Job Title: Support Advocate

Department: Pathfinders to Employment

Reports To: Program Manager/Director of Programs

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Approved By:

Approved Date:

Reviewed:

POSITION SUMMARY:

All Support Advocates Need to be able to:

• Responsible for developing and supporting Arc-Fresno/Madera County participants to increase their advocacy skills, by providing mentoring, training and support.

• Able to present and engage our local community, especially those with I/DD in person, on-line (ZOOM) or in other forums.
• Support Arc-Fresno/Madera participants to develop their voice and skills to be able to communicate to others both individually and in a group.

• Support the development and posting of outreach materials for Arc-Fresno/Madera to reach individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through multiple social media options, the Arc-Fresno/Madera’s website and other channels.

• *Performs other duties as assigned that would lead to successful operation of team/mission.

In addition to the primary activities listed above Support Advocates may be asked to do one or more of the following (based on their skills):

• Support Arc-Fresno/Madera in keeping the website current and accessible and support the posting of social media. (Initial, if part of job responsibilities _____________)
• Work with Arc-Fresno/Madera leadership on projects to promote advocacy and inclusion within Arc-Fresno/Madera, our local communities and on a State-wide or Nation-wide basis depending on the issue. (Initial, if part of job responsibilities _____________)
• Support Arc-Fresno/Madera to ensure that the outreach materials are appropriately interpretated/translated into at a minimum of Spanish. (Initial, if part of job responsibilities _________)

OUTCOMES:

 As a member of The Arc Fresno/Madera counties team:

• Consistently demonstrate and incorporate principles of safety for self and others into daily activities.
• Attend required safety training and participate in emergency drills and exercises.
• Maintain a clean, safe working environment for self and co-workers.
• Requires punctual and regular attendance. Time away from work is approved and taken in accordance with established policies. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the following essential duties satisfactorily:

• Have a good understanding of communication skills, advocacy and helping individuals understand how they can stand up for and advocate for their rights and the rights of others.
• Works well with others to understand the client’s issue and/or concerns, identify who they need to advocate with (staff, family, community members) and then help them craft and practice delivering the message.
• Be able to work with a variety of clients to understand and support the individual needs.

• Follows all applicable The Arc of Fresno/Madera counties policies and procedures.

• Attending all required meetings and in-service trainings.
• Follow Basic Principles for Collaborative Team Work.
• Performs any other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

High school diploma or general education degree (GED). 12 months on the job experience may be considered in lieu of diploma.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read and comprehend health and safety materials. Ability to ensure that supplies and materials are kept up, including stocking, cleaning materials, etc.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Ability to perform basic math.

REASONING ABILITY:Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to interpret and apply an extensive variety of instructions and deal with several variables.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

Must have current Standard First Aid and CPR certificates within six months of hire.

ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY:

Requires punctual and regular attendance. Time away from work is approved and taken in accordance with established policies. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee may be exposed to infectious diseases.

EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

I have received and read this job description and understand all the requirements and responsibilities outlined. I further acknowledge that this is not a comprehensive listing of all tasks which may be assigned and that The Arc of Fresno/Madera counties reserves the right to amend the job description as necessary to meet business needs. Failure to comply with the job description may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.

_____________________________________

Employee Name (Print)

_____________________________________

Employee Signature Date