities to live their full potential. To learn more, visit us at https://validusconsulting.org/.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $22.00 - $23.00 per hour

Ability to Relocate:

• Thurston County, WA: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Thurston County, WA