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Self Determination Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Peer Mentor

Madison, WI · On-site

$16.35/hr

Ability to support people to develop Self-Determination skills * Ability to find services and ... Develop a list of goals and action steps with people. * Assist people in building their circle of ...

... self-determination, privacy, choice, and rights. Essential Functions, Key Duties, & Responsibilities * Assist the residents with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting ...

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Self Determination Assistant information

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$8

$18

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How much do self determination assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for self determination assistant in the United States is $18.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Self Determination Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Self Determination Assistant, you need a solid understanding of person-centered planning, disability services, and strong organizational skills, often supported by a relevant associate's or bachelor's degree. Familiarity with case management software, Medicaid waiver systems, and documentation protocols is typically required. Outstanding interpersonal communication, patience, and problem-solving abilities help build trust and empower clients in their decision-making processes. These skills are essential for effectively supporting individuals in achieving greater independence and navigating complex service systems.

What is the easiest PWD job to get?

For a Self Determination Assistant, entry-level positions that involve basic support tasks and require minimal prior experience are generally easier to obtain. These roles often focus on assisting individuals with daily activities and may require training or certification but typically have lower barriers to entry compared to specialized or highly skilled positions.

How does a Self Determination Assistant collaborate with clients and their support teams to develop individualized service plans?

A Self Determination Assistant works closely with clients, their families, and support coordinators to identify each client's unique needs, preferences, and goals. This often involves facilitating meetings, helping clients express their choices, and ensuring their voices are central in planning. The Assistant also communicates regularly with service providers and team members to coordinate resources, monitor progress, and adapt plans as needed. Strong interpersonal and organizational skills are essential, as collaboration and advocacy are central to the role.

What is a Self Determination Assistant?

A Self Determination Assistant is a professional who helps individuals with disabilities navigate and implement self-determination programs. These assistants support clients in making choices about their own services, managing budgets, and coordinating resources to promote independence. They often work alongside families, service coordinators, and community organizations to ensure that clients have the tools and information needed to direct their own care. The goal is to empower individuals to have greater control over their lives and the services they receive.
What cities are hiring for Self Determination Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Self Determination Assistant job openings:
What states have the most Self Determination Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Self Determination Assistant jobs include:
Infographic showing various Self Determination Assistant job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Full Time, 67% Part Time, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,407 per year, or $18.9 per hour.
Case Manager - Pathway of Hope

Case Manager - Pathway of Hope

The Salvation Army Central Territory

Dodge City, KS • On-site

$17.25 - $22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Salvation Army rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 342 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

472nd of 679 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

Job Objective: Coordinate social services activities for the corps. Provide direct assistance and/or referral to clients in need based on established criteria; assess all families with minor children for eligibility in the Pathway of Hope (POH) program. Deliver all POH services using the strength-based case management model to families with a desire to take action to break the cycle of crisis and change the trajectory of their lives.
Essential Functions:
  • Outreach and Engagement
  • Conduct regular outreach to social services sites and other locations in the community to identify eligibility requirements
  • Engage and build rapport with target population
  • Conduct screening interviews with potential applicants in accordance with POH eligibility requirements
  • Present potential participant to POH team to include the corps officer, corps support staff, and Divisional POH Manager
  • Provide appropriate referrals for individuals not eligible for POH services

  • Case Management
  • Perform intake that includes required documentation for admission, referral needs, explanation of program and expectations
  • Conduct a written assessment on all participants within 72 hours of contact including screening for serious personal safety and mental health issues
  • Develop a case plan with the participant based on the primary goals of housing stability, increased income/financial resources and skills, and self-determination within one week of intake which includes short-term and long-term goals with objectives. Update case plan as needed
  • Schedule regular meeting times with participants to develop and review goals and objectives
  • Conduct home visits as determined by the case plan
  • Provide information and referral services as needed
  • Assist participants in connecting to and accessing appropriate community resources
  • Provide advocacy services as needed, i.e., court involvement, landlord/tenant conflict resolution, etc.
  • Provide financial assistance in accordance with program policies and procedures.
  • Coordinate case management efforts with all staff and contracted services to meet individual and family needs
  • Develop a discharge plan with participants addressing permanent housing stability, economic stability, emotional stability and self determination
  • Assist participant to develop a crisis plan; be available during off hours to respond to an emergency
  • Conduct life skills and budgeting classes
  • Maintain case files for each participant that includes the assessment, case plan, documentation of progress, challenges, outcomes/accomplishments, discharge plan and summary, and documentation of all follow up contact
  • Maintain comprehensive and detailed case notes on all participants
  • Complete required documentation of all educational groups
  • Prepare case records for proper storage after participant discharge
  • Ensure client confidentiality in accordance with established procedures and regulations

