Independent Living Resources
JOB DESCRIPTION
INDEPENDENT LIVING SPECIALIST
Veterans Directed Care (VDC)
Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC)
TO APPLY: Send Cover Letter and Resume to [email protected]
JOB DETAILS:
Work Location(s): Portland Area
Current FLSA Status: Non-exempt in Trial Work Period
Salary: $55,000 - $58,000, Hourly: $28.21 - $29.75
Exempt: Following Certifications and Trial Work Period
Salary: $61,000 - $65,000, Hourly: $31.29- $33.34
Type: Regular
Initial Pay Status: Hourly/Salary
Reports to: ILR Executive Director
Technical Assistance From:
IL Services Coordinator, VDC Coordinator
Employee:
MAIN PURPOSE & GOAL
The Independent Living Specialist position is trained as an ADRC Information & Referral Specialist, and Options Counselor, and Veterans Directed Care Specialist
MOST IMPORTANT TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES
Information & Referral Specialist: (25%) Respond to assigned ADRC resource inquiries from consumers, and document contacts in the Get Care portal
Become ADRC Info & Referral/Options Counseling Certified in Q2 2026
Reach out to 10-12 +/- assigned I & R consumer inquiries per week
Communicate consistently re call-backs to IL Services Coordinator
Short-Term Options Counseling: (25%) Resource planning for consumers
4 – 6 appointments per week
Use Get Care online ADRC resource portal for charting contacts
Caseload 10 - 12 (closed after goals and task list plan developed)
Veterans Directed Care Specialist: (30-40%) Train & Build VDC Caseload
After 6 to 8 weeks in ADRC, train in the VDC Program
Shadow, train and support VDC Coordinator for 2 months
Build and manage services for a caseload of 10 - 12 VDC consumers
Provide backup for the VDC Coordinator’s Caseload (vacations, absence)
Consumer Services:
Assist people with disabilities to explore community resource options.
Help individuals develop self-advocacy skills, and live independently
Representation and Outreach
Participate in assigned outreach events.
Represent ILR on local/state work-groups and/or committees, as needed
Social Media Content Contribution: Write one engaging story per quarter for
ILR’s social media editor on topics related to your scope of work at ILR
Other duties as assigned.
MOST IMPORTANT SKILLS, VALUES & QUALITIES
Work or personal life experience in disability services.
Soft skills: organization, attention to detail, big-picture approach, analytical, etc.
Bilingual (Spanish/English) a plus but not required
QUALIFICATIONS
Recent MSW graduates with experience in goal-setting, home-based skills training and accessing Portland Metro Area safety net resources are preferred.
BSW and/or various undergraduate majors with related off-setting experience in the above areas will also be competitive.
Comfort working with marginalized populations
Ability to understand and present complex concepts in a simplified way to VDC and ADRC consumers and/or those with varying abilities
Ability to become a Certified Options Counselor after completing training program
Ability to travel to veteran home locations in the Portland Metro area
Ability to work via Zoom or telephone appointments for I & R, Options Counseling
Valid Driver’s License or access to transportation for outreach activities, service delivery, meetings, and events.
Must be able to pass a criminal history background check.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Mobility: The role may be performed by individuals who use mobility aids (e.g., wheelchairs, walkers). The workspace includes travel for home-visits with varying degrees of accessibility.
Lifting: Minimal lifting required. Assista