Adult Advocacy Coordinator

Position Title: Adult Advocacy Coordinator (full-time)

Reports to: Executive Director, The Arc of Philadelphia

FSLA status: Non-exempt

Summary

The Adult Advocacy Coordinator is responsible for working closely with the Advocacy team, under the direction of the Executive Director, to carry out advocacy initiatives to benefit the population with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and promote the organization with communities and partners across the disability fields in Philadelphia and Delaware Counties.

An ideal candidate demonstrates working knowledge in the disability services, behavioral health, Social Security, and/or Special Education fields.

Position Responsibilities

• Develop relationships with organizations and systems in the education, disability services, and healthcare related fields as it relates to communities with IDD
• Work directly with the Executive Director and Advocacy Coordinator to support the management of a caseload of individuals requiring one-on-one advocacy related to their disability services.
• Assist individuals and families to navigate and refer to partner organizations across:
  • Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) for people with disabilities
  • Social Security
  • Healthcare
  • Affordable Housing
  • Employment
  • Civil and disability rights
  • Accessible transportation
  • Transitioning out of Special Education
• Drive policies supportive for the population with IDD
• Keep all records of inquiries
• Attends community engagement and promotional events for the organization
• Continues education on State and Federal Medicaid systems
• Express regulations surrounding disability services in plain language to support communities

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience social work, policy, disability services or related field preferred
• A minimum of three (3) years relevant work experience
• Background in advocating for people with disabilities and their families is preferred
• Clear criminal record and child abuse history, complete medical and drug screen (paid for by The Arc of Philadelphia)
• Valid driver’s license and vehicle
• Must demonstrate effective communication skills with people from diverse backgrounds
• Possess strong verbal, written and listening communication skills
• Public speaking skills to promote the organization’s services and disability advocacy
• Strong interpersonal skills to support staff in each of the organization’s programs
• Understand the importance of effective confidential record keeping
• Ability to handle multiple projects, details and tasks simultaneously
• Requires flexibility respond to changing priorities
• Must be self-motivated, self-directed and independent, possessing good time management, prioritization, and organization skills

Physical Environment / Working Conditions

• Hybrid model of routine office environments and remote work from home.
• Independent travel for the purposes of building professional relationships with partner organizations and organizational promotion at community events in Philadelphia and surrounding counties.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.