Job Description

Independent Living Advocate

Community Reintegration

The Community Reintegration Advocate works directly with disabled residents of institutions who seek to live in a setting that is more integrated and that is more independent compared to an institution. The Community Reintegration Advocate will work within existing State Consent Decrees, which mandate the transition of people with disabilities out of institutions. In cases in which a consumer is a member of a Class within a Consent Decree, the Advocate will work with a consumer’s designated transition agency. The Advocate will help navigate barriers within the transition process and will serve as an advocate for the consumer when the consumer needs are not met.

In cases in which the consumer is not a member of any Consent Decree Class, the Community Reintegration Advocate will coordinate wrap-around services needed for the successful transition. This includes assistance with scheduling service assessments, securing support services that will be needed after the transition, securing housing for the consumer, securing services and furnishings needed on the day of the transition, and coordinating appropriate independent living skills training.

Essential Functions Include: 

  • Providing one-on-one transition assistance to disabled residents of long-term care institutions. This includes: housing assistance, independent living skills assistance, assistance with service assistance, assistance with securing home services, personal assistants and other community care services.
  • Helping consumers who are in need of home modifications services that will support their independence in the community.
  • Collaborating with long-term care facilities in order to recruit and work with consumers.
  • Advocating for residents who are members of a designated Olmstead Consent Decree Class but who are not receiving needed assistance under the Colbert, Williams, and Ligas Consent Decrees.
  • Collaborating with agencies that provide transition services under State of Illinois Olmstead Consent Decrees.
  • Documenting program activities in Progress Center Consumer and Community Database.
  • Monthly and Quarterly Reporting as needed for Progress Center and for funders.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
  • Problem solving skills.
  • Self motivated / Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
  • Familiarity with the Illinois system of long-term and community care.
  • Personal experience with disability.
  • Oral and written communication, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to travel independently within suburban Cook County.

 

 20 hour work week at $ 20 an hour

Email Resumes to: Art Johnson, Team Manager ajohnson@progresscil.org