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Thank you for your interest in employment with Connections for Independent Living. If applying for a position, please send your resume and a cover letter by email message.

Our Currently Available Paid Positions:

Eastern Plains Independent Living Specialist

PART TIME OPPORTUNITY.

Connections for Independent Living is the nonprofit Independent Living Center for northeastern Colorado, serving people with disabilities throughout seven counties. Connections is also Colorado’s largest nonprofit provider of American Sign Language interpreting services.

The Eastern Plains Independent Living Specialist (ILS) works directly with persons living with disabilities within our eastern service region. A typical day may include speaking with current and potential participating consumers by video conferencing, by telephone, or in person (COVID depending) to gather information, and to create an independent living plan through identifying areas of need. Based on this plan, the ILS will then help the participant identify necessary resources through assisting in the completion of paperwork, scheduling appointments, and embracing self-advocating. Duties can also include advocating on behalf of a participant. Additionally, an ILS will also help organize and host monthly group video conferencing sessions that focus on specific participant needs. To stay current on emerging trends in Independent Living, our ILS attend training sessions to deliver the best services and knowledge to our consumers.

The successful candidate must have exceptional organizational skills with a meticulous attention to detail. They must work well under pressure, and meet deadlines. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to multitask and adapt to many communication styles is required. Bilingual candidates are welcome. A sense of levity and humor is most appreciated. People who live with disabilities are preferred applicants.

Key Responsibilities

Consumer Services

Conduct interviews with potential consumers and complete necessary documentation to determine eligibility and appropriate services.
Participate with a consumer in the development of an Independent Living Plan, which outlines the skills they need to develop, the resources to which they need access, and their path to success.
Work with consumers and community support services to assist individuals in attaining goals, by referral to appropriate staff or to other agencies.
Provide appropriate services to consumers, including Information and Referral, Advocacy, Peer Support, and Independent Living Skills Training.

Community Involvement

Facilitate peer support groups to allow individuals who have shared common experiences the opportunity to gain insight into their own situations.
Represent Connections and act as a liaison between the disability community and other agencies serving people with disabilities to insure coordination and comprehensive services to the consumer.
Work on system advocacy issues to promote greater access to people with disabilities.

Operations

Maintain necessary electronic records and consumer files and complete all reports required by the program.
General assistance with agency operations.
Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills

Ability to work independently and exercise discretion and independent judgment regarding the delivery of services, and advocacy on behalf of individuals with disabilities.
Excellent technology and software skills, including skills with client databases, Microsoft, Google Workspace, MiCIL, Dropbox, Evernote and other software as needed. IBM platform computer and Internet experience required.
Experience in systems advocacy.
Ability to communicate effectively, internally and externally, orally, and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with consumers, co-workers, the public, and service providers.
Knowledge of American Disabilities Act regulations a plus, as is knowledge of American Sign Language.
Must be able to pass a background screening.
Reliable transportation and ability to travel within our service region as well as statewide as necessary.

We offer exceptional PTO benefits as well as a generous paid holiday schedule and health and retirement benefits. Salary range is $16-$18/hourly dependent upon experience, with opportunity for advancement.

The successful candidate will be based in northeastern Colorado, and provide their own home Internet service, as well as home office space. Occasional travel to the Connections office in Greeley will be necessary.

To apply: Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. More than 50 percent of our team have a range of disabilities and life experiences, which enhance our ability to advocate.

Candidates must submit a brief letter of interest and professional resume by email to careers@connections4il.org with the subject line “Independent Living Specialist” for consideration.

Qualified candidates will be contacted on a rolling basis. No phone calls unless as a necessary accommodation.

Location: 1331 8th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado 80631.
Compensation: This is a half-time position at 20 hours per week. Hourly pay rate is $16-$18. Benefits package following a 90-day probationary period includes paid time off, healthcare reimbursement, and a generous holiday schedule.
Work hours to be arranged during standard Monday through Friday business hours between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
The successful candidate will live within our seven-county northeastern Colorado service region.
Connections is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization.
Principals only, please. No recruiters.
No telephone calls.
Do not contact Connections regarding other services, products or commercial interests.

EEO Disclaimer: Connections for Independent Living is an equal opportunity employer and therefore does not discriminate according to age, disability status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or genetic information. Individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.

[UPDATED 06/24/2021]

Our Currently Available Volunteer Positions:

Board of Directors Member (Volunteer)

EXPECTATIONS OF THE BOARD AS A WHOLE

The mission of Connections for Independent Living is to promote the full inclusion and integration of people with all types of disabilities into all levels of society.

