The Center for Independent Living (CIL), founded in Berkeley as the nation’s first independent living center, is a pioneer of the disability rights and independent living movement. Our radical legacy is rooted in peer-led advocacy, cross-disability solidarity, and the belief that all people with disabilities have the right to live with dignity, choice, and freedom.

Today, CIL provides advocacy and direct services that increase awareness, collaboration, and opportunity among people with disabilities and the broader community. Our programs equip people with skills, knowledge, and resources to challenge ableism, eliminate barriers, and pursue lives they value.

Position Summary

The Community Independent Living (IL) Specialist provides direct independent living services to consumers and supports individuals in developing the skills, resources, and connections needed to live independently. This role also builds relationships with diverse communities throughout Alameda County to increase awareness of and access to The Center for Independent Living’s (The CIL) programs and services.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide independent living core services, including independent living skills training, peer counseling, advocacy, personal assistant services information, housing search assistance, information and referral, benefits assistance, and other supports.
• Meet with consumers at The CIL’s offices, in consumers’ homes when needed, at community-based locations, or virtually based on consumer needs and preferences.
• Provide case management support by assessing consumer needs, developing independent living plans in partnership with consumers, connecting them with resources, and adjusting plans as needed.
• Provide referrals, technical assistance, and support to help consumers navigate programs and benefits such as Medi-Cal, Medicare, CalFresh, General Assistance, and Disability Insurance.
• Connect consumers with other agencies or The CIL staff as appropriate and support smooth coordination of services.
• Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, agencies, nonprofits, grassroots groups, and individuals throughout The CIL’s service area.
• Conduct community outreach and deliver informational presentations about The CIL’s programs and services to individuals and groups.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and up-to-date consumer records in accordance with The CIL’s standard operating procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Ability to provide peer counseling and consumer-centered support.
• Experience working in the disability field.
• Knowledge of community resources and experience connecting individuals with services and supports.
• Knowledge of Independent Living, Disability Rights, and Disability Justice history and philosophy is preferred; a willingness to learn is welcomed.
• Experience working in a service, advocacy, community-based, or similar organization.
• Ability to work independently and in a self-directed manner.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Strong computer skills.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• Lived experience with a disability is preferred.
• Bilingual and/or bicultural candidates are encouraged to apply.
• Ability to contribute to and work effectively within a diverse, cross-disability environment.

Position Requirements & Reasonable Accommodations

This position requires travel to community agencies, organizations, and other locations to provide services and conduct outreach.

The position involves remaining in a stationary position for approximately 50% of the workday and communicating and exchanging accurate information by telephone, email, video, and in person with consumers, community members, colleagues, and partner organizations.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

How to Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter describing your interest in this position and how your lived and/or professional experiences connect to our mission and values.

All job offers are contingent upon successfully passing a pre-employment background check.

If you require a reasonable accommodation at any stage of the application or hiring process, please contact the Hiring Team at [email protected].

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The Center for Independent Living is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity), national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Persons with disabilities, veterans, women, and individuals from historically marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The CIL participates in E-Verify.