Independent Living Coordinator

Definition

Under general supervision of the Group Home Manager in the Social Services Department, provides mentoring, guidance, oversight and leadership for residents of the transitional apartments. Acts as a role model and source of assistance, information and enforcement for the program rules. Monitors compliance with the program guidelines and provides a variety of support services to young adult residents to support their success with the program requirements. Supports the young adult residents, with independent apartment living and support services that will allow them to transition into adulthood with the life skills necessary to be productive and contributing members of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC). This job class is treated as FLSA Exempt.

Essential Functions : Essential functions may vary among positions and may include the following tasks and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not intended to be comprehensive list of tasks performed by all positions in this classification.

Examples of Tasks

Tasks :
1. Resident Mentoring, Supervision & Leadership : Acts as the primary Mentor and support structure for program residents so that residents obtain the necessary life skills and experiences to transition into adulthood during the critical young adult years.

• Encourages individuality and also a sense of "Community" for the young adults so they become productive and contributing Members of the SRPMIC.
• Encourages and monitors services and weekly workshops.
• Acts as role model and guide to both develop relationships with apartment residents and also to enforce the requirements of the program.
• De-escalates tense or challenging situations and circumstances when needed.
• Guides program residents through thoughtful and effective decision-making when possible.
• Tracks rental payments and monitors compliance with program requirements.
• Updates committee on program participants and follows recommendations made.
• Submits work orders as needed.
• Completes monthly inspections at least twice per month.
• Provides weekly individual life skills training sessions and group sessions as well as workshops.

2. Resident Support Services : Supports the residents in every regard possible but also instills an awareness and practice of accountability within the transitional apartment program.

• Supports the goals, objectives and intent of the Independent Living Program by working with all parties involved to ensure both the residents and program are successful.
• Works diligently with all stakeholders to provide residents with a comfortable and safe home environment.
• Provides individual assessments of resident's life skills in order to afford opportunities for residents to develop and grow as young adults.
• Ensures accountability and enforcement of the program rules including, but not limited to the following: 1) No possession, use or sale of illegal substances or possession of drug paraphernalia, 2) No underage drinking or pattern of alcohol abuse, 3) no weapons and no allegations, arrests or convictions for criminal or gang activities, 4) No fighting, loud noises, loud music or smoking, 5) No destruction of property or furniture, 6) No unauthorized visitors.
• Inspects apartments as per program practices to make sure the units are clean and in good working order. Ensures work orders for any damages or repair of wear & tear items are repaired/replaced in a timely manner.
• Supports residents by providing assistance on a variety of topics including, but not limited to, 1) buying a home, 2) obtaining and maintaining employment 3) work habits and ethics, 4) opening a bank account, budgeting, credit and saving, taxes, 5) health and nutrition, 6) how to buy a vehicle, 7) career planning, 8) self-care, 9) relationships, 10) apartment seeking and set up utilities, 11) individual rights, 12) avoiding abuse and scams, and 13) Community culture, customs and traditions.
• Coordinates social activities to promote camaraderie and sense of belonging and community among all residents.
• Utilizes best judgment to ensure residents demonstrate good judgement at all times and act responsibly as expected of Community young adults.
• Helps residents by discussing and dealing with everyday problems, issues, challenges, crisis, emergencies and successes.

3. Resident Life Skills Learning Opportunities : Supports and ensures residents attend the required Casey Life Skills individual sessions weekly.

• Schedules weekly Life Skills sessions.
• Monitors and records resident's mandatory attendance for each workshop.
• Acts as a liaison with the Life Skills workshop and seminar providers regarding any and all matters of mutual interest for residents.
• Ensures each resident meets with his/her Independent Living Specialist weekly as per the program requirements. Meetings may be less frequent based on need and at the discretion of the ILS.
• Helps residents with any required follow-up from the Life Skills sessions and workshops.
• Assists residents with apartment maintenance as needed and required.

4. Administration & Operations : Acts as a liaison between the Young Adult Transitional Apartments Program residents and all service providers and program stakeholders including the Social Services Department, Human Resources Department Community Employment Division, the Salt River Financial Services Institution, and Behavioral Health Service providers.

• Performs "On-Call" duty 24/7 except when approved for leave or coordinated days off work with the Group Home Manager or Social Services Director.
• Maintains an overall awareness and knowledge of apartment complex activities.
• Helps conduct the resident orientation regarding the program expectations, rules and regulations.
• Monitors resident rental payments and monitors payment system.
• Helps train assigned staff in the backup/on-call role as required.

5. Miscellaneous : Performs other job related duties as assigned by the Group Home Manager or Social Services Director.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics:

• Knowledge of the customs, traditions, history and culture of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.
• Knowledge of the Young Adult Transitional Apartments Program rules, practices and guidelines.
• Knowledge of the lifestyle nuances and needs of young adults.
• Knowledge of group, youth or residential home settings and associated challenges.
• Skill establishing and maintaining effective relationships with residents, Community Members, colleagues, supervisors, Tribal Government officials and other program stakeholders.
• Skill mentoring and guiding young adults.
• Skill maintaining records then compiling, writing and presenting reports.
• Skill using a variety of office equipment and a personal computer with proficiency.
• Skill supporting Life Skills workshops.
• Skill acting with diplomacy, tact and sensitivity towards the resident young adults while maintaining confidentiality.
• Skill promoting the Independent Living Program.
• Skill organizing all administrative and operational information, records and files, seminar and workshop attendance information.
• Ability to monitor compliance with the program rules, practices, guidelines and provide a variety of support services to young adult residents.
• Ability to acts as a role model and source of assistance and information for residents.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Ability to apply sound judgment and provide credible and helpful advice to young adults.
• Ability to be work the hours of 11am-7pm Monday through Friday and on-call 24/7.
• Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs.

Minimum Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Education: Associates Degree Required, Bachelor's Degree Preferred.
  • Must have current CPR certification OR obtain the training and certification in this area within 6 months from the date of hire.
  • Must have First Aid Certification OR obtain the training and certification in this area within 6 months from the date of hire.
  • Must have Food Handler's license OR obtain the training and certification in this area within 6 months from the date of hire.
• Experience: 3 years demonstrated successful experience in a group, youth or residential home setting and in a mentoring and leadership role required.
• Equivalency:Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that would allow the candidate to satisfactorily perform the duties of this position, will be considered.
• Underfill Eligibility:An enrolled Community Member whom closely qualifies for the minimum qualifications for a position may be considered for employment under SRPMIC Policy 2-19, Underfill.

Special Requirements

• Special Requirements: May be required to work outside normal business hours including nights, weekends and holidays.

• Due to the sensitive nature of this position, successful completion of an extensive background and drug test is required.
• Must be able and willing to work an extremely flexible work schedule in coordination with the Group Home Manager. This includes scheduled time off and annual leave.
• Must be able to be "on-call" 24/7 as required.
• Must be capable to successfully manage an apartment complex comprised of 14 units.
• Must have the ability to develop a quality rapport and successful communications with young adults age 18-24.
• Employees in, and applicants applying for, jobs providing direct services to children are subject to the "Community Code of Ordinances", Chapter 11, "Minors", Article X. "Investigation of Persons Working With Children".

SRPMIC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Preference will be given to a qualified Community Member, then a qualified Native American, and then other qualified candidate.

Benefits:

The SRPMIC offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, life, disability insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan. In addition employees enjoy vacation and sick leave and 13 paid holidays.