Independent Living Advocate

About Action Toward Independence, Inc. (ATI)

Action Toward Independence, Inc. is a Center for Independent Living, established in 1988, which provides services to people with disabilities primarily in Orange and Sullivan Counties. ATI promotes the independence, inclusion, participation and personal choice of individuals with disabilities of all ages, in all environments.

Position Summary

Part-Time: 30 hours a week

Under general supervision by the Program Manager, the Independent Living Advocate is responsible for all aspects of consumer advocacy. This position assists with the daily operations of the Middletown Office and provides independent living core services to people who want assistance, services or supports that enable them to live more independent, self-directed lives in the community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

· Assist with development and implementation of activities in the Middletown Office.

· Assist with special events, groups and recreation trips.

· Assist consumers, as appropriate, in applying for community services.

· Assist consumers in developing self-advocacy skills.

· Provide individual advocacy and assist consumers in advocating for themselves at hearings, administrative reviews and appeals, as necessary.

· Serve as a liaison to link consumers with any needed services if/when they are in the hospital or other health care facility.

· Provide peer counseling to consumers and family members.

· Assist in implementing community outreach and networking opportunities with various local agencies.

· Represent ATI on various Committees and Task Forces that are relevant to mental health and disability advocacy in the community, at the discretion of the Executive Director.

· Complete all reporting and record keeping in a timely manner, as required.

· Maintain appropriate interpersonal relationships with consumers, staff and peers.

· Perform additional duties as deemed necessary or relevant to the scope of the position, at the discretion of the Executive Director.

Minimum Qualifications

· Associates Degree and minimum of 2 years’ equivalent experience or appropriate combination of skills, experience and education.

· Demonstrated commitment to disability rights and the philosophy of independent living.

· Demonstrated interpersonal skills. Knowledge of and ability to work with community resources.

· Significant personal experience with disability; personal knowledge of substance use disorder and mental illness.

· Self-directing, exceptional organizational skills and ability to work independently.

· Excellent verbal and written skills.

· Willingness to participate in continuing education, where applicable to the job duties, performance or professional growth.

· Ability to work evenings and weekends, as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

· Bi-lingual

· Qualified person with a disability.

· Experience working in the independent living field; familiarity with ADA and ADAAA.

· Computer proficiency and experience documenting in a computer database system.

Physical Demands

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

· Physical Demands: While performing this position, the employee is occasionally required to stand, sit, walk, use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, reach with hands and arms, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch and talk or hear. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 lbs.

Pay: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Ability to Commute:

• Middletown, NY 10940 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Middletown, NY 10940: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20 - $22