COMMUNITY OUTREACH SPECIALIST jobs in Colorado Springs, CO

Description

The IC: Building a world where everyone is Known, Valued, and Included.

Getting to know us: 

The Independence Center is the local home of civil rights for people with disabilities. Working with individuals, their families, and the community, we create independence so that all may thrive. We are not an assisted living center; instead, our organization provides information, resources, and support to help people with disabilities live, learn, work, play, and participate in civic life as equals. 

Why YOU are a good fit:

We are seeking an enthusiastic, sharp-minded, and sociable individual to represent our organization publicly. You will play a crucial role in connecting people in the surrounding areas with the necessary resources and support. This position will involve traveling across Colorado, including the mountains south of Denver, and even as far as the Kansas border. If you enjoy traveling and derive personal satisfaction from contributing to the well-being of your community, then this job is perfect for you! 

What makes us one of the Gazette’s “Best Places to Work” every year:

Want to make a meaningful difference in our community while enjoying a healthy work-life balance? The IC offers a fun, casual and supportive work environment, competitive pay, and great benefits including:

• Flexible Fridays 
• Paid sick and frontload PTO
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Exceptional medical, dental, vision coverage
• Tuition reimbursement

Requirements

What you bring to the table:

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.

A desire to work alongside people with disabilities, make a significant contribution to the independent living movement and work with terrific teammates. You’re passionate, excited about making a meaningful impact, and ready to join an organization that leans into the challenges of educating our community about the importance of equal rights and empowerment for people with disabilities.

Specifically:

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.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Ensure the philosophy, mission and goals of the Independent Living Program are maintained.
• Have a working knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, and Fair Housing Act.
• Meet with individuals, whether by phone, in person, or by email/web contact, in order to respond to consumer needs and requests for information.
• Complete all required documentation, reporting, and monitoring responsibilities for The Independence Center. 
• Develop and implement a strategic plan identifying ways to serve outlying counties focusing on issues facing the disability community.
• Assist consumers in learning and exercising self-reliance and self-advocacy skills. Set clear expectations, responsibilities, and goals with consumers.
• Build and facilitate Peer Support groups that encourage consumers to come together, address challenges, and overcome obstacles that face people with disabilities.
• Determine the needs of consumers and the community throughout the rural communities being served. Conduct outreach to identify un-served and underserved consumers and collaborate with other organizations that provide services to people with disabilities.
• Maintain an understanding of each of The IC programs and services and community resources that assist people with disabilities.
• Support the Independent Living Team through attendance and participation in Team meetings.
• Participate in IC Committee and Pillar Groups.
• This position may also require the performance of other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• Baccalaureate Degree or equivalent 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:

• This position spends the majority of time remote from the office, traveling out to as far as the Kansas border and up in the mountains to just south of Denver.
• 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.

We are accessible, inclusive, and awesome – here’s why:

The Independence Center is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity. We will not tolerate any employee engaging in unlawful discrimination, harassment or retaliation against any employee or applicant because of race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, age, pregnancy status, religion, creed, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, spousal or civil union status, veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law. In accordance with the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, The IC will not discriminate against individuals with disabilities.