About The Arc-Jefferson, Clear Creek & Gilpin Counties
The Arc-Jefferson, Clear Creek & Gilpin Counties is a leading organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our mission is to foster a culture of respect, openness, and continuous improvement, empowering individuals with IDD to live fulfilling lives. As a Teen and Young Adult Advocate, you will play a vital role in supporting our mission by providing advocacy services to individuals aged 14-34 with IDD.
Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced and bilingual Teen and Young Adult Advocate to join our Advocacy Team. As a key member of our team, you will provide individualized advocacy support to teens and young adults with IDD, empowering them to make informed decisions and navigate various systems, including education, housing, and employment. Your expertise in self-determination and empowerment will enable you to support individuals in speaking for themselves and accessing community resources and services tailored to their needs.
Responsibilities
As a Teen and Young Adult Advocate, your primary responsibilities will include:
- Upholding the values of self-determination and empowerment, supporting individuals to speak for themselves and make informed decisions.
- Connecting with your Leader/Manager/Coach to discuss cases, trends, and observations regarding the individuals you are providing advocacy for.
- Learning and growing your skills through engagement with your Advocacy Team colleagues.
- Empowering, informing, guiding, and educating teens and young adults with IDD to strengthen their advocacy skills.
- Providing family support on how to cultivate self-advocacy in their child.
- Providing advocacy at the appropriate level to teens and young adults with IDD and their family members/guardians as cases are referred to you.
- Engaging in creative supported decision-making and person-centered problem-solving on issues such as education, transition programs, housing, employment, social security, relationships, and pregnancy/parenting.
- Supporting individuals in navigating benefits systems and connecting them to appropriate community resources.
- Exploring future planning and identifying available community resources, agencies, and services appropriate for meeting the identified needs of teens and young adults with IDD.
- Providing advocacy in a legal setting without providing legal advice.
- Understanding assessments and reports and articulating their meaning to individuals with IDD, their families, and others, explaining how they relate to specific needs.
- Maintaining up-to-date information regarding advocacy interactions in The Arc's database; using data to inform The Arc's programs, including training and systemic advocacy.
- Reviewing and responding to advocacy requests in a thoughtful and timely manner.
- Communicating with the Advocacy Team about trends and opportunities for new trainings.
- Participating in the creation and implementation of these trainings when appropriate, as a part of your professional growth and learning.
- Participating in Advocacy Outreach activities as opportunities arise.
- Engaging in advisory duties, including some evening and weekend responsibilities.
- Supporting the coordination and planning of self-advocacy events with team support.
- Staying abreast of issues and advances in the self-advocacy movement and sharing this information to support The Arc's growth in this area.
- Participating in committees of interest, or as requested when coverage is needed.
- Participating in The Arc's onsite rotation, responding to the advocacy needs of victims and survivors with IDD who are served at PorchLight.
- Building community partnerships in an effort to connect victims and survivors with IDD to necessary resources and supports.
- Understanding The Arc's current role in both Guardianship and Medical Proxy.
- Sharing and attending to 24/7 on-call rotation needs; this role is equally shared by all members of the Advocacy Team.
- Embracing and modeling The Arc's Core Values and Guiding Principles.
- Supporting and fostering a cohesive Advocacy Team that serves people with IDD and their families from birth through end of life.
Requirements
To be successful in this role, you will need:
- Bilingual, Spanish preferred.
- A combined minimum of three years' experience and/or education in the field of IDD, specifically with teens and young adults.
- Knowledge and experience supporting teens and young adults with IDD.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekends.
- Reliable and flexible transportation required.
- Commitment to supporting a culture of openness, respect, and continuous improvement as defined by our chapter.
- Basic knowledge of how to collaboratively support teens and young adults with IDD; ability to foster collaboration between professionals/team members.
- Willingness to engage in trauma-informed training; basic ability to support and engage with people with IDD who are survivors of abuse and trauma.
- Basic understanding of mental health first aid and willingness to engage in additional training.
- Exercise best practices in person-centered disability etiquette in alignment with The Arc's values.
- Basic experience interacting, speaking with, and demonstrating a respectful and accessible approach to communication during interactions with teens and young adults with IDD; ability to take direction from teens and young adults with IDD.
- Basic knowledge of how to gather and synthesize information and resources and adjust the presentation of this information based on a person's comprehension and preferences.
- Basic ability to present information clearly in writing, orally, visually, etc.
- Knowledge of, or ability to effectively learn the interconnectedness of federal, state, and local programs/systems; basic knowledge of programs, services, and benefits in Colorado, including HCBS Medicaid Waivers and Social Security benefits.
- Ability to listen with empathy and compassion.
- High level of organizational and prioritization skills; ability to hear, understand, and prioritize people's advocacy needs.
- Thorough research and resourcing skills; creative problem-solving.
- Ability to hear and digest constructive feedback; advocacy is a continuous learning experience.
- Multi-tasking is critical; must be able to tend to multiple tasks and stay organized.
- Must have a high degree of self-awareness and a willingness to continually improve performance and communication.
- Ability and willingness to foster professional, authentic relationships with self-advocates.
- High level of ability to set personal and professional boundaries.
- High degree of flexibility and ability to collaborate with team members to ensure on-call needs are always met.
Nice-to-Haves
While not required, the following skills and experiences are highly desirable:
- Spanish language skills and cultural competency.
Benefits
As a valued member of our team, you will enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- 401(k)
- 403(b)
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits
As a Teen and Young Adult Advocate at The Arc-Jefferson, Clear Creek & Gilpin Counties, you will have access to:
- Ongoing professional development and training in trauma-informed care and mental health first aid.
- Opportunities for career growth and advancement within our organization.
- Collaboration with a dedicated and passionate team of professionals who share your commitment to empowering individuals with IDD.
- Access to a comprehensive benefits package and competitive compensation.
Work Environment and Company Culture
The Arc-Jefferson, Clear Creek & Gilpin Counties is a dynamic and supportive work environment that values:
- Collaboration and teamwork.
- Continuous learning and professional development.
- Empowerment and self-determination.
- Respect and inclusivity.
- Open communication and feedback.
If you are a passionate and dedicated professional who shares our commitment to empowering individuals with IDD, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.
Apply Now