|
Independent Living Advocate
Staff-
Title- Independent Living Advocate/Deaf Services
Grants- GRF
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Independent Living Advocate is responsible for advocating and delivering the core services of Independent Living including Independent Living Skills Training, Peer Counseling, Information and Referral and Advocacy (both individual and systems). The position requires knowledge and delivery of the four core services of Independent Living. The position also requires knowledge of disability related issues and the Independent Living Philosophy. The Independent Living Advocate shall focus his/her work complimentary to the spirit and intent of the Independent Living Philosophy.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Member of the Independent Living Advocate Team reporting to the Program Director or his/her designee.
- Identify, coordinate, and deliver the four core services of Independent Living to consumers and communities including Independent Living Skills Training, Peer Counseling, Information and Referral and Advocacy (both individual and systems).
- Identify and Coordinate existing services that will assist individuals with disabilities in enhancing their goal of independent living.
- Assist and advocate for the development of new programs/services for persons with disabilities to enhance independent living and consumer choice.
- Develop independent living plans (ILP’s) that will meet the consumer’s needs and goals as stated by the consumer or develop independent living plan waivers.
- Inform consumers of available programs and services and assist in referrals to other agencies/community partners that will assist the consumer in meeting his/her goal of independent living.
- Meet with consumers in their own homes, designated offices, and by phone as needed to ensure continued consumer satisfaction and progress towards independent living plan goals.
- Develop and maintain an expertise level in the area of Employment, Housing, Transportation, Assistive Technology, ADA, or other specialty area as identified.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation
- and record activities in the appropriate form or in the appropriate database. Included, but not limited to consumer service records (CSR’s), I &R’s, Community and agency contacts and narratives, Group contact, advocacy efforts, status goals and objectives, timesheets, itinerary, and travel log.
- Provide information and educate individuals, organizations, businesses, and municipalities regarding disability and accessibility issues.
- Provide outreach for IMPACT, Inc. services and programs as coordinated by the Public Relations Coordinator.
- Provide education regarding disability through workshops, presentations, community fairs and seminars as coordinated by the Public Relations Coordinator.
- Shall communicate directly and honestly with co-workers, and exhibit loyalty to IMPACT INC. and co-workers
- Attend and participate in trainings, and on advocacy team(s) to promote disability rights as required..
- Maintain confidentiality of both consumer and IMPACT, Inc. information.
- Abide by the policies and procedure as outlined in the IMPACT, Inc. Employee Handbook.
Other Job Functions
- Attend staff meetings as required.
- Attend other meetings as required.
- Presentations to community agencies as required.
- Participate in training new Independent Living Advocates for IMPACT, Inc. as requested.
- Answer phones as needed and assist with general office duties as needed.
- Other duties as assigned
JOB FUNCTIONS RELATED TO SPECIFIED GRANTS
- Shall be the primary ILA providing services to consumers who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
The above declarations are not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities of the job described, nor are they intended to be such a listing of skills and abilities required to do the job. Rather they are intended only to describe the general nature of the job. IMPACT, Inc. reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as needed.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Excellent communication skills, fluent in American Sign Language.
- Capable of working with minimal supervision and assuring maximum efficiency.
- Computer literate regarding software including Microsoft office 2003 capable of using the internet and e-mail
- Appropriate vocational or technical training
- Relevant and related work history and experiences, personal interest, knowledge, and research
- Personal experiences with disability rights, civil rights, equal opportunity, and diversity.
|
