Independent Living Specialist ACCES -VR Peer Services Project

Equilibrium Solutions, LLC’s client, Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled (BCID), is looking for an Independent Living Specialist ACCES-VR Peer Services Project in Brooklyn, NY. 

Apply directly by visiting our Careers page at: https://equilibriumsllc.zohorecruit.com/jobs/Careers with a Please submit a resume and cover letter. In your cover letter, describe your interest in the position and highlight your specific qualifications, including your personal experience with disability.

Founded in 1956, the Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled’s mission is to improve the lives of people with disabilities in Brooklyn and beyond. Led by and staffed by people with disabilities, we offer services, support groups and peer counseling, along with an active advocacy and outreach program. BCID is part of the independent living movement, which works to advance the independence and civil rights of all people with disabilities in countries around the world. 

Position Overview:

The Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled (BCID) is seeking an Independent Living Specialist to join its ACCES-VR Peer Services Project.

Under the supervision of the Peer Services Project Director/Supervisor, the Peer Independent Living Specialist will use lived experience, Independent Living philosophy, peer support, and disability advocacy to assist individuals with disabilities in achieving greater independence, self-advocacy, employment readiness, and community participation.

The position includes significant school and community outreach, participant recruitment, peer services, and Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), particularly throughout Brooklyn Public Schools.

The Specialist will work with ACCES-VR staff, BCID staff, students, consumers, families, schools, and community partners.

Salary: $47,500–$55,000 annually, based on experience.

Responsibilities:

• Provide individual and group peer support to ACCES-VR customers.
  
  


• Promote self-advocacy, independence, self-sufficiency, and informed decision-making.
  
  


• Assist with career exploration, employment preparation, and transition planning; provide peer mentoring and self-advocacy support related to employment; help customers understand employment rights, responsibilities, and reasonable accommodations; and connect participants with appropriate employment and community resources.
  
  


• Assist with obtaining information and guidance regarding obtaining benefits, transportation, housing, health care community resources. 
  
  


• Support health care and self-management and shared decision-making.
  
  


• Conduct outreach and presentations in Brooklyn public schools and the community; provide information about ACCES-VR, BCID Peer Services, and Pre-ETS; conduct school-based information sessions; and build and maintain relationships with school administrators, teachers, transition coordinators, special education staff, other school personnel, and community partners.
  
  


• Identify, engage, and recruit potentially eligible students with disabilities for ACCES-VR services; connect interested students with appropriate ACCES-VR and BCID staff for eligibility and enrollment; and connect customers with appropriate employment and community resources.
  
  


• Support annual participant service and participation goals.
  
  


• Assist with outreach, recruitment, and delivery of BCID's 12-week Pre-Employment Transition Services curriculum for students with disabilities. Curriculum includes:
  
  

-      Job exploration and career development

-      Work-based learning

-      Post-secondary education and training

-      Workplace readiness

-      Self-advocacy and peer mentoring

-      Employment preparation

-      Transition planning

-      Independent Living skills

Travel:

Regular travel throughout Brooklyn is required for school outreach, customer recruitment, presentations, community-based services, and Pre-Employment Transition Services. 

Qualifications:

Candidates must be able to serve as peer to disabled adults and high-school and college Brooklyn residents.

Candidates also should have these qualifications: 

• Training in peer support/counseling and knowledge of the history and philosophy of the Independent Living Movement.
  
  


• Experience providing cross-disability peer services and supporting individuals with self-advocacy, reasonable accommodations, employment rights, transportation, Medicaid Buy-In (MBI), and health care self-management.
  
  


• Experience providing or coordinating individual and group trainings on Independent Living, disability, employment, benefits, health care, and related topics.
  
  


• Ability to conduct outreach and presentations, including in Brooklyn Public Schools and community settings.
  
  


• Demonstrate strong communication, presentation, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
  
  


• Ability to work collaboratively.
  
  


• Must have basic computer skills, including the ability to maintain accurate electronic records and protect confidential customer information.
  
  

Work Schedule & Location:

Monday–Friday, full-time (35 hours per week)

The Specialist will spend at least two to three days per week at the ACCES-VR Brooklyn District Office, with additional time spent at BCID’s office and in conducting outreach and providing services at Brooklyn schools or in the community. Limited remote work will be available.

This role is full-time, and Benefits are available. 

Third Party Applications Not Accepted 

Equilibrium Solutions, LLC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

BCID is an equal opportunity employer with an emphasis on outreach to people with disabilities. We actively recruit and hire qualified individuals, including people with disabilities, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, military service, or any other protected characteristic established by law.