Independent Living Specialist

Dungarvin • Oakdale, MN

4d

About The Position

The Independent Living Specialist provides personalized in-home and in-community support to people who need assistance, including individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, mental illness, or complex medical needs. The role focuses on supporting and developing the skills people need to maintain or increase their independence and achieve individual goals. It is a daytime position, not a group home setting, and involves working with multiple people served in varied home and community settings. Staff use their own vehicle to travel between shifts and transport people served; mileage reimbursement is provided. Full-time and part-time schedules are available between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., and schedules may change based on the needs of the people served.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Associate degree in a relevant field or two years of equivalent experience working with people with developmental disabilities and/or mental illness.
• Valid driver's license and proof of auto insurance.
• Reliable personal vehicle suitable for transporting people served; willing to drive within a 30-mile radius.
• Basic computer skills for documentation and communication.
• Comfortable using technology and able to use a smart device with adequate data.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Willingness to assist with personal care and activities of daily living.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, or squat for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Genuine interest in supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Ability to promote independence, community engagement, and person-centered support.
• Responsible and reliable, with the ability to perform job functions without direct supervision.

Nice To Haves

• Experience, training, or transferable skills that support success in a direct support role.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one support in home and community settings.
• Assist with daily activities such as personal care, meal preparation, transportation, housekeeping, and laundry while fostering independence.
• Maintain a clean and safe environment that supports comfort and personal goals.
• Teach and develop skills in community participation, health, safety and wellness, household management, and adaptive skills.
• Accompany people served on errands and appointments, and support budgeting and participation in social events.
• Attend team meetings and write progress reports.
• Assist supervisors in maintaining consistent service provision and communication with support team members.
• Coach, mentor, and encourage people served as they work toward their goals.
• Drive to and from shifts and transport people served using a personal vehicle.

Benefits

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance for full-time employees.
• Supplemental insurance and life insurance.
• 401(k) with up to a 3% employer match.
• Paid time off that increases with tenure, including PTO donation options.
• National brand discounts.
• Employee referral program.
• Access to Tapcheck to receive up to 50% of pay before payday.
• Career growth opportunities, paid training, and mentorship.
• Mileage reimbursement for travel.
• Paid training and orientation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree