INDEPENDENT LIVING RESOURCES, INC.

Independent Living Resources is currently seeking applicants for a new, challenging and exciting position of Consumer Affairs Coordinator. The Consumer Affairs Coordinator will be responsible for the recruitment and support of persons living with mental illness in the monitoring and improvement of the Mental Health Services in La Crosse County. This position will provide leadership and self-advocacy training to assist with the effectiveness of Mental Health consumers in systems change. This is a permanent full time position.

Qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or other related field preferred. Equivalent combination of education and experience in providing support to persons with disabilities may be substituted for the college degree
• First hand experience with mental illness required
• Recent stable work history of two to three years required
• Strong oral and written communication skills required
• Knowledge of and ability to use computer required
• Effective systems advocacy skills required
• Prefer person with experience in providing outreach and training to a variety of groups, including mental health consumers

Functions of Position

• Provide aggressive outreach to persons living with chronic mental illness in

La Crosse County

• Provide support to broaden consumer involvement in the systems issues that affect persons living with mental illness
• Assist consumer to prepare for recovery team process
• Maintain consumer confidentiality

Please call 608-787-1111 for an application packet and full job description. Return Requested items with a resume and cover letter no later than Tuesday, November 27, 2007 at noon to:

Independent Living Resources, Inc.
ATTN:  Human Resources
4439 Mormon Coulee Road
La Crosse, WI  54601
www.ilresources.org

Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  If you have a special need/accommodation to aid your participation in our hiring process, please contact Independent Living Resources to make appropriate arrangements. 

JOB SUMMARY

The Consumer Affairs Coordinator is responsible for recruitment and support of persons with mental illness in the monitoring and improvement of Mental Health Services in La Crosse County. This position will provide leadership and self-advocacy training to assist with the effectiveness of Mental Health consumers in systems change. The Consumer Affairs Coordinator must embrace the recovery philosophy in all activities.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or other related field preferred
• An equivalent combination of education and experience in providing support to persons with disabilities may be substituted for the college degree
• First hand experience living with mental illness required
• Recent stable work history of two to three years required
• Knowledge about the needs of persons with mental illness required
• Knowledge of disability rights, Independent Living philosophy, and recovery philosophy required
• Working knowledge of community resources available required
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in written form required
• An insured vehicle and valid driver’s license available for daily use or ability to arrange own transportation required
• Knowledge of and ability to use computer required
• Group facilitation skills required
• Effective systems advocacy skills required
• Knowledge of Americans with Disabilities Act preferred
• Experience providing outreach and training to a variety of groups, including mental health consumers preferred

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB

• Provide aggressive outreach to persons living with chronic mental illness in La Crosse County to become more involved in systems change and quality of Mental Health Services
• Develop bimonthly newsletter “Of a New Mind” to inform consumers of current issues
• Promote systems advocacy outreach to consumers
• Provide public awareness using various media options
• Provide support to broaden consumer involvement in the systems issues that affect persons with mental illness
• Recruit and support consumer participation in Consumer Advisory Committee and other workgroups
• Provide or coordinate development and training activities to educate consumers to be agents for systems change
• Maintain a database of consumers that have been through training
• Attend all staff meetings and in-service trainings when required
• Maintain consumer confidentiality
• Deliver services to Comprehensive Community Services Program (CCS) consumers
• Participate in orientation of program to consumers
• Educate and advise consumers on rights and responsibilities
• Explain vendor choice system
• Encourage and set participation in program expectations
• Knowledge of community and natural supports to assist consumer
• Assist consumer to prepare for recovery team process
• Assist with Quality Improvement initiatives of the Mental Health services

SUPERVISION

The Consumer Affairs Coordinator is supervised by the Assistant Director

Employee’s Signature_______________________________________       Date______________________

Supervisor’s Signature_____________________________________          Date______________________

                                         
Independent Living Resources, Inc. is an Equal opportunity Employer.