Director of Independent Living Services (ILS)
BRIDGES operates a variety of programs guided by the Philosophy of Independent Living to provide services and supports for individuals with disabilities to experience autonomy in all areas of living.
The Director of Independent Living Services (ILS) oversees all areas of independent living services and programs funded by the State Department of Education or ACCES-VR, NYAIL and other smaller grants. The Director of ILS ensures compliance to all contractual and grant requirements, as well as adherence to agency policies and procedures and the mission of the organization.
The Director of ILS supervises a team of Program Advocates and Peer Specialists who specialize in different areas and serve under various grant or funding streams. The Director of ILS conducts weekly supervision activities with Program Advocates and Peer Specialists to ensure consistent communication and flow of information is maintained throughout the agency.
QUALIFICATIONS:
A Bachelor’s Degree (B. A.) plus a minimum of three to four years’ experience in a similar capacity or equivalent combination of education and experience working with people with disabilities
- At least 2 to 3 years in a management/supervisory level position, supervising individuals
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Software, including Excel, Word and Power Point
- Working Knowledge of Gmail and Google applications
- Ability to become proficient on other software products as utilized by the position
- Excellent interpersonal, organizational, written and oral communication skills; able to interact with all levels of associates in a respectful, confidential manner
- Strong familiarity with disability issues
- Effective and collaborative team player
- A valid NY State Driver’s License and driving record acceptable for agency insurance coverage
- Remain current in all agency required trainings
- Must be cleared and maintain an acceptable record under the criminal background check process
- Maintain strong work ethic and strict adherence to code of ethics, standards of conduct and confidentiality requirements
DUTIES & RESPONSILBILITES:
- Provide direct supervision to program staff under various small grants
- Complete performance evaluations annually and as needed for program staff.
- Review and approve schedules and time for program staff.
- Manage service contracts, including service delivery, billing, completing reports and maintenance of records
- Oversee the delivery of goals, milestones, and systems changes for contracts and grants
- Collect service reports from staff for billing and record keeping, and ensure records are completed and maintained to the standards required by the program.
- Submit quarterly billing for delivery of orientation services to prospective ACCES-VR participants
- Oversee and implement the core services of the Independent Living Center; Advocacy, Independent Living Skills, Information and Referral, Peer Counseling and Transitional Supports.
- Represent BRIDGES at various community events and initiatives including the Rockland Employment Network meetings to discuss labor market trends, plan for collaborative events, and present matters pertaining to job seekers with whom we work.
- Provide recommendations regarding professional development activities for all employees
- Ability to interact with co-workers, clients, elected officials and other agency staff, as well as the public in a professional and courteous manner.
- Good written and oral communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook Mail, Outlook Calendar, g-mail and google docs.
- Understanding and the ability to maintain confidentiality when necessary.
- Maintaining confidentiality by safeguarding the personal information of our staff, both by appropriate procedures in handling and filing paperwork as well as avoiding inappropriate discussions in public areas of the office. This confidentiality also extends outside of the office and regular office hours, to avoiding discussing names and any information about the people we serve with friends, family members or in any public place.
- Valid NYS driver’s license and an acceptable driving record for agency insurance coverage as required.
- Be familiar with the current health care environment, benefits and entitlements.
- Capable of communicating with and in a manner that is culturally sensitive to individuals with disabilities.
- Must be able to travel locally and regionally for meetings.
- Familiarity with the Independent Living Philosophy a plus.
- Ability to provide exemplary customer services.