Independent Living Skills Specialist

Join a Meaningful Profession with Mercy Haven!

Discover the difference between a job and a fulfilling career by becoming a vital part of Mercy Haven's mission. We are dedicated to providing homes and services to diverse populations in crisis, including those living with mental illness, homeless families, veterans, domestic violence victims and the elderly. Recognized as a Newsday Top Workplace on Long Island for three years, we invest in our employees' success and offer an excellent benefits package.

We are currently seeking a Full-Time Independent Living Skills Specialist. In this role, you will assist individuals with developing the skills and resources needed to live independently and participate fully in their communities. 

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assess an individual's activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), including hygiene, dressing, cooking, cleaning, shopping, medication routines, budgeting, and household management
• Develop individualized goals and skill-building plans based on the person's needs, strengths, preferences, and level of functioning
• Provide one-on-one coaching and hands-on instruction to improve independent living skills
• Teach and reinforce skills related to:

• Personal hygiene and grooming
• Meal planning and preparation
• Laundry and housekeeping
• Grocery shopping and community navigation
• Money management and budgeting
• Time management and organization
• Medication-management routines
• Safety awareness
• Transportation skills
• Appointment scheduling and follow-through

• Encourage individuals to practice skills independently rather than creating dependence on staff
• Provide support with problem-solving, decision-making, communication, and social skills
• Monitor progress toward goals and document services provided, progress, barriers, and interventions
• Collaborate with case managers, social workers, nurses, psychiatrists, therapists, housing staff, and other members of the treatment team
• Assist individuals in maintaining stable housing and developing the skills necessary to remain successfully housed
• Identify changes in functioning or emerging concerns and communicate them to the appropriate members of the treatment team
• Provide community-based rehabilitation and skill-building services when appropriate
• Advocate for individuals while promoting self-determination, independence, dignity, and recovery
• Maintain accurate documentation in accordance with agency, funding, and regulatory requirements
• All other duties as assigned

POSITION RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to: Intensive Care Coordinator

Supervises: None

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience providing direct support, coaching, rehabilitation, habilitation, case management, or skill-building services to individuals with disabilities, mental health needs, developmental disabilities, or other support needs
• Experience assisting individuals with activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), including personal hygiene, meal preparation, housekeeping, shopping, budgeting, transportation, medication routines, and household management
• Related experience working with people living with mental illness or other disabilities that require assistance in day to day living required
• Electronic Health Record Experience preferred
• Physical Requirements: remains stationary for long periods of time in the office, moves intermittently throughout the office during work hours, reaching overhead, may push or pull 15-20 pounds daily, repetitive wrist/finger movement, read/write reports and use computer on daily basis, drive agency vehicle
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred

SCHEDULE: Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm

PAY RATE: $22.00 per hour

LOCATION: Main Office, Islip Terrace, NY

Learn more at mercyhaven.org!

MERCY HAVEN IS COMMITTED TO A POLICY OF EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND WILL NOT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST AN APPLICANT OR EMPLOYEE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, RELIGION, GENETIC PREDISPOSITION, CREED, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, ANCESTRY, SEX, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, AGE, MARITAL STATUS, VETERAN STATUS, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIM STATUS, DISABILITY OR ANY OTHER PROTECTED CATEGORY UNDER APPLICABLE LAW.