Advocacy Coordinator - Agency Admin

Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc.•Old Bethpage, NY

78d•$23 - $24•Onsite

About The Position

The Advocacy Coordinator supports self-advocates, families, and community members by coordinating advocacy, outreach, education, and community engagement initiatives. The role expands participation in FREE’s advocacy programs; organizes self-advocacy groups and events; provides advocacy training and resources; coordinates partnerships and collaboratives, including PrideAbility; and supports local, state, and federal advocacy efforts while maintaining required documentation and compliance. The position reports to the Director of Advocacy. This is an in-person role with travel to community events and other FREE locations, including occasional extended travel to Albany and other areas. Events may take place indoors or outdoors and in varying weather conditions. The schedule may vary by week and includes flexible hours, with evening and weekend work as needed.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least two years of experience working with individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities and/or mental illness, and experience in advocacy or government relations in a social services setting.
Valid CPR/First Aid certification; certification may be provided upon hire as needed.
Functional proficiency in spoken and written English.
Knowledge of OPWDD/OMH and intellectual/developmental disability issues, and a passion for championing the rights of people with developmental disabilities.
Strong written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
High emotional intelligence and the ability to listen and respond constructively to concerns.
Valid driver’s license and ability to meet FREE’s driver criteria.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends as needed.
Ability to sit, walk, and stand for prolonged periods of time, including at least eight hours.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to operate standard office equipment, including computers, phones, photocopiers, fax machines, and filing cabinets.
Ability to reach with hands and arms, and to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, or stand on a stool as needed.
Ability to lift 50 pounds at a time.

Nice To Haves

College degree in a related field.

Responsibilities

Create a welcoming environment that supports community and family involvement in FREE programs and activities.
Assist the Director of Advocacy and Community Engagement in identifying opportunities for community involvement in local, state, and federal advocacy.
Coordinate FREE’s participation in interagency collaboratives and initiatives, including the New York State collaborative PrideAbility.
Provide information and training on advocacy and self-advocacy, including LGBT advocacy efforts.
Leverage available community resources and create additional outreach opportunities.
Coordinate regular advocacy meetings and outreach activities.
Train interested service recipients in advocacy skills.
Collaborate with state associations and peer agencies on advocacy initiatives.
Organize and lead FREE’s self-advocacy groups, meetings, and advocacy events.
Assist with transporting self-advocates to community advocacy events and opportunities as needed.
Complete and process required paper and electronic documentation in a timely manner and in accordance with quality and compliance requirements.
Communicate respectfully with the people supported, supervisors, team members, and community members.
Maintain confidentiality of information concerning people supported, families, clients, providers, contractors, and employees.
Meet safety training requirements, follow safety policies, report unsafe conditions, and take measures to prevent accidents and health or safety risks.
Coordinate, support, attend, and participate in required events, meetings, reviews, and committees, including those outside standard working hours.
Meet job requirements, remain compliant, and adhere to FREE’s ethical standards, its Employee Handbook and Code of Conduct, and applicable laws and regulations.
Perform other duties as assigned.