Open Doors Transition Specialist Team Leader

JOB OVERVIEW

JOB TITLE:  Open Doors Transition Specialist Team Leader

DEPARTMENT:  Independent Living Center (ILC)

LOCATION:  Buffalo, N.Y.

DIRECT SUPERVISOR:  Director, Independent Living Services (ILS)


GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION

Assist individuals in re-entry from institutional settings to the community. Facilitate and coordinate, for individuals residing in institutions, a comprehensive plan to re-enter the community.


SPECIFIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Assign cases to other specialists, receive referrals and carry a case load for Erie County. The Team Leader ensures the community re-entry process is followed through for each consumer.
     
  2. Provide counseling and information for individuals and families who are considering, or are in the process of, re-entry into the community.
     
  3. Provide training to two transition specialists that cover Genesee & Niagara Counties.
     
  4. Coordinate visits to institutions and provide potential participants with unbiased information regarding available home and community-based services. Participate in discharge planning and coordinate with other relevant social services agencies involved in the discharge and transition-care of the consumer.
     
  5. Develop and facilitate person-centered plans effective for the ninety (90)-day transition period. Secure qualified housing, coordinate home & community-based services during the transition period and subsequently ensure continuation of services after the ninety (90)-day transition period is completed.
     
  6. Collaborate with the consumer, social worker and other supports to determine barriers to community re-entry.
     
  7. Assist in addressing barriers related to medical conditions or counseling needs.
     
  8. Ensure all significant consumer data and service provision details are current and accurate and that they are documented in a timely manner into Western New York Independent Living, Inc.’s (WNYIL’s) Electronic Consumer Record (ECR) as well as the contracted providers’ databases.
     
  9. Assist in recruiting peers to provide support to individuals who are in the process of community re-entry.
     
  10. Promote the Good Neighbor program for additional community supports.
     
  11. Attend Agency trainings and department meetings, as well as any other Agency-related activities.
     
  12. Participate in maintaining a neat, clean and safe work environment.
     
  13. Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the supervisor.
     

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Associate Degree related to Human Services

OR

Bachelor’s Degree related to Human Services

Professional and life experience may be considered in lieu of, in full or part of academic credentials.


KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE (if required)

  • Working knowledge of issues faced by persons of all ages who are in need of long-term care services, particularly with those related to nursing home transition.
     
  • Firm understanding of Medicaid eligibility and coverage, as well as 1915© Medicaid waivers.
  • Associate degree requires three (3) years of relevant experience working with community-based, long-term care projects; or working with other comparable work experience in a private setting.
     
  • Experience working with individuals with disabilities preferred.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

  • Must have reliable transportation in order to work independently throughout Erie, Genesee and Niagara County.
     
  • Possess a deep commitment to person-centered planning and consumer choice.
     
  • Possess excellent written, oral and organizational skills.
     
  • Must have intermediate level of knowledge of computers including the use of Excel spreadsheets, databases, word processing and networks.
     
  • Perform in a professional, conscientious, and efficient manner for the purpose of ensuring a better quality of life for persons with disabilities.

WORKING CONDITIONS

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  Office / Community

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB:  Sitting for extended periods of time.
Occasional lifting of not more than 15 pounds.

HOURS / SHIFTS:  37.5 – 40 hours per week.
M – F  8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Overtime rarely required.

CLASSIFICATION:  Full-time, salary, non-exempt, Professional staff.
Range:  $38,000 - $45,000

BENEFITS:  Agency provided group health insurance.
Vision, dental, life, supplemental insurances available.
PTO and paid holiday package.
403(b) retirement with Agency match.
Employee Assistance Program

OTHER:  Western New York Independent Living, Inc. values our employee safety and follows all recommended NYS required Infectious Disease Prevention Protocols.
Western New York Independent Living, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Reasonable accommodations will be made for people with disabilities.
Western New York Independent Living, Inc. is a scent-free agency.


POSTING INFORMATION

Closing Date:  August 24, 2023

Cover Letter and Resume Required to:

Tina Brown, CHRCO
WNY Independent Living, Inc.
3108 Main St.
Buffalo, NY.14214
Employment@wnyil.org