CIL is growing its Assistive Technology and Residential Access (AT+RA) team and hiring a manager to help supervise and support them.

Description

Who We Are: 

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. 

What We Do:

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. 

Our Guiding Principles: 

• Comprehensive programs most effectively meet the needs of people with disabilities 
• People with disabilities are the best experts on their lives 
• The strongest and most vibrant communities are those that include and embrace disability 

Summary:

The Center for Independent Living, Inc. (CIL) is seeking a program manager for its Assistive Technology, Residential Access, and Emergency Preparedness programs. CIL is growing its two-staff Assistive Technology and Residential Access (AT+RA) team to three or four staff, and will be hiring a manager to help supervise and support them, in addition to supervising and supporting our two-staff Emergency Preparedness (EP) team. AT+RA and EP services are some of CIL’s highest-demand programs, and the teams currently includes employees with deep experience in providing these services. Specific tasks for the manager include reporting to funders, collaboratively assisting vision and development of the AT+RA and EP programs (including pursuing new funding sources), representing the AT+RA and EP teams in management meetings, supporting staff in their growth and success, managing the workshop facility and the fleet of 2 wheelchair adapted vans, and generally facilitating the provision of direct services. The following details the responsibilities of the AT+RA and Emergency Preparedness Manager. 

 Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:

*Note: Duties related to management of the Emergency Preparedness program (listed in sections below) will be scaffolded into the position in the first 6-12 months of the position.

1. Program Management and Service Delivery

• Oversee day-to-day execution and long-term success of AT+RA and EP programs
• Co-plan programs to streamline implementation and sustainability of AT+RA and EP service areas, including researching program models and facilitating collective decision-making with AT+RA and EP teams.
• Manage grants and contracts with AT+RA and EP program funders
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge and expertise in program grants and grant deliverables and work with team members to ensure deliverables are being met.
• Consistently compile and report on contract deliverables for AT+RA and EP program funders, and periodically update contract details.
• Manage contract negotiation for renewal of funding and new funds.
• Train AT+RA and EP team members on grants requirements and contract deliverables.
• Facilitate spending proposals and related budgetary needs from supervisees, and prompt upward as needed to prevent service delays.
• Participate in Management meetings to represent AT+RA and EP programs, and to monitor higher-level needs of the programs and report back to direct service staff on all relevant information
• As a member of the managers team, help create an equitable and positive work environment for the organization
• If possible, manage operations for AT+RA and EP programs, including:
• Fleet of 2 vans, including conducting regular maintenance and registration.
• Facilities at the Wheelhouse, which houses the AT workshop and supplies in West Oakland, as well as supplies and programming space for the Emergency Preparedness programs. This includes conducting regular safety maintenance such as fire extinguishers.
• Build relationships and collaborate with other organizations to better serve the community.

1. Staff Supervision and Support

• Manage, train, mentor, and provide professional development opportunities for 6-7 direct service staff.
• Administer weekly team meetings, collaborate with staff in program implementation, perform regular staff performance co-evaluations, and facilitate 1-on-1 check-ins with team members.
• Monitor and approve timesheets, time-off requests, advance check requests, etc. in a supportive way.
• Support the AT+RA and EP teams in identifying and building diverse skills, cross-training, and program development. Participate in cross-training where possible.
• Support the AT+RA and EP teams to process work conflicts in generative, growth-oriented ways.
• Support staff to facilitate the needs of consumers. 
•  Collaborate on measures to improve consumer services and relationships.
• Assist in the hiring of team members, and orient and train new staff, with the help of senior program staff as needed. 
• Maintain open, clear, and consistent communication with Program Staff and Management, and act as back-up when Program Staff are out of the office.
• Receive and respond to grievances from consumers and team members.

1. Data Management and Compliance

• Support team members in consistently entering data and services into the case management system. Ensure documentation, such as intakes, are completed and stored accurately, and are within compliance.
• Periodically audit data, services, and consumer files, and evaluate accuracy and completeness.
• Collaborate with Program Director and Data and Reporting Specialist on creating trainings for program staff on how to best input and track data and report services in the case management system. Raise issues about the case management system itself to them as needed based on program staff use of the system.
• With Program Director and Data and Reporting Specialist, review generated reports and reconcile them with actual service numbers.
• Prepare quarterly reports for Executive Director and the Board of Directors.
• Manage All Staff Google Drive and ensure program folders are up to date and well-organized.
• Propose and write procedures and policies as needs arise.

