Independence and Innovation Specialist, (Oak Ridge, TN), Emory Valley Center

Independence and Innovation Specialist

• $21.00 per hour
• Monday - Friday
• Hybrid role (Some Remote Working)

The Emory Valley Center

The Emory Valley Center in Oak Ridge, TN has a rich and inspiring history rooted in community and compassion. We began in 1955 when a group of determined parents came together to create opportunities for their children who had IDD (Intellectual and developmental disabilities) at a time when such support was almost nonexistent. Their vision and advocacy laid the foundation for what would become a trusted and vital organization in the region. Over the decades, Emory Valley Center has grown to serve individuals of all ages with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities, offering a wide range of programs focused on promoting independence, inclusion, and quality of life. Despite its growth, the heart of the organization remains the same — a deep commitment to empowering people and honoring their unique strengths. Emory Valley Center’s legacy is one of perseverance, love, and an unwavering belief in the value of every individual.

Independence and Innovation Specialist Responsibilities

The Independence and Innovation Specialist plays a vital role in supporting individuals to lead self-directed, fulfilling lives through skill development, community engagement, and personal growth. This position focuses on empowering people receiving services to work, live independently, and exploring meaningful opportunities within their neighborhoods and communities. The Specialist facilitates services including Virtual Community Resource Mapping (VCRM), Community Navigation, Independence Coaching, and Employment Innovation. By identifying strengths, interests, and support needs, the Independence and Innovation Specialist assists each person in developing a personalized path toward independence. All duties are carried out in alignment with state-approved objectives and in accordance with the organization’s mission, vision, and commitment to high-quality, person-centered support. The Independence and Innovation Specialist contributes to the organization’s ongoing mission to build and strengthen our internal culture with compassion, forward thinking, quality, value and respect for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging to enhance the lives of those we serve.

• Introduce tools, concepts, and services that reduce learned dependence and foster personal success and achievement for people.
• Guide individuals in creating and updating their Virtual Community Resource Map (VCRM) to identify meaningful local resources and community connections.
• Provide coaching on developing independent living skills using enabling technologies (e.g., smartphones, tablets), smart home devices, transportation apps, and peer mentoring.
• Ensure the successful integration of enabling technology through thorough assessments, consents, personalized technology plans, and ongoing follow-up.
• Assess individuals' readiness and support needs for employment, including education, work experience, skills, interests, and qualifications.
• Support exploration of employment and volunteer options by helping individuals align their interests and goals with community opportunities.
• Maintain current knowledge of enabling technology, employment pathways, and community resources, and share relevant updates with the team.
• Complete necessary documentation for state-required outcomes, milestones, and case management, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Collaborate with team members to support participation in services such as Community Navigation, Employment Innovation, and Independence Coaching.
• Facilitate community integration through group and individual outings based on the person’s identified goals.
• Encourage skill development in community settings by identifying and supporting access to memberships, clubs, and recreational opportunities.
• Utilize internal databases and systems to input, track, and update status reports and service progress.
• Maintain communication with all relevant stakeholders, including families, guardians, Support Coordinators, and state agencies.
• Participate in staff development opportunities, training, and continuing education for program compliance and professional growth.
• Ensure compliance with privacy laws and ethical standards, protecting the confidentiality of people receiving services.
• Attend and participate in all required internal and external meetings related to service delivery and program development.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the Workforce Innovation Assistant Director, Workforce Innovation Director, Senior Vice President of Operations, or President, in alignment with the mission and vision of Emory Valley Center.
• Perform other related special projects and duties, as assigned.

• High school diploma (or equivalent), bachelor’s degree in vocational rehabilitation or related field preferred.

• One year experience in a field or closely related field.
• Enabling Technology Integration Specialist (ETIS) preferred.
• Must have a valid Tennessee driver’s license with a good driving record.
• Duties may require occasional after-hours work and travel to organizational sites.
• Required training/certifications provided by the organization including CPR/First Aid.

• Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Referral Program
• Gym Membership and more!

If you're interested in applying for a Independence and Innovation Specialist role or learning more about Emory Valley Center, please apply via the provided links or contact Connor Mitchell at [email protected]

Emory Valley is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the Center to provide equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.