Advocacy Specialist

Title: Child/Adult Advocacy Specialist

Reports To: Associate Director

FLSA Status: $42,500-$45,000 DOE Hourly, Full time, Benefitted

Date: 11/10/21

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

The Advocacy Specialist is an important member of The Arc of Larimer County. This position will work collaboratively with the other staff members to continuously strengthen and improve the effectiveness of the advocacy and education outreach of this chapter. The Advocacy Specialist is responsible for working with and on behalf of families, adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) on issues related to education, individual rights and community needs. The Advocacy Specialist also serves as a co advisor for People First.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The essential functions of this job include the following.

1. Advocacy:

· Process new intakes with individuals with developmental disabilities and their family members

· Stayed informed on the latest laws, technology, and best practices in supporting individuals with I/DD

· Connect individuals with I/DD and families to community resources.

· Develop client and family ability to self-advocate when possible.

· Provide individual advocacy in legal setting without providing legal advice.

· Advocate for the rights of individuals with I/DD; under Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), with providers of educational services and providers of services and public programs.

· Maintain current documentation of case notes, advocacy hours provided and other data as requested in client record database.

2. Training and Outreach:

· Serve as co-advisor for People First, assisting in the facilitation of meetings and educating People First Members in their leadership roles and community issues that are impacting individuals within the Larimer County communities. Support fundraising activities.

· As the Advisor of People First, it is expectation that the Advisor provides resources, assists with co-creating structure, models, samples, and lends the necessary supports the advocacy group needs and wishes to be successful in task completion and event planning. Assists group in the follow through of timelines, co-creation of sample documents.

· Create and implement trainings and outreach in the community to empower and educate individuals/families/community members about issues related to I/DD.

· Actively involve and collaborate with other community supports and/or service organizations.

· Track and evaluate participation and satisfaction of trainings/outreach and advocacy.

3. Attendance/Work Day

Regular and predictable attendance in the office is an essential function of this position; however, because we serve people in the community, Two Thirds of all meetings are regularly held in the community while one third is typically in office. Typical office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm, with an unpaid one-hour, duty-free, uninterrupted lunch break. This position does require some ‘after hours’ work; for example, a once/month People First evening meeting, an evening workshop, as well as occasional workshops, and other organization wide events.

QUALIFICATIONS

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: See Essential Functions above.

Travel: Majority of required travel is local (averages about 450 miles or more/month); there is also the possibility for attendance at an occasional out-of-state workshop or conference. Must have reliable transportation to attend offsite meetings/events, a valid driving license, and auto insurance.

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in related field (e.g., Social Work,) required with minimum of two years’ experience in the field of developmental disabilities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1. Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to present in both small and large group settings.

2. Skilled at developing trusting, collaborative relationships.

3. Ability to mediate difficult situations and problem-solve.

4. Knowledge of educational law processes and best practices.

5. Knowledge of community resources, as well as Colorado Developmental Disability waivers and rules/regulations.

6. Ability to work independently.

7. Adherence to the mission and core values of The Arc of Larimer County.

8. Proficiency in using Microsoft Office Products: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.

9. Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

This job operates in a professional office environment. It requires the routine use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to verbally communicate. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit at a desk, use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee also must be able to lift and carry up to 30 pounds (e.g., props, training materials, etc.) when necessary to set-up for training/events whether onsite or offsite.

The Arc of Larimer County’s benefits include: Medical, Dental, Vision, employer paid life insurance, 403b and a 403b employer match after 1,000 hours of continual employment. All regular full-time employees accrue PTO/sick leave benefits; accrual rates vary based on the position, hours worked, and years of service. The Arc of Larimer County has 10 paid holidays per year.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, veteran status, disability, or national origin.

Please Note: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job. Duties, responsibilities or qualifications may change at any time with or without notice.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $20.43 - $21.63 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

COVID-19 considerations:
All employees wear masks during high rates of transmission.

Work Location: One location