Job Title:

Independent Living Specialist

Position Summary:

This full-time position combines direct service to individuals with disabilities and volunteer coordination. The staff member will empower customers to achieve greater independence through skill-building, while also recruiting, training, and supporting volunteers to expand DNL’s impact across Allegan and Ottawa counties.

Key Responsibilities:

Independent Living Support

• Conduct Independent Living assessments to identify customer needs, goals, and barriers to independent living.

• Provide one-on-one skill-building sessions and group workshops in areas such as budgeting, transportation, communication, self-advocacy, and household management.

• In collaboration with Information and Referral, assist customers in identifying and accessing community resources, benefits, and supports to meet their Independent Living goals.

• Support peer mentoring and facilitate independent living programs in collaboration with volunteers and the DNL team.

• Maintain detailed and confidential case notes and documentation in compliance with funding and agency requirements.

Volunteer Coordination

• Develop and implement volunteer recruitment strategies to engage individuals, businesses, and community groups and serve as the main point of contact for all.

• Organize and deliver volunteer orientation and training sessions.

• Manage volunteer assignments, ensuring alignment with DNL’s mission, as well as organizational and customer needs.

• Monitor volunteer performance and provide support, recognition, and retention efforts.

• Maintain an up-to-date volunteer database and track service hours for reporting purposes.

General Duties

• Participate in DNL outreach activities and community events, as needed.

• Collaborate with agency staff to promote a cohesive, mission-driven work environment.

• Attend staff meetings, trainings, DNL events, and professional development activities.

• Advocate for disability rights and promote awareness in the community in alignment with DNL’s core values.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in human services, social work, rehabilitation, education, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Personal experience with disability preferred; strong commitment to the independent living philosophy required.

• Persons with disabilities strongly encouraged to apply.

• Prior experience in volunteer coordination, case management, or independent living services highly preferred.

• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and database management.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Reliable transportation; occasional travel within Ottawa and Allegan counties required.

Work Environment:

• Full-time, 40 hours/week.

• Hybrid work arrangement: On-site work required for first 90 days; hybrid schedule possible thereafter based on performance.

• Reasonable accommodations will be provided as needed in accordance with the ADA.

Salary & Benefits:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

• Benefits include health insurance, robust paid time off, retirement contributions, and professional development opportunities.

To apply, please send your resume and a cover letter to Stacey Trowbridge, Associate Director, at stacey@dnlakeshore.org.