Advocate

The Arc of York and Adams Counties•Spring Garden Township, PA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Advocate is responsible for supporting, educating, and empowering individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and their families/caretakers. This role ensures that their basic needs are met, that they receive entitled services, and that their rights as citizens are protected. The Advocate works with local, state, and national organizations to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities. Key duties include acting as an advocate between other agencies and clients, assisting clients in defining problems, developing options, and choosing courses of action, while encouraging clients to take responsibility for their situations. The Advocate must remain informed about available community resources and relevant federal, state, and local regulations. Networking with professionals from other organizations is crucial for effectively working in the best interests of clients. The position requires securing appropriate releases of information, following confidentiality protocols, and providing counsel to troubled clients. Administrative tasks include completing client records in a timely and appropriate manner (intake, demographic, goal plans, progress notes, releases, health records), assuring secure filing, and keeping detailed records of all client interactions. The Advocate will also communicate with government entities regarding unmet needs of intellectually/developmentally disabled individuals and, when opportunities arise, speak publicly to educate and advocate for this population. Occasional driving of clients in agency-owned vehicles to appointments, visits, or shopping, and picking up or delivering items for clients may be required, along with other tasks assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements

Knowledge of state and federal regulations pertinent to intellectual/developmental disabilities
Appropriate means of communication and interaction with clients from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, races and ethnicities, religions, etc.
Problem-solving and critical thinking
Mastery of English language
Basic math
Basic principles of social work
Typical office computer software
Very good oral and written communication skills
Interpersonal skills that put people at ease
Network with professionals from other organizations in the best interests of the client and The Arc of York and Adams Counties
Obtain and integrate bits of information effectively
Coordinate multiple efforts
Time management
Work independently
Maintain confidentiality
Prioritize client needs within and among cases
Must be able to lift and/or move at least 15lbs
Frequently required to stand, sit, walk, bend, twist, reach, extend, lift, and carry weights.
Frequently use hands to finger, handle, and reach with arms and hands below or at the waist level and above shoulder height.
Be able to pull, push, lift, or carry.
Be able to stoop, squat, kneel, crouch, crawl.
Constantly be able to talk or communication, hear, taste, or smell.
Specific vision abilities may include close vision; color vision and the ability to adjust focus.
High school diploma/GED plus 18+ college credits in human services or related field.
Background Checks
Child Line
Pennsylvania State Police
FBI Finger Printing
DMV
Valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License
Valid car insurance
Valid vehicle registration

Nice To Haves

Degree from accredited college or university in human services, social services or a related field.

Responsibilities

Act as advocate between other agencies and client.
Assist clients in defining the problem, developing options to correct or improve the situation, and choosing a course of action.
Supporting the client in making decisions rather than making decisions for the client.
Encourage the client to take responsibility for their situation, acting as a facilitator.
Remain informed about available resources in the community and beyond.
Remain informed about federal, state, and local regulations that pertain to the needs and rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Network with professionals from other organizations to more effectively work in the best Interests of clients.
Secure appropriate releases of information for each client.
Follow proper confidentiality protocol when sharing client information with others.
Provide a hearing ear and appropriate counsel to clients when they feel troubled.
Complete client records in a timely and appropriate manner: intake information, demographic information, individual goal and action plan, progress notes, releases of information, health records from other organizations, etc.
Assure client records are filed in a secure, safe location that is locked.
Keep detailed records of every phone call, contact, visit, referral made on client’s behalf.
Communicate with government entities about the unmet and inadequately met needs of intellectually/developmentally disabled individuals who live in home and community.
When opportunities arise, speak publicly to educate the public about individuals with ID/DD and to advocate for individuals with ID/DD.
Might be required to drive clients to appointments, visits, shopping, etc.
Might be required to pick up or deliver items for clients on occasion.
Other tasks as assigned by the supervisor