RAMP is seeking a motivated, self-starter who is passionate about working alongside individuals with disabilities as they reach goals that will increase their independence. This full-time position will work one-on-one with individuals to achieve their independent living goals as well as network and collaborate within Winnebago and Boone Counties to promote RAMP services. RAMP staff have the privilege of impacting our local communities and advancing the civil rights of people with disabilities—if this excites you, please apply!

This position will spend a lot of time conducting the following activities:

• Meeting with consumers to work on independent living goals
• Networking in the community
• Making referrals for consumers to other agencies when necessary
• Staying current on advocacy issues related to people with disabilities

Job Location: Rockford/Hybrid Remote Work Opportunity

Starting salary range - based on experience: $36,000 - $37,800
(Please note: each salary offer is determined by using a rating scale, which is based off of the minimum salary of the range provided).

ORGANIZATION INFO: RAMP Disability Resources & Services is a non-residential Center for Independent Living with a mission to build an inclusive community that encourages individuals with disabilities to reach their full potential. RAMP’s work is guided by our commitments to inclusion, participation, accountability, and autonomy.

PURPOSE OF POSITION: To promote the principles of the Independent Living (IL) philosophy. To assist persons with disabilities in achieving their goals for independence. This includes providing consumer driven services by reminding consumers of their abilities, supporting them when needed and teaching them skills that will increase or maintain their independence.

REPORTING STRUCTURE: Reports directly to Independent Living Services Director. 

POSITION LOCATION: Rockford, IL; with hybrid work opportunity after successful on-boarding.  

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Direct Consumer Services 

• Contact new referrals within RAMP’s guidelines and provide follow-up until needs are met and/or intake is scheduled.
• Manage an active caseload and complete all paperwork and documentation within the required timeframes; develop an Independent Living Plan with consumer’s goals, objectives, and time frames. 
• Assist consumers with identifying their goals, creating steps, and ensuring that they are the drivers of the plan. 
• Assist individuals living in long-term care facilities with transitioning to the communities of their choice. 
• Assist consumers with obtaining home modifications to support them staying within their community, avoiding nursing home placement. 
• Provide encouragement, follow-up and support to consumers and family members.  
• Refer consumers to other community agencies or services providers to ensure appropriate support. 

Advocacy and Community Engagement 

• Be aware of advocacy issues related to equal rights for people with disabilities as individuals and systems level. 
• Maintain a high level of visibility within RAMP’s service area so that coordination and opportunities for persons with disabilities are at an optimum. 
• Join a committee, attend and conduct networking activities with other agencies, service providers and organizations to ensure that the disability community has a voice. 
• Be available for community presentations on RAMP’s mission and services and the Independent Living Philosophy. 

Professional Growth and Accountability 

• Meet with the Independent Living Director on a regular basis to collaborate on personal goals of growth, work related struggles, and progress or barriers to meeting results. 
• Collaborate and network with co-workers to ensure consistency with services provided. 
• Continue personal and professional development through a variety of educational opportunities. 
• Complete timesheets and expense reports within the required timeframe. 

Performance Metrics  

• Maintain 70% -85% of time worked logged in CILs database for time engaged with consumers.  
• Achieve an average satisfaction rating of 85% or higher from consumers regarding services received.  
• Maintain regular monthly contact with 95% accuracy on case notes.  
• Complete minimum of 12 hours of continuing education and training related to your role.  

REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to present information in a clear, concise manner. 
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively as a team player.  
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.  
• Effective time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.  
• Ability to advocate effectively and assertively with participants with disabilities and the community without controlling or inserting your own choices.  
• Ability to advise, encourage, inform, empathize and build trust with consumers.  
• Ability to demonstrate creativity, take initiative, and display responsible decision-making.  
• Ability to ensure adequate recording and reporting of case management information.  
• Ability to develop relationships with other agencies in the community. 
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to ask for help when appropriate. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Literacy in word processing and data entry.  
• Ability to use or learn Microsoft Office programs: Teams, SharePoint, Word, Excel, and Outlook.  
• Ability to handle multiple tasks while maintaining organization and meeting deadlines.  
• Professional manner in dress and when interacting with others both inside and outside of the organization.  
• Personal experience and/or intimate knowledge of and belief in the Independent Living Philosophy.  
• Self-motivated.  
• Reliable transportation and a willingness to work early morning, evening and some weekend hours, if needed.  
• Knowledge of educational disparities the youth with disabilities encounter.  
• Knowledge and understanding of how having a disability is perceived by others and how it can be a barrier.
  Ability to utilize resources for research and connecting with other organizations or community partners. 
  Personal experience with a disability is preferred. 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Salaried/Non-Exempt: 26 bi-weekly pay dates, working 37.5 to 40 hours per week to meet results. 
• Salary Range: based on experience $36,000 - $37,800. 
• Supportive Work Culture: Be part of an inclusive, compassionate, and respectful work environment that values your contributions and fosters personal and professional growth. 
• Mileage and Expense Reimbursement: All job-related mileage and qualifying expenses are reimbursed.  
• Full Benefits Package:  
  • 2 weeks of PTO, accrued over 26 pay periods, available after 90 days 
  • 2 weeks of sick/wellness time, accrued over 26 pay periods, available immediately, upon accrual 
  • 13 observed holidays, including a floating holiday 
  • Holiday Gift Week, paid time off between Christmas and New Years 
  • 401K program with employer match, currently 3%, with ROTH option. 
  • Comprehensive health insurance coverage, partially covered by RAMP 
  • Vision and Dental insurance coverage, dental partially covered by RAMP 
  • Life Insurance Coverage, covered by RAMP 
  • Supplemental Voluntary Coverage options including Accident, Life Insurance, AD&D Insurance, Short and Long-Term Disability, Identity Theft Protection, and Legal Assistance. 
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all family members 
• Performance-Based Work Model: Complete autonomy in determining how and when to meet your work outcomes, promoting a healthy work-life balance. 

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Ability to lift and move boxes, small furniture, and other household items up to 50 lbs.   
• Although this position primarily provides services in Winnebago County, applicants must have the ability to travel throughout the counties RAMP serves (Boone, DeKalb, Stephenson, and Winnebago) as needed. 
• Ability to work in an office environment, including using a computer for extended periods, conducting research, documenting consumer related activities, and communicating via email and phone. 
• Abide by rules and requirements of health care facilities as a visitor in those locations.  

Disclaimer: The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.  

RAMP provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. 

This statement applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.