Independent Living Counselor, Travel Trainer, Center for Independent Living (CIL), Berkeley, CA

About the position

This position teaches people with disabilities how to travel safely in their communities, both one-on-one and in groups.

Founded in 1972 in Berkeley, California, the Center for Independent Living (CIL) emerged from the Independent Living movement of the 1970’s as a powerful force in helping people with disabilities achieve their independence. CIL is the model for hundreds of Independent Living Centers throughout the U.S. and the world.

CIL directly serves about 1000 individuals each year. Services include peer counseling, assistive technology consultation and training, employment services, travel training, a residential access program that provides simple equipment allowing seniors and people with disabilities to stay in their homes, systems change advocacy, work and benefits counseling, and a Living Well with a Disability curriculum that helps seniors with aging-related physical and mental disabilities remain productive, healthy and engaged. CIL’s Information and Referral staff provide specialized, in-depth connections to resources to an additional 5000-6000 people a year.

Job Summary

CIL is looking for a compassionate and creative individual to work one-on-one and in structured group environments teaching people with disabilities to travel independently and safely within their communities.

Essential Duties

• Working knowledge of Social Security and other Federal, State and local work incentives programs. CWIC Certification preferred but not required.
  See: https://vcu-ntdc.org/training/initial/certification.cfm

• Responsible for supporting for CIL’s Mobility Management and Travel Training program 

• Meet with consumers in-person and remotely to assess needs, identify goals, and develop plans to meet those needs and goals, documenting and maintaining progress notes for each consumer 

• Provide instruction and coaching, both remote and in-person, to consumers on how to utilize public transit, in real-world situations

• Provide information and referrals on up-to-date transportation resources in Alameda County 

• Help people identify mobility devices that are the right fit for them and work with the consumer to improve knowledge and use of the mobility devices (scooters, wheelchairs, canes, etc.) 

• Develop relationships and outreach with community organizations, schools, and senior centers to provide travel/mobility training opportunities for their members

• Participate in CIL events regarding travel training at companies, schools, hospitals, civic and community organizations 

• Assist with developing new curriculum and teaching material, leading group travel events, and collect transit data for analysis 

• Create and distribute promotional materials for specified travel coaching packages offered by CIL 

• This position requires in person office hours and on site field trips with trainees and fellow staff. 

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• You have a passion for helping people. You are patient, level-headed, and cool under pressure. Teaching someone something new makes you feel motivated.
• You are an excellent planner and organizer with the ability to think on your feet. You’ll know what to expect to get from point A to point B, and if things change, you know how to roll with the punches. 
• You have stellar verbal and written communication skills. You are respectful and approachable. You build strong relationships with trainers and trainees. 
• You are motivated. You recognize the travel training program’s unique opportunity to make an impact and will take ownership of the time you spend with us and truly make a difference. 
• You have a friendly and outgoing demeanor. Your empathy builds rapport and trust with your trainees and your team. You are energetic and thrive in a fast-paced, human-centered environment. 
• Knowledge and experience with Bay Area public transportation is a plus! 

Employee Benefits

• The opportunity to be apart of developing and fine-tuning a program that will positively impact the larger community
• An atmosphere to learn and grow, with the support of your manager
• Paid sick and vacation time for part-time employees; a benefits package (for full-time employees)

Reasonable accommodations will be made available to individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions on request.

A Note to Potential Candidates

Studies have shown that BIPOC and other people from marginalized groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet all the qualifications described in the job description. If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization, and to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse work experiences and backgrounds. Please use your cover letter to tell us about your interest in this position, and what you hope to bring to this role.

How to Apply

If you are interested in joining CIL’s team, please submit the following application materials: 

• A cover letter describing your interest in CIL and how your past experience has prepared you for this role
• Resume

All job offers are contingent on passing a pre-employment background check.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Director of Operations at hr@thecil.org.

CIL Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity), national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation or status as a protected veteran. Persons with disabilities, veterans, women, and minorities are encouraged to apply.  

CIL is an E-Verify participating employer.