Independent Living Specialist

Wellpoint Care Network•Milwaukee, WI

About The Position

The Independent Living Specialist (ILS) is the primary contact and relationship for youth in the Supervised Independent Living (SIL) program. Using a strength-based, trauma-informed approach and the five pillars of stability framework, the ILS teaches, coaches, and supports youth as they develop independent living skills and connect with community resources. The role supports youth-driven service plans that recognize successes and address each participant’s needs and goals, and works closely with child welfare and Youth Transitioning to Adulthood to help prepare participants for independence. The ILS provides services to participants ages 17–21 who are in out-of-home care on a CHIPS order. Services include helping participants obtain and sustain housing; providing face-to-face supervision and contact in the community, at participants’ homes, and/or at the office; and teaching practical skills such as budgeting, finding employment, and paying bills. The specialist advocates for participants, supports access to health and mental health care, education, and vocational planning, and helps them transition to the Youth Transitioning to Adulthood program. The position includes hands-on support with moving into an apartment, community outings and transportation, documentation in required systems, communication with case managers and other partners, participation in team meetings and agency activities, and other assigned duties. Full-time work involves regular travel in a personal vehicle, intermittent movement throughout the workday, and moderate exposure to noise.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social work or a human services field.
At least 2 years of experience in human services or a related field working with high-risk teens and young adults.
Basic experience and/or knowledge of CHIPS court orders.
Flexible availability and ability to respond to occasional after-business-hours calls or youth needs.
Experience and knowledge of mental illness, treatment, and trauma.
Experience in networking and community outreach.
Knowledge of and skill in creative problem solving.
Good judgment and strong personal boundaries and ethics.
Ability to work well independently and as part of one organization.
Proficiency with computer software and understanding of computer file systems and software packages such as Microsoft Office, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and ADP.
Honesty, dependability, ability to meet deadlines, self-motivation, and ability to work independently.
Organization skills and ability to manage a calendar in accordance with program protocols and policies.
Completion of a physical exam, drug screen, motor vehicle report, and background checks.
Valid Wisconsin driver’s license or occupational driver’s license, reliable transportation, and insurance.

Responsibilities

Provide independent living services to program participants ages 17–21 who are in out-of-home care on a CHIPS order.
Help participants obtain and sustain housing.
Provide hands-on, face-to-face supervision and contact in the community, at participants’ homes, and/or at the office, in accordance with contract requirements.
Communicate with leadership, system partners, and emergency resources about safety concerns and develop plans to support youth.
Teach, coach, and guide participants in independent living skills based on their needs and abilities, including budgeting, finding employment, and paying bills.
Advocate for participants by modeling and coaching self-advocacy, helping them find support and resources, and strengthening their ability to sustain independence.
Help participants navigate health systems and insurance and access mental health treatment as needed.
Help participants obtain a high school education or equivalency and plan for future education or vocation; attend IEP meetings as needed or requested.
Support participants in monthly meetings with their ongoing case manager to express their needs, perspectives, and future goals.
Introduce participants to the Youth Transitioning to Adulthood program and guide their transition.
Create opportunities for participants to learn and practice skills, including community outings and transportation to different locations.
Ensure participants understand and follow SIL agreements.
Provide hands-on support for apartment move-ins, including walkthroughs, cleaning, shopping, and organizing the home.
Support participants in obtaining needed resources through community connections.
Participate in required educational events and meetups.
Document work promptly and professionally in required data collection systems, including weekly case notes and ongoing communication with assigned child welfare case managers.
Use CoBRIS and eWiSACWIS to document case activities.
Complete timely communication and transition planning for participants entering the Wellpoint Care YTA program.
Follow contractual expectations and Wellpoint Care SIL staff protocols and procedures.
Manage credit card activity, including submitting receipts and documentation on time.
Participate in program team meetings to discuss participant trends and needs and identify individual and group learning opportunities.
Communicate high-risk situations, safety concerns, instability, and positive updates on time to child welfare case managers, landlords, and others as appropriate.
Help participants develop caring connections for ongoing support beyond system care.
Participate in program and agency activities and represent the program positively while advocating for young adults aging out of care.
Participate in assigned meetings, events, learning, committees, and workgroups, and demonstrate the agency’s Seven Essential Ingredients and strategic initiatives in daily work and community interactions.
Perform other assigned duties, including serving in a coverage role for other department members.