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Available Positions
Peer Support Specialist
Home and Community Based Living
Position Summary
Do you want a career where your life experience makes a difference? As a Peer Support Specialist, you will use your own journey with disability and independent living to inspire and support others as they move from nursing homes or institutions into their own homes. You will be a mentor, a motivator, and a guide, helping people build the confidence, skills, and connections they need to succeed in the community. This is more than a job, it is a chance to help others achieve freedom, independence, and stability, while being part of a passionate, peer-driven team.
What You’ll Do
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Partner with an Independent Living Advocate and transition team to help people successfully move into and thrive in the community.
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Mentor participants one-on-one or in groups, sharing encouragement and lived wisdom.
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Support the whole person including physical, emotional, and social well-being through guidance and resources.
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Reduce loneliness by encouraging social connections and community engagement.
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Model healthy relationships and communication with landlords, service providers, and support staff.
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Step in with creative problem solving when unexpected challenges arise.
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Keep clear and accurate records of the great work you are doing to show the impact of peer support.
What We’re Looking For
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Someone with a disability who has real life experience living independently, whether that is moving out of a nursing home, navigating personal care services, or building stability in the community.
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A natural connector who can listen, encourage, and share openly with others.
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Strong communication skills and the ability to model positive, respectful relationships.
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Organized and reliable, able to manage time well while being flexible when needed.
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Comfortable working both on your own and as part of a supportive team.
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High school diploma or equivalent required, peer support training or human services experience is a plus.
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Must have reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license, and insurance.
Why This Role is Rewarding
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You will change lives every day by helping people leave institutions and create homes of their own.
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You will work in a peer-driven organization where your voice and experience matter.
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You will be part of a mission-driven team that removes barriers and helps people achieve their dreams.
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You will see the impact of your work in the freedom, stability, and happiness of the people you serve.
Working Conditions
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Work happens in a mix of settings including our office, participants’ homes, and out in the community.
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Some travel, evenings, or weekends may be required.
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Light physical activity such as standing, walking, and lifting up to 24 lbs may be part of the role.
Commitment to Inclusion
At Independence, Inc., people with disabilities are not only strongly encouraged to apply, but personal lived experience with a disability is a requirement for this position. We value and depend on peer leadership as the foundation of our services.
If you need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please let us know when applying so we can ensure full access and inclusion.
Ready to apply?
Send us your resume along with a letter or email telling us why you’re the best person for this role, including your personal lived experience that makes you qualified to mentor people who are moving home from a nursing home. Email your materials to scottb@independencecil.org. We want to fill this job ASAP, so don't wait!
Independent Living Advocate
Serving Bottineau, Rolette, Pierce & McHenry Counties
Position Summary
Do you want a career where your passion for independent living actually makes a difference? As an Independent Living Advocate, you will help people with disabilities, seniors, and individuals with behavioral-health challenges live safely and independently in the community. This is more than a job—it’s a chance to support choice, freedom, and self-determination while being part of a dynamic, peer-driven team. You’ll be based at home but will routinely travel throughout the four-county region to meet with the people we serve in their homes and communities.
What You’ll Do
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Help individuals transition out of nursing homes and institutions, and support them to stay independently in the community.
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Provide independent-living skills training, advocacy, information, and referral services.
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Coordinate services within the Money Follows the Person and Transition & Diversion programs to reduce institutionalization.
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Work with service providers, case managers, and community supports to design and implement individualized plans.
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Engage with seniors, people with disabilities, and individuals with behavioral health disorders to support their personal goals and aspirations.
Who You Are
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You live in (or very near) Bottineau, Rolette, Pierce, or McHenry County and are willing and able to travel regularly throughout your assigned region.
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You are a strong communicator and natural problem-solver who enjoys working with people.
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You’re organized, able to manage your time, and comfortable working independently and as part of a team.
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You believe in the rights of people with disabilities to live, work, and thrive in the community.
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You are empathetic, flexible, and ready to make a real difference.
Preferred Qualifications
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Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred (but equivalent experience is considered).
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Lived experience with disability or direct work in human services strongly encouraged.
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Knowledge of home and community-based services or the North Dakota disability service system is a plus.
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Valid driver’s license, liability insurance, and reliable transportation required.
Working Conditions
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Hybrid: remote/home-based plus regular travel within the four-county service area.
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Some evening or weekend work may be required.
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The role involves a mix of settings (office, community, participant homes) and light physical activity such as standing, walking, and lifting up to 24 lbs.
Why This Role is Rewarding
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You’ll make a tangible difference by supporting individuals to leave institutional settings and create homes of their own.
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You’ll join a peer-driven organization where your lived experience is valued as leadership.
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You’ll see the impact of your work in greater independence, choice, and stability for the people you serve.
Benefits
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401(k) with match
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403(b) matching
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Health, dental, and vision insurance
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Life insurance
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Paid time off and flexible schedule
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Mileage reimbursement
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Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
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Commitment to Inclusion
At Independence, Inc., we believe lived experience is leadership. People with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusion and accessibility in all stages of employment.
Ready to Apply?
Send your resume and a cover letter telling us why you’re a great fit, your experience, and how you connect with our mission. Email materials to scottb@independencecil.org. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Contact
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