Advocacy Specialist Abbreviated Job Announcement
Summary of Functions:
Provide advocacy for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) participants to ensure their rights are protected and their needs are met and their wants are heard. Ensure that participants with I/DD are receiving fair and just treatment and equal representation. Maintain confidentiality of participants and The Arc’s business both inside the office and in the community.
Reports to: Director of Operations
Essential Job Duties:
•Assist participants with I/DD, and when appropriate their family/guardian/friends, in developing individualized supports for advocacy.
•Assist participants with I/DD by representing their interests in a variety of settings (i.e., the I/DD services sector, judicial and education systems and the community at large).
•Assist participants with I/DD and their family/friend support system in understanding their choices, their rights as individuals, the services and opportunities that are available to them and the implications of any of their decisions.
•Maintain all client information and records according to agency policies and procedures.
•Record all documentation needed to demonstrate the results of activities as they relate to desired outcomes.
•Represent the interests of The Arc and its constituents as needed at community meetings, organizations, etc.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
•Ability to assess human service needs and appropriate interventions.
•Ability to merge groups of individuals and assist with problem solving.
•Ability to present issues in a manner that is fair, forthright and assertive and creates respect by others.
•Ability to maintain accurate, complete records that others can easily interpret.
•Ability to work independently, with judgment and maturity.
•Ability to articulate thoughts and ideas clearly and succinctly both verbally and in writing and communicate with people from diverse backgrounds with diverse opinions.
•Knowledge of issues facing people with I/DD and appropriate service system interventions necessary to receive help.
•Knowledge of the intellectual and developmental disabilities service system is desirable.
•Knowledge of educational laws and related acts highly desirable.
Qualifications:
•Bachelor’s degree in a related field plus a minimum 2 years experience in a related field.
•5 to 7 years experience in the I/DD field.
•A current, valid driver’s license and valid automobile insurance required.
•Pass back ground check and pre-employment drug test
Physical Demands:
Position requires the ability to perform under sedentary to light work conditions; the physical stamina to perform job on a full-time basis and to attend to emergencies, meeting/functions outside of regular office hours which include evenings and weekends. Some travel may be required.
FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt
Send resume to The Arc of the Pikes Peak Region, 12 North Meade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80909; fax 719-471-4828 or email info@thearcppr.org
Guardianship Specialist Job Announcement
Summary of Functions:
Provide Guardianship services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) under The Arc’s Guardianship Program. The Arc is appointed guardian by the 4th Judicial District Probate Court. The Guardianship Program staff are responsible for preparing and delivering court reports or other court requested information. Participants in The Arc’s Guardianship Program are referred to as Wards (legal terminology). Maintain a minimal advocacy case load. Maintain confidentiality with participants and The Arc’s business both inside the office and in the community.
Reports to: Director of Operations
Essential Job Duties:
•Identify the needs and resources for individual participants referred to/participating in The Arc’s programs.
•Assist participants, and when appropriate their family/guardian/friends, in developing an individualized support services.
•Assist participants by representing their interests in a variety of settings (i.e., the I/DD services sector, judicial and educations systems and the community at large).
•Identify needs, issues and wants of Wards and work to ensure timely resolution of needs, issues or wants.
•Provide on-call support 24 hours a day, 7 day a week, or as assigned.
•Complete court report and other requested documentation/information to Probate Court in a timely fashion.
•Provide information and education to family members, friends of participants or other professionals to enable them to become effective advocates for participants.
•Provide information and education to others in the service sector and the community about the individual rights of people with I/DD and related disabilities.
•Maintain all participant information and records according to agency policies and procedures.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
•Ability to assess human service needs and appropriate interventions.
•Ability to merge groups of individuals and assist with problem solving.
•Ability to present issues in a manner that is fair, forthright and assertive and creates respect by others.
•Ability to maintain accurate, complete records that others can easily interpret.
•Ability to work independently, with judgment and maturity.
•Ability to articulate thoughts and ideas clearly and succinctly both verbally and in writing and communicate with people from diverse backgrounds with diverse opinions.
•Knowledge of issues facing people with I/DD and the appropriate service system interventions necessary to receive help.
•Knowledge of the I/DD service system is desirable.
•Knowledge of educational laws and related acts highly desirable.
Qualifications:
•Bachelor’s degree with 2 years experience in related field; or 5 - 7 years experience in I/DD or similar field.
•Obtain National Guardianship Association Certification within 6 months of hire.
•A current, valid driver’s license and valid automobile insurance required.
•Pass back ground check and pre-employment drug test.
•Ability to be available as an on-call employee when assigned.
Working Conditions:
•The work is performed in an office environment as well as in diverse environments including schools, courtrooms, nursing homes, hospitals and participants’ homes.
•Necessary to job performance is the use of any or all of the following: Computer, telephone, copier, calculator, fax machine, cellular telephone, email.
•Use of personal vehicle is required for business-related transportation.
Physical Demands:
Position requires the ability to perform under sedentary to light work conditions; the physical stamina to perform job on a full-time basis and to attend to emergencies, meeting/functions outside of regular office hours. Some travel may be required. Evening and weekend on call.
FLSA Status:
Exempt
Fax resume to 719-471-4828, email resume to info@thearcppr.org or mail resume to The Arc of the Pikes Peak Region, 12 North Meade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80909.
