Outreach Specialist

The Outreach Specialist is responsible for providing the Independence Center’s Independent Living services in outlying counties to reach the unserved and underserved consumers in these areas. Services include Information and Referral, Peer Support, Advocacy, and Independent Living Skills Training. Works closely with IL team members to develop peer support groups and resources to provide services to people in outlying areas.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Maintain a psychologically safe and inclusive work environment that embraces diversity and cross-disability perspectives, ensuring all coworkers and service users feel known, valued, and included.
• Develop and implement a strategic plan identifying ways to serve outlying counties focusing on issues facing the disability community.
• Maintains a respectful atmosphere during group sessions. Utilizing de-escalation techniques to manage conflicts, ensuring a safe and productive environment for all participants.
• Responsible for completing all required documentation, reporting, and monitoring responsibilities. Documentation may include sign-in sheets, intake packets, and other forms as needed.
• Responsible for entering services into the database to meet State regulatory requirements in a timely manner as needed or requested. 
• Build and facilitate Peer Support groups that encourage consumers to come together, address challenges, and overcome obstacles that face people with disabilities.
• Maintain an understanding of each of The IC programs and services and community resources that assist people with disabilities.
• Participate and engage in any required program, committee or IC meetings with or in place of leadership.
• Punctuality and consistent attendance are essential for maintaining operations efficiency, contributing to your team, and fostering a positive work environment.
• This position may also require the performance of other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Demonstrates The IC’s core values of Adaptability, Collaboration, Inclusion, Integrity and Person First.
• Commitment to co-creating a culture that fosters diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.
• Extraordinary customer service skills.
• Effective communication skills.
• Self-motivated, persistent, and flexible.
• Strong organizational skills and detail oriented.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities as well as deadlines.
• Takes responsibility for high-quality work.
• Capacity to work individually and as a member of a team in a team-oriented, inclusive environment.
• Possess decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• The capacity to empower individuals to advocate for themselves to maximize independence.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and work within the confines of HIPAA regulations.
• Proficiency with computers, including MS Windows, MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams), Zoom and other common computer programs.
• Ensure the philosophy, mission and goals of the Independent Living Program are maintained.

Education and Experience:

• A minimum of one year of experience working with people with disabilities.
• Knowledge of Peer Support best practices.
• Knowledge of community resources for people with disabilities preferred.
• Experience working with people with disabilities preferred.
• Lived experience with a disability preferred.

Travel:

• Daily travel within the six counties we serve: Park, Teller, El Paso, Cheyenne, Kit Carson, and Lincoln.
• Local travel to partners, collaborators, and vendors for official IC related business and events may be required.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and car insurance.

Working Conditions:

• Office environment requiring ongoing computer use and extended amount of time sitting or standing.
• Frequently lift, push, pull, up to 10 lbs. 
• Internet access to work remotely if protocols are issued for remote work.

Reasonable accommodations may be provided to empower the qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of this position.