As the highest leadership body of Connections, and to satisfy its fiduciary duties, the board of directors is responsible for:

Determining the mission and purposes of Connections
Selecting and evaluating the performance of the executive director
Strategic and organizational planning
Ensuring strong fiduciary oversight and financial management
Fundraising and resource development
Approving and monitoring Connections’ ongoing programs and services
Enhancing Connections’ public image
Assessing its own performance as the governing body of Connections

EXPECTATIONS OF INDIVIDUAL BOARD MEMBERS

Each individual board member must:

Know Connections’ mission, policies, programs, and needs
Faithfully read and understand the organization’s financial statements
Serve as active advocates and ambassadors for the organization and fully engage in identifying and securing the financial resources and partnerships necessary for Connections to advance its mission
Leverage professional connections, networks, and resources to develop collective action to fully achieve Connections’ mission and goals
Identify personal connections that can benefit Connections’ fundraising and reputational standing, and which can influence public policy
Prepare for, attend, and conscientiously participate in board meetings
Participate fully in one or more committees
Annually give to Connections a meaningful personal financial donation

BOARD MEMBERS ARE ALSO EXPECTED TO

Follow Connections’ corporate bylaws, policies, and board resolutions
Sign an annual conflict-of-interest disclosure and update it during the year if necessary, as well as disclose potential conflicts before meetings and actual conflicts during meetings
Maintain confidentiality about all internal matters of Connections

If you have interest in serving as a member of the board of directors, and live within the Connections service area, submit your letter of interest and how you can help Connections meet its goals, along with your professional resume, by email message for full consideration. Persons who live with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

[UPDATED 06/14/2021]

Techmate Program Volunteer

Connections for Independent Living is the nonprofit independent living center for northeastern Colorado, including Weld, Yuma, Sedgwick, Washington, Phillips, Logan and Morgan counties. Connections is also the largest provider of ASL interpretation for northern Colorado. As a Center for Independent Living, Connections is mandated to provide five Core Services: Independent Living Skills Training, Peer Support, Individual and Systems Advocacy, Information and Referral, and Nursing Home Transitions. These Core Services are delivered through a series of programs referred to as Independent Living programs.

Overview: The volunteer hours for a Connections for Independent Living TechMate will likely require fewer than two hours each week on average. Availability will be on days and times that are mutually convenient for the client and for the TechMate volunteer. This will include evenings and weekends.

All volunteer support will be by telephone, Zoom, FaceTime, or other virtual platforms. No travel is required.

People with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply as more than 50 percent of our team have a range of disabilities and life experiences, which enhance our ability to advocate.

Position Description:

Volunteers help unleash the power of technology to ensure persons with disabilities have the skills and tools to connect with the outside world. TechMates work with consumers to nurture the necessary skills to confidently use a range of mainstream technology, including PC computers, ChromeBooks, smartphones, and mobile telephone applications. In this role, the volunteer will:

Provide personal, one-on-one support to individuals with disabilities in your community.
Help people learn how to use ChromeBooks and other computers, set up new devices, and/or troubleshoot any technical issues.
Teach participants how to use and navigate various computer and mobile applications (ex: Zoom, Amazon, Maps, Facebook, and Twitter).
Share technical computer and device skills by leading or supporting technology workshops in a supportive online environment.

Benefits of Position

Make a difference in the lives of people who are disabled through providing help and companionship to a person in your northeastern Colorado community.
Develop or enhance experience and personal skills in serving clients.
Be part of a dedicated and passionate staff and volunteer team working to further Connections’ mission.
Reference or confirmation of volunteer hours served upon request, following three months’ of successful participation as a volunteer.

Qualities, Skills and Training

Reliability, patience, responsibility, friendliness, organization, and ability to work with minimal supervision.
Excellent communication skills.
Ability to investigate and implement new technologies, troubleshoot hardware and software applications, help with basic computer setup, and support of user training.
Age 19 or older.
Willingness to make a six-month commitment to the program.
Successfully pass a background check.
Connections will provide orientation about our work and the people we help, as well as training specific to this role. For example, this includes working as a TechMate and how to address challenges that may arise advocacy to promote greater access people with disabilities.

We ask that the successful candidate provide their own home internet service, as well as home office space. This is a volunteer position with a commitment of about two hours time per week on average.

Please send a brief letter of experience and interest to rick@connections4il.org to begin your application process.