Independent Living Specialist

Safe Children Coalition, Inc.; Bradenton (FL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

13 paid holidays

Professional development

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

A child welfare organization in Florida is seeking an Independent Living Specialist to provide case management services for young adults aged 18+. The role includes conducting home visits, monitoring client eligibility for programs, and linking youth to community resources. Candidates should have a background in social services, hold a Child Welfare Certification, and possess strong organizational and critical thinking skills. Benefits include paid time off, professional development opportunities, and comprehensive health benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience working with teens and young adults.
• Knowledge of Independent Living Programs and eligibility criteria.
• Valid Florida Driver’s License and insurable status.

Responsibilities

• Provide case management services to young adults in Independent Living Programs.
• Conduct home and field visits to ensure client well-being.
• Serve as a primary contact for assigned young adults.
• Assist clients with community services access and documentation.

Skills

Case management

Organizational skills

Critical thinking

Trauma-informed care

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a social service-related field

Child Welfare Certification

Job description

Overview

The Independent Living Team is expanding, and we are seeking a dedicated Independent Living Specialist to provide case management for post-18+ clients participating in Extended Foster Care, Postsecondary Education Support Services, and Aftercare programs. The Specialist will monitor client eligibility for program services, perform monthly home visits and provider/client contacts, and assist young adults with access to community services and information, including Social Security, Agency for Persons with Disabilities, education, employment, and health care providers. The Specialist should hold certification as a child welfare case manager by the Florida Certification Board to comply with DCF guidance and will be responsible for providing court documentation, attending court hearings, and staffing related to the young adult. This role requires strong organizational skills, critical thinking, and the ability to work in a trauma-informed manner.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct case management services to Young Adults in the 18+ Independent Living Programs.
• Conduct home and field visits to ensure the well-being and safety of assigned clients.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for the young adults assigned to the Specialist.
• Timely follow up on all young adult requests for services or inquiries regarding eligibility for services.
• Ensure and monitor client eligibility for services; provide and assist clients in the completion of appropriate applications for programs/services.
• Assist clients in identifying and locating appropriate supportive documentation to secure entry into the 18+ Independent Living Programs.
• Link clients to appropriate community services and assist them in accessing these services, including housing, employment, education, medical/dental, and therapeutic services.
• Ensure clients’ contact information and program eligibility documentation is up to date in the automated data systems, FSFN and ASK.
• Timely document case activities in the appropriate automated data systems, FSFN and ASK.
• Liaison between the Social Security Administration, Agency for Persons with Disabilities, and clients that require these services; assist youth in completing applications or obtaining required documentation to meet eligibility requirements.
• Perform other duties needed to help drive SCC Inc.’s vision, fulfill the agency’s mission, and uphold the agency’s values.

Qualifications

• History and knowledge of working with teens and young adults.
• Knowledge of the Independent Living Programs and eligibility criteria.
• Possess valid Florida Driver’s License in good standing and be insurable by the agency’s current insurance carrier.
• Must meet state criminal background check requirements.

Benefits

• PTO
• 13 paid holidays
• Professional development
• Ongoing coaching and feedback
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Health Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life
• Short-term disability
• Long-term disability
• 401(k) retirement

Requirements

Child Welfare Certification and bachelor’s degree in a social service-related field preferred.