Certified Aging in Place Specialist

Company Overview

The Independent Living Center of Kern County (ILCKC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities since 1981. Our mission is to help people live as independently as possible while educating the community about disability-related issues and promoting positive societal change.

Position Type: Full-time (37.5 hour workweek), non-exempt position. Full medical benefits package, paid holidays, sick leave, vacation leave, and personal day. Part-Time position/s available. Hourly Rate: $23.00 to $26.00.

Job Summary

The Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) plays a key role in improving the accessibility, safety, and functionality of homes for aging individuals and those with disabilities. CAPS professionals assess consumer needs, recommend home modifications, and oversee project implementation in partnership with the contractor, occupational therapist, and consumer.

Key Responsibilities

• Consumer Interaction and Assessment:
• Evaluate consumer referrals to determine program eligibility.
• Conduct comprehensive in-home assessments to identify barriers and recommend modifications that promote safety, accessibility, and independence.
• Planning and Coordination:
• Develop modification plans in consultation with the consumer, caregivers, and Occupational Therapist.
• Coordinate with contractors to ensure modifications meet consumer needs and comply with program guidelines.
• Oversight and Implementation:
• Oversee contractor work to ensure modifications align with approved plans and recommendations from Occupational Therapist.
• Conduct follow-up visits to verify quality, provide training on equipment or modifications, and ensure consumer satisfaction.
• Reporting and Documentation:
• Maintain accurate records of assessments, modifications, and follow-up visits.
• Submit required reports on service delivery, project outcomes, and program data.
• Program Support:
• Act as a liaison between consumers, contractors, and other team members.
• Attend team meetings and participate in ongoing training and certification as required by the program.

Qualifications

• Education and Certification:

o Bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling or related field is preferred. Experience may be substituted for education. Background in healthcare, construction, occupational therapy, or a related field is preferred.

o Certification as a Certified Aging in Place Specialist or willingness to complete certification within six months of hire.

• Experience:

o At least two years of experience working with people with disabilities and/or in a social services field.

• Experience in home modification, construction, or working with aging or disabled populations is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with ADA guidelines, universal design principles, and accessibility standards is a plus.
• Skills:
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with consumers, caregivers, contractors, and team members.
• Ability to assess consumer needs and translate them into actionable home modification plans.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Proficiency in basic computer software, including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must have the ability to write and document clear case notes.
• Must have an understanding and commitment to implement the independent living philosophy and empower people with disabilities to live independently.
• Must exercise initiative, confidentiality, and sound judgment in technical matters and workload coordination.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Ability to travel to consumer homes and contractor sites.
• Physical capacity to assess home environments, including bending, lifting, and standing for extended periods.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record. Reliable transportation required.
• Ability to cope with a moderate to high level of stress.

Preferences

· Life experience with a disability

· Ability to speak Spanish

· Knowledge of American Sign Language

ILC of Kern County is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring staff who reflect the diversity of our community. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $23.00 - $26.00 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Experience:

• working with disabilities: 2 years (Preferred)
• home modification/accessibility: 1 year (Preferred)

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Bakersfield, CA 93309 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Bakersfield, CA 93309: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $23 - $26