Page Index
Employment Opportunity
Independent Living Advocate
DEFINITION
The Independent Living Advocate will work under the direction of the Program Manager and will be part of a team that works with persons with all types of disabilities in San Mateo County. The essential duties of the position include: Intake, Independent Living Skills Training, Systems Change Advocacy, Peer Counseling, Information and Referral, and Personal Resource Management.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The following are essential functions of the job and the individual must be fully capable of performing these functions.
1. Intake and CSR maintenance
The ILA will meet with new consumers and collect initial data, and will help individuals fill out forms for social services such as Social Security, Medi-Cal, and Food Stamps. Review consumer files for CSR compliance. Ensure goals set, goals met, case notes and appropriate closure of CSR files. When appropriate, the ILA will direct consumers to appropriate agency services.
2. Independent Living Skills Training
Instruction on developing skills in such areas as personal care, coping, financial management, social skills, and household management. This may also include education and training necessary for living in the community and participating in community activities.
3. Systems Change Advocacy
Work with the Systems Change Advocate to promote independence and the inclusion of people with disabilities.
4. Peer Counseling
Provide counseling, teaching, information sharing and similar kinds of contact to individuals with disabilities.
5. Information and Referral
Provide a variety of different community resources such as housing, financial assistance, employment and legal services to individuals with disabilities.
6. Assistive Technology
Assist the AT Advocate in the provision of AT services.
7. Personal Resource Management
Assist consumers in developing personal finance management.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS - EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
1. Two years of experience working in the field of disability and/or B.A. in disability related field of study. Must be familiar with social service agencies, protocols, documentation, and requirements for receiving social service benefits in San Mateo County. The individual must know how to use Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office programs.
2. Team Player: Is aware and committed to accomplishing department and agency goals. Is respectful and works co-operatively with others. Is sensitive to the needs of other staff and consumers and behaves in a manner to improve the overall functioning of the agency.
3. Communication: Effectively communicates with consumers, community members, staff and management both in written and oral form. Must have excellent writing skills. Listens carefully and ask questions appropriate to each situation. Empowers consumers to choose between options.
4. Problem Solving: The individual is able to define problems, collect and interpret data, establish facts, draw conclusions, and initiate resolutions. The individual understands the independent living philosophy and caries it out in their work, maximizing consumer participation. The individual is a role model advocate: works to overcome obstacles, promotes a positive attitude while brainstorming solutions and strategies. The individual initiates projects and works with minimal supervision.
5. Time Management: Thinks strategically, prioritizes competing demands, and plans ahead. Completes work within deadlines, completes consumer goals in a timely fashion including follow-up to assure the goals undertaken are accomplished quickly.
6. All staff at CID are responsible for adhering to the codes of conduct outlined in the Employee Handbook.
7. Language Requirement: Candidate must be fluent in Spanish
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
1. Personal experience with a disability.
2. Experience working with people with disabilities.
3. Familiarity with ADA issues regarding access, employment, etc.
4. Fluency in minority language(s) or American Sign Language.
5. Knowledge of Independent Living Movement.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
1. Sitting for long periods of time.
2. Using computer monitor and keyboards, as well as a telephone headset, for long periods of time.
3. Travel to various community offices as necessary.
4. Make outreach visits to locations where individuals with disabilities may be contacted.
5. Attend various outreach and community education events.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
NON-DISCRIMINATION
CID does not discriminate against employees or potential employees and is an equal opportunity employer with regard to the gender, age, disability, ethnicity, race, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation of individuals.
Send resume and cover letter to:
david.denola1@gmail.com
Center for Independence of Individuals with Disabilities
1515 S. El Camino Real, Suite 400
San Mateo, CA 94402