ORGANIZATION:

REACH, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization serving North Texas communities in Dallas, Tarrant, Denton, and Collin Counties. The mission of REACH, Inc. is to empower people with disabilities to lead self-directed lives and to promote a barrier-free community through public education and advocacy. The organization is governed and staffed by a majority of people with disabilities who bring a wide range of knowledge and experience to their work in assisting consumers. Each year, approximately 1,000 individuals participate in the programs and activities of REACH, Inc. Services are financed through a combination of federal, state, local, and private funds.

POSITION SUMMARY

To assist interested nursing home residents move into the community, assist with individual and systems advocacy efforts, network/liaison with other organizations, conduct outreach activities, conduct independent living skills training for people with disabilities and maintain the consumer database case management system.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Transition Services Duties

Advocate for systems changes that will enable people with disabilities to live in the community rather than in an institution
Network with local, state, and national groups and organizations advocating for community living options
Work in partnership with North Central Texas Council of Governments under the Home By Choice Nursing Home Relocation Services contract
Assist nursing home residents plan for and make their move into community living; this may include, but is not limited to, helping gather needed documentation, securing appropriate funding resources to cover rent deposit & utility fees, locating suitable housing, developing community supports, arranging for needed medical, dental therapeutic, transportation, and prescription services, locating furniture and other household supplies, and assisting with the physical move and set-up of the new home
Conduct independent living skills training and peer counseling training with nursing home residents as needed/requested
Work with other peers and relocation specialist in the community to contribute in refining the policies and procedures used in transitioning nursing home residents into community living

Network/Liaison, Advocacy and Outreach Duties

Advocate for/assist consumers with their self-advocacy efforts
Advocate for system changes in the area of architectural barrier removal and accessibility
Conduct ongoing outreach activities, i.e., give presentations, participate on various committees and boards to generate referrals and educate the community about REACH services and disability issues
Network with local groups/organizations in an ongoing effort to reach unserved/underserved people with Disabilities
Assist with the Center’s ongoing public relations efforts including mailings of promotional material and display the REACH exhibit at various events in the community
Conduct disability awareness/sensitivity training sessions

Independent Living Skills Training Duties

Develop curriculum for various independent living skills training sessions
Recruit guest presenters and subject matter experts to conduct IL skills training sessions on a regular basis
Offer and conduct independent IL skills training with consumers in one-on-one, group, and/or online sessions on a regular basis

Case File Management Duties

Maintain and monitor case file records on active consumers assisted and consumers whose cases were closed
Maintain computer database of consumers served by the center
Set-up consumer case files and review for all required paperwork and completion of all forms
Compile monthly staffing lists and coordinate monthly consumer staff meetings with co-workers

Miscellaneous Duties

Handle information and referral requests as needed
Advocate for/assist people with disabilities with their self-advocacy efforts
Coordinate ongoing public relations/marketing activities to promote the programs you coordinate
Provide peer counseling/counseling assistance as needed/requested
Assist team members with social recreational activities of the adult and youth support groups to ensure consumer participation and safety in all activities of the group
Other duties as assigned

You might be a good fit for this position if:

you have a passion for disability & social justice
you have lived experience with disability
you excel at details
you thrive in creative problem solving
you are comfortable working independently and on a team
you have a high degree of EQ

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

Service mindset–exceptional phone skills, follow through, and patience
Excellent verbal and written communications skills
Listening with empathy and understanding with a focus on problem solving
Ability to communicate with all types of people and make presentations to both large and small groups
Experience in conducting individual and systems advocacy activities
Strong organizational and time management skills
Demonstrated dependability
Proficiency and adaptability with technology; including Microsoft Office, Google Workplace, Database Management.
Ability to prioritize projects and work on several concurrently
Ability to work with minimal daily supervision

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Ability to work some evenings/weekends in order to attend meetings, exhibit the display, etc.
Ability to handle several projects at one time
Ability to work on the telephone and computer for extended periods of time on occasion
Ability to maneuver in the community to provide services, participate in meetings, network, exhibit display, etc.
Reliable transportation for daily service delivery
Ability to assist with room set-up for events and activities held at the center as well as out in the community

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISORS

The Community Living Specialist will report to the Independent Living Specialist and REACH’s Executive Director.

REACH offers employer paid health insurance, life and disability policies; dental, AFLAC, Flex spending account, 403 (b) retirement, and other benefits are available as well. We observe 12 federal holidays per year, have generous sick and vacation time-off policies, and an annual office closure between Christmas and New Years. Salary range for this position is $34,000-$38,000 annually.

LOCATION

This is a full-time, non-exempt employment position located at our Dallas office (8625 King George Drive, Dallas TX) and is not eligible for remote or hybrid work. This role does require that a candidate have access to reliable transportation and proof of auto insurance in order to travel within our service area.

TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION

REACH, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Individuals and veterans with disabilities who have the required knowledge, experience, and skills are encouraged to apply.

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to Miaka Brown at employment@reachcils.org please include “Dallas Community Living Specialist” in the subject line. Please include accommodation requests in your initial email. If you require additional accommodations, please call 214-630-4796.

REACH 06/2023

Community Living Specialist–Dallas