independence holding company jobs

This is an exciting opportunity for a uniquely-qualified individual to begin (if a recent college graduate) or advance their career in disability and youth-transition services under the Federally-funded grant position of Youth Transition Specialist - Kansas Youth Transition Network Program (KYTN) in Kansas City, KS.

Qualified persons with a disability are encouraged to apply!

The ideal candidate will have experience, education, or a combination of both, working with youth and young adults on pre-employment, job-readiness, education and career goals, using creative problem-solving, networking and collaboration to create transition plans with youth and young adults based on their goals, interests, talents and needs and be able to help bridge the gap between between middle school, high school and post-secondary employment or higher education. An understanding and adherence to the Independent Living Philosophy (IL), Disability Rights, Accessibility and Inclusive Employment in carrying out all work, is required.

Responsibilities include: Outreach and networking within the local (Wyandotte County) disability and disability services communities, attending related events when necessary; attending and participating in our local transition council meetings (Youth Transition Alliance of Wyandotte County - YTAWC); working one-on-one with youth and young adults, as well as in groups; researching resources available to assist in Youth Transition planning and training; creating and carrying out effective transition plans/goal-completion steps and training with consumers; assisting with social media and website management as directed by KYTN Manager; assisting with local events, table-hosting and other outreach opportunities as needed; engaging with area school-districts to continue already-begun collaborative efforts to train in classrooms and peer groups as well as identifying ways to collaborate with partners like Vocational Rehabilitation, Pre-ETS, Project Search and Families Together, Inc.; and accurate and timely data-entry, record-keeping and time management.

This is a full-time, 40-hour per week position with occasional evening/weekend work as needed for community events. This position is funded through September 30, 2028 at which point the position will end. There may be potential to continue work in similar capacity within our organization once the grant ends but there is no guarantee. Consider this a 2-year position.

Our office is near the Legends in Kansas City and working Mon day through Friday, 8:00-5:00 is required. Reliable transportation or means of transportation is required.

To apply:

• FIRST read the complete job description including experience and education requirements, found on our website at https://independenceinc.org/careers/
• If you want to be selected for an interview, please do your research on our organization and make sure you understand and are able to direct your work according to the IL Philosophy, Disability Rights and Accessibility
• Submit a COVER LETTER, RESUME and REFERENCES to Amy Ballinger, KYTN Program Manager aballinger@independenceinc.org
• Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 - $21.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Do you have knowledge and understanding of disability rights laws?
• Do you have public speaking and group training ability?
• Are you bilingual in English and Spanish? Helpful but not required!
• Do you have experience with daily database entry, accurate time and record keeping?
• Do you understand and hold to the independent living philosophy and self-determination?
• Are you able to write effective transition plans based on the goals and needs of youth and young adults with disabilities?
• Do you have experience with and a strong understanding of youth transition and supporting youth and young adults with disabilities through key transitions?
• Do you have experience working with systems-involved youth/young adults and people from underserved communities?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• disability services: 1 year (Required)

Work Location: In person