Independent Living Specialist

Batavia. WNY Independent Living. Independent Living Specialist - Rapid Rehousing. $8,000 - $50,000/year.

Closing Date: April 22, 2026

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION

Coordinate Independent living skills, evaluations and training for people with disabilities. Assist in the personal adjustment of an individuals disability and maximize community participation.

SPECIFIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Coordinate and conduct independent living evaluations for people with disabilities, including evaluation of housing status. Determine eligibility for the Rapid Rehousing program and complete the required documentation, entering all necessary data into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). Coordinate individual budget plans for Rapid Rehousing consumers. Assist with public benefit applications including Supplemental Security Income/ Social Security Disability Income (SSI/SSDI). Provide counseling to people with disabilities for the purpose of identifying life goals, objectives, and values. Assist with housing, transportation and employment seeking goals. Conduct home and building architectural barrier consultation utilizing federal and state guidelines on disabilities. Conduct inspections of housing rental units to determine eligibility for Rapid Rehousing Consumers. Complete and submit financial documents securing rent and security deposit payments. Complete and maintain accurate fiscal records. Act as a liaison with Rapid Rehousing consumers, landlords, Department of Social Services and Pathstones, Inc. ensuring timely payments and mediating to prevent eviction when possible. Identify housing options and rental units throughout the Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming (GOW) County areas. Provide other assistance necessary to help individuals secure suitable living arrangements. Intervene, at the request of the individual, in crisis situations with agencies and service programs. Attend and/or facilitate partner meetings with respect to housing concerns in the GOW area. Stay current on Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Rapid Rehousing regulations and guidelines. Accurately documenting consumer services and required paperwork in Western New York Independent Living, Inc.s (WNYILs) databases, within two (2) working days of the date of service. Attend Agencys in-service training and staff meetings as well as any other Agency related activities as required. Participate in maintaining a neat, clean, and safe work environment. Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Associate degree in a related human services field OR Bachelors Degree in a related human services field

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

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE (if required)

• Qualified candidates will have demonstrated work or volunteer experience in housing-related services or programs.
• Selected candidates should possess knowledge of people with disabilities, as well as federal and state laws pertaining to the rights of people with disabilities.

Associate degree requires two (2) years related work or volunteer experience with people with mental illness.

Bachelors degree requires one (1) year of work or volunteer experience with people with mental illness.

• Must have a form of reliable transportation in order to travel independently throughout the three (3) County service areas (Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming) is required.

Cover Letter and Resume Required to:

Human Resources Dept. WNY Independent Living, Inc, 3108 Main St. Buffalo, N.Y. 14214 [email protected]