**Handles a caseload in Luzerne and Wyoming Counties**
GENERAL SUMMARY:
Dedicated to the mission of The Arc of Northeastern Pennsylvania, The Advocate is under the administrative supervision of the Lead Advocate and Director of Operations, and is responsible for supporting the interests of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through community education initiatives, individual and family advocacy, and systems advocacy. The advocate is knowledgeable, trained, and grounded in basic principles respecting the rights and dignity of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, as set forth in The Arc's position statements.
This is a part-time "A" status position, eligible for part time benefit coverage, with a work schedule of 20-34 hours per week.
At the discretion of The Arc of NEPA, The Advocate is permitted to work from remote locations including home. The Arc of NEPA must approve a safe working environment. The Arc will provide a mobile phone, (personal use permitted as per policy of employer/ employee cost share), and The Arc will provide a lap top. Employee responsible to sign equipment documentation and to properly care for equipment. Equipment must be returned to The Arc.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- A Bachelor's Degree in Human Services, Social Work, Special Education, or related field is preferred.
EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:
- Possession of a valid state-issued driver's license is required.
- Must be able to successfully pass all required pre-employment screenings upon hire (including PA State Criminal, FBI, and Child Abuse clearances) and maintain appropriate record to continue to pass screenings to maintain employment.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, and willing to travel throughout The Arc's six county service region. Reliable transportation.
- Bilingual abilities are preferred.
- A working knowledge of DHS, ODP, PDE (Department of Human Services, Office of Developmental Programs and, Pennsylvania Department of Special Education) is required.
- A working knowledge of local, state, and federal legislation affecting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- A working knowledge of Special Education law and an understanding of the I.E.P (Individual Education Program) process.
- The individual must be able to communicate effectively with staff, consumers, management, external agency personnel, etc.
- A desire to work in the field of developmental, cognitive, and intellectual disabilities.
CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF POSITION:
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:
Community Education
- In conjunction with The Friends of The Arc Auxiliary, The Advocate will assist The Arc in meeting community education needs on pertinent issues to ensure prevention (i.e., fetal alcohol syndrome, lead poisoning, shaken baby, etc.) and to also increase public awareness on pertinent topics (i.e., inclusion, facts/causes & limiting the consequences of IDD, employability of individuals with IDD, etc.) through the scheduling of meetings with local groups and conducting on-site seminars, public service messages.
Individual & Family Advocacy
- Obtain efficient intake information in order to provide appropriate response to request.
- Assist with individual advocacy in areas such as education rights, employment, housing, placement and legal matters (civil and criminal) to individuals served and their families. This includes making contacts and referrals as necessary, researching relevant topics/information and attendance/note taking at assigned meetings.
- In areas of education, assist in the negotiation and mediation between the individual served, family/guardian, teacher, and school administration to ensure the appropriate development/ management of the I.E.P. and that individual needs are met.
- Maintain appropriate paperwork, documentation. Maintain records of units of service, county, and outcome information as required.
Systems Advocacy
- Serve as The Arc's resource by participating in related training opportunities and maintaining a current knowledge of local, state, and federal legislative matters. Alert Arc administration to legislative issues requiring further attention.
- Assist The Arc in influencing public policy concerning the rights of individuals with IDD through active participation in coalitions, meetings, councils, etc, including the Task Force, Early Intervention, Autism Coalition, and CASSP, as assigned
Self – Advocacy Initiatives
- Assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to become self-determining by improving the skills necessary to advocate for themselves.
- Participate in on-going training and assistance to individuals with IDD and their families who display an interest in learning more about self-advocacy.