Disability Advocate

Job Summary: The Disability Advocate (DA) assists persons with physical, mental or multiple disabilities to achieve goals they have set to decrease dependence on others. The DA provides case planning services, skills training and information and referral services. The DA advocates for the needs of persons with disabilities, documents services provided, makes community presentations and may supervise volunteers involved with direct consumer service.

Essential Functions

· Provide one-to-one or group training in daily living skills. These include such things as bus or other transportation training, cooking, budgeting, preparing for the written portion of the Mo. Driver’s License test, using low-technology assistive devices and other skills.

· Advocate for the collective needs of people with disabilities; monitor activities in the community for potential discrimination; assist consumers in filing complaints; write letters, make calls or deliver testimony concerning proposed legislation which affects people with disabilities.

· Document services provided according to policies and procedures; maintain clear, concise and accurate records in Consumer Service Record; record completed requests for Information and/or Referral; keep accurate records of community contacts; file monthly activity reports.

· Recruit, train, supervise and maintain roster of Peer Support volunteers.

· Match Peer Supporters with consumers upon request of consumer.

· Understand various benefit systems such as Vocational Rehabilitation, Medicare, Division of Family Services, Social Security and others. Be able to assist consumers in navigating these systems.

· Make presentations to community groups in the eight-county service area.

· Attend staff meetings and participate in training opportunities.

· Participate in program planning.

· Make home visits to consumers who are unable to come to the office. May involve travel in eight-county area. Reliable transportation needed.

· Travel to conferences or workshops, both in and out of state.

· Work occasional evenings or weekend days for special activities

· Work as a team player with other SCIL staff

· Understand and adhere to the Independent Living Philosophy

· Perform other duties as may be deemed necessary and appropriate by the Executive Director or Program Manager.

Education / Experience

· Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or other field related to independent living*

· Experience in a counseling, training or related position with in a human service or benefits setting

· Personal experience with disability

*Educational qualifications may be waived for equivalent experience.

Skills / Job Knowledge

· Excellent organizational skills

· Excellent communication skills

· Ability to handle a number of job demands at once

· Ability to set priorities and meet deadlines

· Ability to work independently

· Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills

· Ability to interact pleasantly, constructively and cooperatively with SCIL staff, consumers and the public

· Ability to effectively listen and perform in-depth interviews with consumers

· Flexibility in dealing with job functions and schedules

· Effective public speaking skills

· Mastery of computer programs such as Microsoft Word and networking applications.

Responsibilities

· Coordinate and deliver services as determined by consumer contacts

· Lead group workshops, support groups or single group sessions

· Frequent telephone contacts

· Perform research and reference activities

· Serve on community task forces, committees, councils

· Other related duties as may be assigned

Supervision

· Supervised by the Program Manager