Independent Living Specialist

Independent Living Specialists are professionals who assist people with disabilities to achieve greater independence by teaching them skills and providing resources.

Responsibilities

Independent Living Specialists develop and implement plans to help people with disabilities overcome challenges and live more independently.

Other responsibilities include:

• providing counseling and support
• advocating for clients' rights
• teaching clients how to use assistive technology
• assisting clients with finding housing and employment
• working with other professionals to provide comprehensive care

Job Outlook

The job outlook for Independent Living Specialists is very good.

The demand for Independent Living Specialists is expected to grow as the population of people with disabilities continues to increase.

Education and Training

Most Independent Living Specialists have at least a bachelor's degree in social work, rehabilitation counseling, or a related field.

Many Independent Living Specialists also have a master's degree or a certification in Independent Living.

Personality Traits

Independent Living Specialists should be compassionate, patient, and understanding.

They should also be able to work independently and as part of a team.

Skills

Independent Living Specialists should have strong communication and interpersonal skills.

They should also be able to provide counseling and support.

Other skills include:

• problem-solving skills
• organizational skills
• cultural sensitivity
• a strong understanding of disability issues
• proficient with assistive technology

Career Growth

Independent Living Specialists can advance their careers by becoming managers or supervisors.

They can also specialize in a particular area of Independent Living, such as working with people with disabilities who are aging or working with people with disabilities who are incarcerated.

Transferable Skills

The skills that Independent Living Specialists develop can be transferred to other careers in social work, rehabilitation counseling, and human services.

Projects

Independent Living Specialists may work on projects that include:

• developing new programs and services for people with disabilities
• conducting research on disability issues
• advocating for changes in policy that affect people with disabilities

Personal Growth

Independent Living Specialists can experience personal growth through their work.

They can learn about different cultures and perspectives, and they can develop a greater understanding of the challenges that people with disabilities face.

Self-Guided Projects

Students who are interested in becoming Independent Living Specialists can complete self-guided projects to better prepare themselves for this role.

Projects include:

• volunteering at a disability organization
• shadowing an Independent Living Specialist
• taking online courses on disability issues

Online Courses

Online courses can be a helpful way to learn about the field of Independent Living and to develop the skills needed to be successful in this role.

Online courses offer flexibility and affordability, and they allow students to learn at their own pace.

Online courses can cover a variety of topics related to Independent Living, such as:

• disability rights and laws
• assistive technology
• rehabilitation counseling
• social work
• advocacy

Online courses can provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in this role.

However, online courses alone are not enough to prepare someone for a career as an Independent Living Specialist.

Students will also need to gain practical experience through internships or volunteer work.