Emergency Preparedness-Specific Responsibilities

*Note: Duties related to management of the Emergency Preparedness program (listed above and below) will be scaffolded into the position in the first 6-12 months of the position. Certain duties with physical demands can be re-allocated to the Program Director in order to make this position accessible to a greater diversity of applicants.

• All essential job functions and responsibilities noted above, as they relate to the Emergency Preparedness program and its services, including its Peer Ambassador Program, community education and training, direct consumer work, and response in times of disasters.
• Support creative program work that increases the preparedness and resiliency of people with disabilities and older adults in northern Alameda County.
• In collaboration with program staff, develop and expand community training offerings, and ensure robust outreach and effective delivery of trainings
• Maintain accurate inventory of emergency preparedness supplies, and coordinate deliveries of supplies (including large batteries) to consumers
• Collaborate with Program Director and team members in to provide higher ground, on-call support in times of disaster and emergencies, such as:  transportation, food vouchers, and hotels. 

Education and/or Work Experience: 

• Five (5) or more years of work experience with consumers in a social services role. 
• One (1) or more years of experience managing a team of 3 or more staff.
• One (1) or more years of experience using Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and related software products extensively. 

Key Qualifications: 

• Consistent follow-through on tasks toward a team goal within an agreed timeframe.
• Demonstrated ability to organize details and track multiple project work flows of different types.
• Commitment to accountability in all professional relationships, including to supervisees.
• Commitment to disability rights or justice, and to addressing inequities among the communities of Alameda County.
• Commitment to an equitable, transparent, and collaborative management style.
• Demonstrated experience collaborating successfully across differences of ability or background.
• Demonstrated success working with people with disabilities.
• Experience with living with a disability; personal experience preferred.
• Familiarity with critiques of ableism and related anti-oppression frameworks.
• Candidates who use AT devices are encouraged to apply. Any candidates with disabilities are encouraged to seek accommodations as needed for this position.
• Bi-lingual/bi-cultural preferred, especially in English and languages of local refugee communities. 
• Personable, compassionate social skills, including clearly expressing boundaries when needed.
• Demonstrated ability to respond appropriately to inquiries from many sources, including: 
• consumers with disabilities and their families, 
• fellow CIL staff and volunteers, 
• local and regulatory agencies,
• the general public, and 
• device donors.
• General knowledge of types of mobility devices and their applications.
• General knowledge of types of residential access modifications.
• General knowledge of a wide array of types of disabilities.

Other Desirable Qualifications

• Experience using data management systems.
• Preference for candidates with experience testing and comparing between AT options. 
• One (1) or more years of work experience using tools for installation or repair of devices.

Physical and Cognitive Demands: 

• Ability to to digitally track and document progress on multiple project timelines and workflows for successful completion and transparent accountability for staff and funders.
• Ability to use a computer 75% of the time. 
• Ability to communicate and exchange accurate information via telephone, email, Slack, spreadsheets, and in person with community members and co-workers.  
• Ability to travel to sites as needed, which can be several times per month. 
• Desirable to have a valid California driver’s license for fleet management.
• Desirable to have ability to grip, reach, carry, twist, lift, and lower items of up to 30 lbs for other facilities management and supplies deliveries

Work Environment 

Hybrid – Work can primarily be done remotely from home, with the exception of regular and as-needed travel to West Oakland to conduct maintenance of the van fleet, and site visits to the AT+RA and EP team workshop. Occasionally in-person work may also be necessary at the Berkeley or Fruitvale offices. 

Precautions against transmission of COVID 19 in place include masking requirements, ventilation, and access to rapid testing. 

All staff are expected to commit to being fragrance-free at the office, for accessibility of the space to people with environmental disabilities.

The work characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.  

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

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.

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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

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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.

Salary

$64,480 – $66,560 per year