Independent Living Specialist (ILP)

Youth Villages • Portland, OR

391d • $62,000 - $78,000

About The Position

The Independent Living Specialist (ILP) at Youth Villages is responsible for providing case management services to youth in the Independent Living Program, assisting them in their transition to adulthood. This role involves supporting clients in achieving goals related to housing, education, employment, and personal development while ensuring they have access to necessary resources and support systems. The position requires regular communication with caseworkers and advocacy for clients in various settings.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in social services field is preferred; a Bachelor's degree in social services field is required.
• One year of related experience in counseling and/or case management is preferred.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written, verbal, and oral skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Basic computer knowledge.
• Ability to maintain a flexible schedule.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with youth in foster care or similar settings.
• Knowledge of community resources available for youth and families.

Responsibilities

• Meet with each ILP client a minimum of one hour face to face per month, typically at their home or other off-site facility.
• Maintain regular, ongoing communication with Caseworkers about services being provided.
• Act as an advocate for the client when facing barriers to achieving goals by attending school meetings, DHS meetings, and court hearings as determined by the youth, caseworker or ILP supervisor.
• Provide support accessing transportation for youth, including directly providing transportation to events as needed.
• Complete required DHS documentation including skills assessments, transition plans, and monthly progress updates within timelines outlined by the program.
• Provide individual skills training interventions for assigned caseloads and provide case management related to goals.
• Conduct primarily individual sessions using strategic interventions to address housing, education, natural supports/healthy relationships, employment, health, transportation, and money management.
• Conduct ongoing assessment of the client's needs from a strength-focused, solution-based perspective.
• Empower the client to build upon and use the supports in their natural environment, including teaching the client how to access appropriate community resources.
• Support monthly peer-to-peer events through planning and attendance.
• Complete documentation of all information in a timely and professional manner that provides a basis for the direction of services.
• Visit the school to establish a working relationship to ensure reasonable school performance by the young adult.
• Visit the employer to establish a working relationship to ensure reasonable job performance by the young adult.
• Participate in weekly consultation with the Licensed Program Expert concerning case strategies and case progress and in quarterly booster training sessions concerning specialized treatment topics.
• Provide on-call crisis support to youth enrolled in LifeSet, with responsibilities rotated among Specialists.

Benefits

• Continuing education credits
• Paid parental leave
• License reimbursement
• Paid holidays
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Cell phone reimbursement
• Gym membership
• Opportunities for advancement
• Paid sick time

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Social Assistance
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree