Independent Living Specialist Jobs
Independent Living Specialist jobs are open across nonprofits, rehabilitation agencies, government programs, and community health organizations, at levels from entry-level to senior and program supervisor, with specializations in disability services, housing assistance, and benefits counseling. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Independent Living Skills Coach
Position Purpose: This is an entry-level position that is responsible for providing a supportive environment for our clients. Responsibilities include providing person-centered engagement and interventions, medication administration, and providing general program oversight and safety.
Schedule: Part-Time, Saturday and Sunday 4pm-12:30am
Location: Steiner-Kelting - 9120 Shady Oak Dr, Chaska, MN 55318
Pay Range: $22-$23.76/hourly, depending on qualifications
Shift Differential: $5/hour Saturday & Sunday
People Incorporated Mental Health Services is the largest nonprofit mental health provider in Minnesota. For over 50 years, we have been a leading community partner, transforming the health of our communities through innovative solutions.
Main Job Duties:
- Document interactions with clients into organization’s Electronic Health Record (EHR) and if applicable, program-specific documentation/record-keeping system, while providing clear and concise communication with client, staff and other applicable parties.
- Responsible for the preparation, service and clearing of client/program meals that are in accordance with program scheduling, and with sanitation, nutrition and safety standards.
- Responsible for medication administration in accordance with organization and program policies and procedures.
- Provide daily housekeeping and general cleanliness of client home, program and workstation in accordance with organization and program-directed requirements. Conduct regular rounds (room checks) throughout the facility.
- Support individuals in mental health management through identifying coping skills, practicing coping skills, and alternative methods.
Required Education and Experience:
- 2000 hours of work experience providing health and human services to individuals within the previous 10 years; And
- GED or High School Diploma; OR
- Associate of Arts degree or two years full-time postsecondary education in behavioral science or human services: OR
- Have two years of full-time postsecondary education or a total of 15 semester hours or 23 quarter hours in behavioral sciences or related fields; OR
- Have, within the previous ten years, three years of personal life experience with mental illness; OR
- Have, within the previous ten years, three years of life experience as a primary caregiver to an adult with a mental illness, traumatic brain injury, substance use disorder, or developmental disability
Preferred Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in behavioral science or related field and proof of a practicum or internship that requires direct interaction with adults or children served and is focused on behavioral sciences or related fields; OR has completed 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours in behavioral science or a related field and:
- Has proof of a practicum or internship that requires direct interaction with adults or children served and is focused on behavioral sciences or related fields; OR
- Has 2,000 hours of supervised experience in the delivery of services to people with mental illness; OR
- Has 2,000 hours of supervised experience in the delivery of services to people with traumatic brain injury or developmental disabilities and completes training on mental illness, mental health de-escalation techniques, co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse, and psychotropic medications and side effects; OR
- Is fluent in the non-English language of the cultural group to which 50% of the practitioner’s clients belong; OR
- Has a high school diploma and 4,000 hours of supervised experience in the delivery of services to people with:
- Mental illness; OR Traumatic brain injury or developmental disabilities and completes training on mental illness, mental health de-escalation techniques, co-occurring mental illness, substance abuse, and psychotropic medications and side effects; OR
- Is currently enrolled in a graduate-level behavioral sciences program at an accredited college or university and is formally assigned to the program for clinical training.
Certifications/Licenses:
- Upon hire must earn certification in First Aid and CPR training.
- Must complete 245I trainings and supervision as required by statute.
Benefits:
- Accrue up to 4 weeks of PTO/ESST, plus company-designated holidays and floating holidays
- 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with a 3% employer-match
- Multiple health and dental insurance plan choices available
- Lifestyle Benefit – choice between company contribution to health savings account, student loan repayment assistance, or flex time
- Employer-paid Short & Long-Term Disability Insurance & Life Insurance
- Free access to People Incorporated's Training Institute, offering free CEUs and a wide array of learning and education opportunities
- Eligibility for state and federal loan forgiveness programs
We are committed to providing salary ranges for all open positions. Please note that the specific compensation for this role will be determined based on your experience, qualifications, location, and internal equity considerations.
People Incorporated is committed to improving the wellness of our clients, staff, and the communities that we serve by providing a tobacco-free environment.
People Incorporated is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, marital status, familial status, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or status regarding public assistance. People Incorporated values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages all qualified individuals to apply.
Independent Living Skills Coach
Position Purpose: This is an entry-level position that is responsible for providing a supportive environment for our clients. Responsibilities include providing person-centered engagement and interventions, medication administration, and providing general program oversight and safety.
Schedule: Part-Time, Saturday and Sunday 4pm-12:30am
Location: Steiner-Kelting - 9120 Shady Oak Dr, Chaska, MN 55318
Pay Range: $22-$23.76/hourly, depending on qualifications
Shift Differential: $5/hour Saturday & Sunday
People Incorporated Mental Health Services is the largest nonprofit mental health provider in Minnesota. For over 50 years, we have been a leading community partner, transforming the health of our communities through innovative solutions.
Main Job Duties:
- Document interactions with clients into organization’s Electronic Health Record (EHR) and if applicable, program-specific documentation/record-keeping system, while providing clear and concise communication with client, staff and other applicable parties.
- Responsible for the preparation, service and clearing of client/program meals that are in accordance with program scheduling, and with sanitation, nutrition and safety standards.
- Responsible for medication administration in accordance with organization and program policies and procedures.
- Provide daily housekeeping and general cleanliness of client home, program and workstation in accordance with organization and program-directed requirements. Conduct regular rounds (room checks) throughout the facility.
- Support individuals in mental health management through identifying coping skills, practicing coping skills, and alternative methods.
Required Education and Experience:
- 2000 hours of work experience providing health and human services to individuals within the previous 10 years; And
- GED or High School Diploma; OR
- Associate of Arts degree or two years full-time postsecondary education in behavioral science or human services: OR
- Have two years of full-time postsecondary education or a total of 15 semester hours or 23 quarter hours in behavioral sciences or related fields; OR
- Have, within the previous ten years, three years of personal life experience with mental illness; OR
- Have, within the previous ten years, three years of life experience as a primary caregiver to an adult with a mental illness, traumatic brain injury, substance use disorder, or developmental disability
Preferred Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in behavioral science or related field and proof of a practicum or internship that requires direct interaction with adults or children served and is focused on behavioral sciences or related fields; OR has completed 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours in behavioral science or a related field and:
- Has proof of a practicum or internship that requires direct interaction with adults or children served and is focused on behavioral sciences or related fields; OR
- Has 2,000 hours of supervised experience in the delivery of services to people with mental illness; OR
- Has 2,000 hours of supervised experience in the delivery of services to people with traumatic brain injury or developmental disabilities and completes training on mental illness, mental health de-escalation techniques, co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse, and psychotropic medications and side effects; OR
- Is fluent in the non-English language of the cultural group to which 50% of the practitioner’s clients belong; OR
- Has a high school diploma and 4,000 hours of supervised experience in the delivery of services to people with:
- Mental illness; OR Traumatic brain injury or developmental disabilities and completes training on mental illness, mental health de-escalation techniques, co-occurring mental illness, substance abuse, and psychotropic medications and side effects; OR
- Is currently enrolled in a graduate-level behavioral sciences program at an accredited college or university and is formally assigned to the program for clinical training.
Certifications/Licenses:
- Upon hire must earn certification in First Aid and CPR training.
- Must complete 245I trainings and supervision as required by statute.
Benefits:
- Accrue up to 4 weeks of PTO/ESST, plus company-designated holidays and floating holidays
- 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with a 3% employer-match
- Multiple health and dental insurance plan choices available
- Lifestyle Benefit – choice between company contribution to health savings account, student loan repayment assistance, or flex time
- Employer-paid Short & Long-Term Disability Insurance & Life Insurance
- Free access to People Incorporated's Training Institute, offering free CEUs and a wide array of learning and education opportunities
- Eligibility for state and federal loan forgiveness programs
We are committed to providing salary ranges for all open positions. Please note that the specific compensation for this role will be determined based on your experience, qualifications, location, and internal equity considerations.
People Incorporated is committed to improving the wellness of our clients, staff, and the communities that we serve by providing a tobacco-free environment.
People Incorporated is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, marital status, familial status, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or status regarding public assistance. People Incorporated values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages all qualified individuals to apply.
Independent Living Specialist Jobs by Experience Level
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Find JobsIndependent Living Specialist Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in independent living specialist jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in social work, rehabilitation, psychology, or a related human services field
- Experience providing direct services to individuals with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities
- Knowledge of independent living philosophy and consumer-directed service models
- Familiarity with community resources including housing, benefits programs, and assistive technology
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for community-based home visits
- Proficiency with case management software and electronic documentation systems
Tips for Your Independent Living Specialist Job Search
Tailor your resume to service models
Highlight whether your experience is in center-based or community-based independent living. Employers distinguish between the two, and matching your resume to their service delivery model signals you understand how their program actually operates.
List your certification and licensure clearly
Many postings require or prefer a Certified Independent Living Specialist credential or a state-specific certification. Place it near the top of your resume so hiring managers don't have to search for it among your work history.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists independent living specialist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Search by funding source not just title
Roles funded through Title VII of the Rehabilitation Act often share similar duties but appear under different job titles. Searching terms like 'IL services', 'consumer-directed services', or 'vocational rehabilitation support' surfaces openings your title-only search would miss.
Prepare for scenario-based interview questions
Interviewers frequently ask how you'd handle a consumer refusing a recommended service or facing a housing crisis. Walk through your assessment approach, the resources you'd involve, and how you'd document the interaction to show practical judgment.
Negotiate for mileage reimbursement and caseload size
Community-based roles often involve significant local travel and high caseloads. Before accepting an offer, confirm the reimbursement rate per mile and the average number of consumers per specialist so you can evaluate the offer fully.
Independent Living Specialist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most independent living specialists?
ECCG, Thrive Support Services, and OneWell Health Care are hiring the most independent living specialists right now, with openings concentrated in California, Michigan, and Minnesota, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Centers for Independent Living and state vocational rehabilitation agencies consistently represent a large share of active postings.
How many independent living specialist jobs are remote?
About 23% of independent living specialist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with fully remote roles more common in benefits counseling, intake coordination, and peer support positions than in community outreach or home-visit-based roles, which typically require in-person presence.
How do you become an independent living specialist?
Start by earning a bachelor's degree in social work, rehabilitation counseling, or a related human services field. Gain direct experience through internships or entry-level roles at a Center for Independent Living or disability services agency. Pursue the Certified Independent Living Specialist credential through ACIL to strengthen your candidacy, and build familiarity with benefits systems like SSI, SSDI, and Section 8 housing programs.
How do you get hired as an independent living specialist with little experience?
Focus on roles labeled 'independent living advocate' or 'peer support specialist,' which often accept applicants who have lived experience with disability in place of direct professional experience. Volunteer or intern at a local Center for Independent Living to build documented hours. Emphasize transferable skills like case coordination, crisis response, and benefits navigation in your application materials.
What does the independent living specialist interview process look like?
Most employers conduct a phone screen followed by one or two in-person or video interviews. Expect competency-based questions about handling consumer crises, navigating disagreements between consumer goals and family input, and coordinating with external agencies. Some organizations include a written scenario exercise or ask you to review a sample case file and explain how you'd develop a service plan.
Where can I find and apply to independent living specialist jobs?
You can find and apply to independent living specialist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search the available roles, find the ones that match your experience and location preferences, and apply directly to each listing that fits.
See All 110+ Independent Living Specialist Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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