Personal Advocate

CP Rochester, Happiness House and Rochester Rehabi•Canandaigua, NY

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Personal Advocate works directly with the individual(s) assigned to his/her care as well as with the individual's family to develop a meaningful relationship based on trust and shared experiences. This stable relationship developed over time will provide the individual with an advocate who understands the individual's strengths and needs and his/her likes, dislikes and preferences. This is a part-time position. Days and hours of work are determined by the individual's needs and schedule. May include evening and weekend hours.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Knowledge of community resources and means of accessing these resources
A minimum of one year of experience working with individuals with disabilities providing habilitation or independent living skills training
Outstanding leadership and communication skills
Demonstrated skills and abilities in program planning/evaluation, fiscal and project management, quality assurance and continuous quality improvement programs
Ability to effectively develop teams and work within interdisciplinary teams to enhance customer service and service delivery is necessary
Valid NYS driver's license with clean driving record
Must have reliable transportation
Is person centered
Has excellent verbal and written communication skills
Participates well in collaborative and teamwork settings
Is fully accountable for all actions taken
Engages in ethical conduct and practices

Responsibilities

Imparts the agency's philosophy of 'Equal Opportunity, Independence and Realization of Individual Potential' to children, families, program staff and the community at large
Maintains confidentiality of information relating to individuals and their families in accordance with agency policies and applicable laws and regulations
Assists the individual in the process of receiving the resources and services he/she needs
Assists the individual in obtaining high quality programs, services, choices and opportunities that embrace his/her own interest, goals and family traditions
Assists the individual in his/her short-term planning with an eye on long-term life plan goals being met
Routinely spends time with the individual engaged in: recreation, socialization, faith-based activities, special cares (e.g.; haircuts, etc.) and special events/holidays such as graduations, performances, birthday celebrations and holidays
Obtains routine updates on how the individual is doing across all programs/services in which the individual is involved
Assists the individual in obtaining stable access and appropriate supports for basic needs (e.g., housing, personal care, food, health care, etc.)
Assists in the effort to make sure that the individual's rights (those afforded to all individuals as well as those guaranteed by service delivery systems and insurance providers) are honored/protected
Attends medical appointments and/or obtains and reviews information from providers regarding medical care and scheduled follow up
Assists the individual if he/she is encountering difficulties with respect to emotional supports and/or problem solving and developing action steps
Attends planning meetings to participate in the process of making sure that the individual's interests, desires, abilities and needs are reflected in plans
Acts as the individual's primary advocate regarding service systems provided by the Office of Persons with Developmental Disabilities and the New York State Department of Education, when appropriate and approved in advance by the agency
Assists the individual in making sure that the individual's fiscal plan includes sufficient money for day-to-day activities as well as saving for special items/events such as larger purchases, vacations and the like
Assists the individual in obtaining appropriate representation regarding legal matters
Maintains documentation as required by the Program
Participates in conferences, workshops, agency department meetings and in-service training as needed or recommended to enhance job skills and personal growth and development
Adheres to agency policies and procedures as well as department guidelines