08/24/2026
The center is looking for an IL Specialist (Independent Living Specialist) to work on our amazing team! If you'd like to apply, send a cover letter and resume to the email provided :)
Job Description:
Independent Living (IL) Specialist
Classification: Part-Time/Full Time, Non- Exempt
Job Location: Saranac Lake, NY
Compensation: $18.50-$20.00/hour BOE
Health Insurance Benefits: Employees contribute 40%—Employer contributes 60% and matching HSA account.
PTO: Vacation, Sick, Personal and holidays.
Reports To: Executive Director
Job Summary: The Independent Living Specialist will be an advocate for people with disabilities while evaluating, training and working with them on Independent Living Skills, soft skills, work readiness and other programs offered by Tri-Lakes CIL. You will also assist in the personal adjustment of an individual’s needs and maximize community participation.
Job duties include, but are not limited to:
—Conduct intake and assessments of all consumers seeking Independent Living services.
—Assist with completion of DSS, Housing, SSA and other paper or electronic applications.
—Inform consumers about additional programs that may be available to them.
—Assist consumers in securing and maintaining benefits, such as VR services, social services, Medicare, etc.
—Receive and respond appropriately to I&R requests, by phone, TTY, written request, or in person.
—Provide information to consumers and make appropriate referrals in a timely manner.
—Provide IL Core services: Peer counseling, Advocacy, IL Skills Training, and Transition Supports.
—Coordinate and perform IL skills training on mobility/orientation, cooking, cleaning, daily household chores, shopping, etc..
—If requested, assist consumers in developing an Independent Living Plan ( ILP) and document their achievements and goals.
—Keep detailed records of contacts including, I&R’s, advocacy, outreach, and documentation of confidential consumer files.
—Provide education and support to family members of individuals with disabilities.
—Identify and provide consumers with assistance to aid them in securing housing options hat are suitable for their needs.
—Attend and conduct in- service training, staff/agency meetings, database trainings and other trainings assigned.
—Attend outreach events, conduct presentations to community organizations, schools, volunteer groups, and other assigned.
Qualifications Required:
—Associate or Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field from an accredited institution
—Professional and life experience may be considered in lieu of, in full or in part, of academic credentials.
—Experience working with people with disabilities and disability services, A Must.
—Working knowledge of disability issues, laws, policies, and regulations pertaining to the rights of persons with disabilities
—Personal experience with a disability, preferred.
Skills and Abilities
—Self- motivated with excellent verbal, written and organizational skills
—Ability to define problems, collect, and interpret complex information
—Ability to work with minimal supervision
—Ability to exercise initiative, ingenuity, and sound judgment in workload coordination and technical matters
—Must have intermediate knowledge of computers including spreadsheets, databases, word processing, and networks.
—good time management skills.
—Must have professional phone etiquette.
—Perform duties in a professional and conscientious manner to enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.
To Apply: Submit cover letter and resume to:
Norman Karp, Executive Director
Tri- Lakes Center for Independent Living, Inc.
43 Broadway, Suite 1
Saranac Lake, NY 12983
Email: [email protected]
No phone calls, please.
