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 Youth and Elder Transportation Specialist supports the Center for Independent Living’s (CIL) Transportation Program by empowering youth with disabilities and older adults with disabilities to travel independently and safely within their communities. This role provides one-on-one and group-based travel training, helping participants build confidence, develop mobility skills, and access transportation resources that enhance their independence and quality of life.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES  

PROGRAM SUPPORT & ADMINISTRATION

• Support the implementation and ongoing development of CIL’s Transportation Program.
• Conduct participant assessments to identify needs, set goals, and develop individualized service plans.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including progress notes and service records. 
• Provide up-to-date transportation information and referrals within Alameda County.
• Assist in developing curriculum, training materials, and structured group activities.
• Collect, track, and report transit and program data to support evaluation and continuous improvement via the CRM platform
• Build and maintain partnerships with community organizations, schools, senior centers, and other stakeholders.
• Conduct outreach and represent CIL at community events, presentations, and partner meetings.
• Assist in creating and distributing promotional materials for travel training services.
• Participate in team meetings, program planning, and other administrative responsibilities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

DIRECT ENGAGEMENT WITH YOUTH & ELDERS 

• Provide one-on-one and group-based travel training to youth with disabilities and older adults with disabilities.
• Deliver personalized instruction in real-world environments, including public transit systems.
• Coach participants on safe, independent travel skills, adapting teaching methods to individual learning styles.
• Support participants in reaching out to outside referrals in identifying and effectively using mobility devices (e.g., wheelchairs, scooters, canes).
• Lead structured group travel experiences and community-based outings.
• Build trusting, respectful relationships that promote confidence, independence, and self-advocacy.
• Offer ongoing coaching, encouragement, and problem-solving support as participants progress toward their goals.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Commitment to anti-racism, LGBTQIA+ liberation, gender and economic justice, and anti-ableism; a familiarity with,or willingness to engage in, Disability Justice frameworks and principles and apply them to travel training work
• Strong knowledge of Independent Living and Disability Rights and Disability Justice history and philosophy preferred but can also be learned
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse youth, especially Black and Indigenous youth and youth of color; low-income youth; and youth with disabilities
• Demonstrated experience working with older adults with disabilities 
• Culturally responsive and respectful interpersonal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills with a patient, calm, and adaptable approach
• Ability to work in-person and able to travel to local locations
• Knowledge of Bay Area public transportation systems is a plus.
• Self-directed, with a demonstrated ability to manage time and multiple tasks effectively
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment with other staff and community partners 
• Excellent organizational and planning abilities, with the capacity to adapt quickly in dynamic environments.
• Strong problem-solving, curriculum planning, and implementation skills
• Lived experience with a disability is preferred
• Bilingual/Bicultural preferred
• Ability to contribute to a diverse cross-disability work environment

WORK ENVIRONMENT & REQUIREMENTS 

This position requires a combination of in-office work and field-based training, including travel throughout the community. Regular in-person interaction with participants, including conducting travel training sessions on public transit.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time
• Ability to communicate and exchange accurate information via telephone, email, video with community members
• Ability to work in-person and able to travel to multiple sites and local locations

Reasonable accommodations can be provided.  

How to Apply

Please submit a resume and a 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 on 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

CIL Inc. 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, or veteran status. Persons with disabilities, veterans, women, and individuals from historically marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

CIL is an E-Verify participating employer.