Independent Living Specialist Overview • The Independent Living Specialist role focuses on supporting individuals with mental health challenges in a shelter environment. • Provide intake and assessment services to identify client needs and develop tailored support plans. • Offer individual and group counseling sessions to promote mental health and well-being. • Assist clients with accessing entitlements, advocacy, and concrete services to enhance their independence. • Escort clients to appointments and ensure proper documentation and record-keeping of progress notes. • Develop psychosocial treatment plans and provide aftercare follow-up to ensure continuity of care. • Participate in staff meetings and training sessions to enhance professional skills and knowledge. • Facilitate housing placement and provide emergency first aid/CPR assistance as needed. Independent Living Specialist Key Responsibilities & Duties • Conduct client intake and assessments to determine individual needs and challenges. • Provide individual and group counseling to support mental health recovery and stability. • Assist clients in accessing entitlements, advocacy services, and concrete resources. • Escort clients to appointments and ensure accurate documentation of their progress. • Develop and implement psychosocial treatment plans tailored to client needs. • Provide aftercare follow-up to ensure sustained support and care for clients. • Participate in staff meetings and training sessions to stay updated on best practices. • Support housing placement efforts and provide emergency first aid/CPR assistance. Independent Living Specialist Job Requirements • High School Diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s degree preferred. • Bilingual proficiency in Spanish-English is highly desirable. • Experience working with homeless individuals with mental illness is essential. • Knowledge of outreach, entitlement programs, and substance abuse services is beneficial. • CASAC certification preferred; CPR training certification or willingness to obtain it required. • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel, is required. • Strong documentation and record-keeping skills are essential for success in this role. • Ability to work on-site and commit to the specified working hours.