Bronx Independent Living Services Job Opportunity

Position: Transition Specialist (2)
Bronx Independent Living Services (BILS) is a non-profit, community based organization dedicated to empowering all people with disabilities to understand and exercise their civil and human rights in order to live fully integrated lives in mainstream society. BILS assists individuals by providing them the necessary tools to make informed decisions about their own lives through access to education, skills development, and access to the appropriate resources. On a systemic level, BILS is committed to facilitating social, economic, and civic change by advocating for the removal of architectural, communication, and attitudinal barriers that have limited the disabled community for far too long. BILS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
General Description:
BILS is seeking 2 Transition Specialists for position to assist individuals in nursing homes who wish to return to the community..  The Transition Specialist will facilitate and coordinate services for individuals residing in nursing home with a comprehensive plan to transition back to living in the community. The Transition Specialist will also assist with transitions for individuals served by the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) who are moving to community settings.
Reports to: Deputy Director & Executive Director
Salary: $43,000 with full benefits package
Duties and Responsibilities:

• Receive referrals from the Regional Transition Center and ensure the transition process is followed through for each participant
• Provide objective information about community services for individuals and families who are considering, or are in the process of, transitioning
• Coordinate visits to nursing homes, participate in discharge planning, and coordinate with other relevant social service agencies involved in the discharge and transition care of the participant
• Explain peer mentor program to potential participants and if appropriate provide referral to peer mentor program.
• Develop and facilitate person centered plans effective for the transition, secure qualified housing, coordinate home and community services during the transition period, and subsequently ensure continuation of services after the transition is completed
• Collaborate with the transition team to determine barriers to transition
• Consult with the transition team to assist in addressing transition barriers related to medical condition or counseling need
• Ensures all significant client data and service provision details are current and accurate, and that they are documented in a timely manner into BILS’ and the contracted provider’s databases
• Attends Agency’s in-service training and unit meetings as well as any other agency-related activities.
•  Perform other program-related duties as assigned

Qualifications:
Education and/or experience required:

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field, and two years of relevant experience working in community based long term care projects or three years of professional experience administering a relevant Medicaid program in a local department of social services, or other comparable work experience in a private setting
• Preferred candidates should have a working knowledge of issues faced by persons of all ages who are in need of long-term care services such as MLTC, particularly with those related to nursing home transition, and a deep commitment to person-centered planning and consumer choice
• Candidates should have basic knowledge of Medicaid eligibility and coverage
• Experience with NHTD, TBI, and/or OPWDD waivers preferred
• Experience with service coordination, care management or case management preferred
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities preferred

Skills, Licenses, and/or competencies required:

• Possess excellent written and oral communication and organizational skillsAbility to actively listen and, when appropriate, counsel throughout the transition process;
• Knowledge of community, government/benefits resources that facilitate transition from institutional to community living
• Individual must have time management skills to maintain individual/community outreaches, caseload, documentation and administrative requirements
• Ability to travel extensively in the Bronx and other boroughs as necessary
• Ability to work well independently as well as part of a team
• Must be computer literate on basic Microsoft Programs and Internet search use
• Understanding of disability-related issues preferred
• Bilingual, preferred

BILS is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity in our workforce. We strongly encourage individuals with disabilities, women, racial/ethnic minorities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We seek all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, genetic information and testing, family and medical leave, sexual orientation and gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Please send a thoughtful cover letter and resume to Brett Eisenberg, Executive Director, at brett@bils.org  Do not send your letter and resume by fax. Please use the job title as email header. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.