Community Education Associate (Self-Advocacy)

Employment Type
Full Time

Salary
$20.54 per hour

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:

A. Self-Advocate Groups

1) The Self-Advocacy Advisor will focus on assisting individuals with disabilities in participating in self-advocacy groups such as Project STIR, Ohio Self-Determination Association, People First, Aktion Club, etc.  

2) The Self-Advocacy Advisor will organize and lead various activities for individuals that will assist them in becoming self-advocates, understanding their rights, better participating in the planning process, running their planning meetings, and making decisions about their lives and future. 

3) The Self-Advocacy Advisor will lead meetings and monthly service projects for self-advocates in various locations, days of the week, and times of the day so that all individuals can participate in self-advocacy activities and connect with our community.

4) The Self-Advocacy Advisor will attend conferences related to self-advocacy and assist individuals in attending conferences or rallies related to self-advocacy. 

5) The Self-Advocacy Advisor may be involved in assisting individuals in raising funds to fund the attendance of individuals attending conferences, rallies, and other community events.

6) The Self-Advocacy Advisor will help identify barriers to community accessibility. The advisor will pursue resources to create a more accessible and inclusive community for all.

7) The Self-Advocacy Advisor will participate in supported decision-making training opportunities to help educate individuals, guardians, families, and providers.

 B. Self-Advocate Education & Training

1) The Self-Advocacy Advisor will educate individuals on available choices, self-advocacy, Dream Boarding, self-determination, running their own planning meeting, and getting involved in various self-advocacy groups.

2) The Self-Advocacy Advisor will educate individuals, guardians, family members, school staff, and community stakeholders on the rights of individuals with disabilities and how to encourage choices.

3) The Self-Advocacy Advisor will educate individuals, guardians, families, and providers about supported decision-making. Supported decision-making is a model that empowers individuals with disabilities to make their own decisions with the help of a support network.

4) The Self-Advocacy Advisor will participate in speaking engagements with individuals, guardians, families, school staff, and community members about self-advocacy and the rights of people with disabilities. 

5) The Self-Advocacy advisor will develop relationships with other community stakeholders and work closely with providers and local school districts to help them understand the importance of self-advocacy. 

 C. Records and Reports

1)  The Self-Advocacy Advisor will keep records to track activities involving individuals and their participation in self-advocacy related activities and education provided to others. This tracking will go to the Community Education Manager on a monthly basis.

2) Self-Advocacy Advisor will maintain records in a timely and accurate manner consistent with accreditation and regulatory standards. 

3) The Self-Advocacy Advisor will complete all forms as required by the Richland County Board of DD, DODD, and Ohio Department of Medicaid, to be submitted as appropriate.

 D.  Other duties as assigned to support the Community Education Department.

QUALIFICATIONS: Must have at least a High School Diploma and a minimum of 1 year paid work experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities. Must have excellent written and verbal communications skills, organization and interpersonal skills.  May be required to take additional training within 12 months of employment.

Must possess and maintain a valid Ohio Driver's License and be insurable.  Must be able to transport self and/or individuals.

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