  • Information Management
  • Maintain comprehensive demographic data as required on all participants
  • Submit monthly summary of service statistics to the Pathway of Hope program manager
  • Maintain accurate records of financial assistance provided to participants in their file and in The Salvation Army Information Management System (SIMS)
  • Complete other reports as requested

  • Agency and Community Networking
  • Attend agency and community meetings as requested
  • Attend supervisory meetings
  • Attend corps team meetings
  • Maintain working relationships with community agencies to provide comprehensive services for participants and to stay abreast of current trends and resources available
  • Provide guidance and support to community volunteers working with the program
  • Represent the agency's purpose, philosophy, and function to the community
  • Promote the spiritual dimension of Salvation Army social services programs, emphasizing the importance of Christian influence and evangelism in all Salvation Army ministries, including delivery of social services in contemporary settings

  • Quality Assurance
  • Track and report unmet needs of participants and their families
  • Document and report effectiveness of service delivery using consumer, case management and community resource feedback
  • Provide ideas for programming specific to educational or process groups needed for participants
  • Ensure quality of local data and reporting of information that will support national and territorial POH program outcomes
  • Ensure client relevance and consistency of POH by collaboration with the POH program manager with ongoing development of policies and procedures, goals and objectives, and outcome based measures related to POH

  • Pathway of Hope Program Evaluation & Outcomes Measurement
  • Ensure the accuracy of data entry into the SIMS database
  • Participate in other program and outcome evaluation activities
  • Assist POH program manager in the annual POH evaluation/outcomes measurement for Corps and summary/review report to the Divisional Social Services Director
  • Report any POH challenges and work with the POH Program Manager to develop an action plan to address program development needs
  • Assist the POH program manager in the completion of quarterly random record reviews and annual review of compliance with standards in order to assure program evaluation/certification requirements

  • Education and Training
  • Attend training sessions that support the initial implementation phase and ongoing training requirements for POH
  • Attend in-service training and outside conferences/workshops as requested and approved by the Corps Officers or POH Manager
  • Participate in POH workshops and other training events at the territorial, divisional or local level, as requested and/or assigned

Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Degree in human service area; prefer bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Extensive experience in strength-based case management may substitute for bachelor's degree.
Experience: Minimum of two years of case management experience in a comparable social service program that offers multi-faceted case management interventions designed to address the needs of families utilizing a strength-based approach.
Skills/Abilities:
  • Experience and/or strong interest in community outreach, organization and community capacity development
  • Must have an interest and ability to work with people and clients of diverse racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds in a sensitive and culturally appropriate manner
  • Ability to collaborate on complex social issues within families and communities
  • Ability to be creative, original, intuitive, and perceptive
  • Ability to think logically and critically
  • Ability to envision a project from beginning to end
  • Ability to solve complex problems, make appropriate judgments and decisions
  • Ability to speak and understand English in a manner that is sufficient for effective communication
  • Ability to speak and understand Spanish in a manner that is sufficient for effective communication preferred but not required
  • Demonstrated capacity to teach adults
  • Familiarity with Salvation Army policies and procedures
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Clear criminal record

Supervisory Responsibility: None
Physical Requirements: Include sitting, walking, standing, bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling, and twisting; lifting up to 25 lbs.
Travel: Local travel for home and community based meetings and visits on a weekly basis.
Driving: Yes; must possess a valid driver's license and be approved through The Salvation Army Fleet Safety Program to drive either a Salvation Army or personal vehicle on Salvation Army business.
Working Conditions: Work is performed in a typical office environment and in the community. This full-time position; may require some weekend and evening work.
All employees recognize that The Salvation Army is a church and agree that they will do nothing as an employee of The Salvation Army to undermine its religious mission.
The Salvation Army Mission: The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
The Salvation Army is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates who are back-to-work, US Veterans, people with disabilities, people who have been impacted by the justice system, and/or people without a college degree are encouraged to apply.
  • Full Time Position - 40 Hours per Week
  • Benefits Eligible - Medical, Vision, Dental Insurance; Life Insurance; Supplemental Insurance; Retirement Plans; PTO

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About Salvation Army

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Industry

Non-profits, retail, amusement, gambling, and recreation and religious organizations

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Alexandria, VA, US