INDEPENDENT LIVING SPECIALIST- OUTREACH
Santa Monica
STATUS: Non-exempt
Looking for a place where your passion and abilities can positively impact the lives of others? Come join us!
WHO WE ARE:
Westside Center for Independent Living (WCIL) is a well-established and innovative non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the rights of Californians with disabilities. WCIL works to support people with disabilities achieve independence and self-determination through quality assistance, advocacy, peer/self-advocacy services, community partnerships, legislative and regulatory advocacy work, education and outreach. Our work includes individual advocacy and systems change advocacy with the goal of broadly impacting services and supports for all people with disabilities living in the Los Angeles area.
Working at WCIL is more than just a job - it's that rare opportunity to do what you're good at while making a difference in the lives of Californians with disabilities.
We are committed to the principle that in order to effectively serve Californians with disabilities, our staff should reflect California. Diversity comes from qualities of the staff themselves such as disability, language and ethnic identity, gender, age, race, culture, sexual orientation, and life experiences. If you are interested in pursuing this opportunity, we will ask that you include a cover letter with your application. We encourage you to use that to address the variety of ways you may help us achieve our diversity goals. Learn more about us at
REWARDS AT WCIL:
Working in an agency that so positively impacts the lives of others has its own rewards to be sure. Working with others who are committed to our mission creates a unique environment of passion and meaning. Our compensation is industry competitive, and we provide a generous benefit package that includes: medical, dental, vision, voluntary flexible spending accounts (e.g., medical and dependent care), basic, life, short-term and long-term disability insurance; paid holidays, paid sick and vacation time. We also provide a significant contribution to the retirement plan (401k) for those who choose to take advantage of it.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
This is a part-time position (30 hours per week) at the WCIL Mar Vista Office.The Independent Living Specialist- Outreach/Santa Monica is under the direction and supervision of the Program Manager and is responsible for development and implementation of outreach programs to the City of Santa Monica. This position requires travel within Los Angeles County and occasionally other parts of Southern California. It requires evening and weekend work.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
This position works under general supervision, working alone on routine or regular work assignments and reporting to the Program Manager on non-routine assignments or when in doubt as to the correct procedures to follow.
DUTIES:
• Design outreach plan to reach members, recruit attendants, and assure positive community image.
• Develop community contacts and serve as a liaison.
• Identify consumers in need of Independent Living Services.
• Complete comprehensive in-home assessments with members and coordinate other Center services.
• Provide workshops, support groups, and other educational forums to Santa Monica community members.
• Arrange for informational exchange between Center and agencies and groups.
• Attend community meetings, forums, and activities specifically designed to inform them of Center services and to facilitate networking.
• Recruit residents as attendants through distribution of information, P.S.A.s, and on-site processing of applications.
• Prepare marketing materials and design methodology for dissemination through the community.
• Participate in self-directed work teams and staff committees.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Manager.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: (Applicants MUST meet EACH of the minimum qualifications to be considered for an interview.)
• Life experience with disability; Knowledge of the Independent Living Movement philosophy preferred.
• Two years’ experience in the field of community outreach.
• Demonstrated ability to network with business representatives and other social service agencies.
• Two years’ experience working with people with disabilities.
• Demonstrated assessment skills, familiarity with community resources, and knowledge of issues of concern to people with disabilities, both locally and nationally.
Toll Free: (888) 851-9245 • TTY: (310) 398-9204 • Website: • Email:
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills needed to interact effectively and diplomatically with a variety of staff, volunteers, and members of the community.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively (oral/written).
• Demonstrated ability to operate office equipment (copier/printer, postage machine, and other equipment as needed).
• Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office computer programs (i.e., Word, Power Point, Excel) and social media formats and communications. Experience using Outlook to schedule appointments, write/respond to emails and calendar support.
• Ability to travel as required.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS: (Applicants DO NOT have to meet any of the Desirable Qualifications to be considered for an interview.)
1. Life experience with disability. Preferred desirable qualification- knowledge of the Independent Living Movement.
2. Bilingual: Spanish, American Sign Language or an Asian language.
3. Experience working with service and advocacy providers, volunteer organizations and other community groups that serve the Santa Monica community.
To be considered for this position, applicants MUST submit the following:
1. WCIL Employment Application (must fill out completely; do not state “See Resume”).
2. Resume.
3. Cover Letter which addresses your interest in this position and your experience related to the position and/or to the disability movement.
Applicant packets can be sent to:
Keila Barahona, Human Resources Manager
WCIL
12901 Venice Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90066
Applicant packets can also be faxed to 310-390-4906 or emailed to
THE WESTSIDE CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING, INC. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNTITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER. PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, FEMALES, MINORITIES,