Consumer Advocate Part-Time

SUMMARY: 

Under the supervision of the Program Manager - Community Engagement, create and support the self-advocacy of all Inland Regional Center (IRC) consumers by providing an avenue for consumers to voice their questions and concerns to IRC. Work to resolve problems identified in a professional and collaborative manner. Employees in this position will work no more than 20 hours per week, no more than 8 hours per day and shall not exceed a total of 960 hours per year. This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

This position is part-time only. Employees in this position will work no more than 20 hours per week.

Applicants must be a person with an intellectual/developmental disability and have an open case with IRC or a closed/inactive case within the last 2 years.

HOURLY RANGE:

• $17.9364-$25.2383

SIGN-ON BONUS!

• $250 sign-on bonus after the completion of 90 days of employment at IRC with work performance in good standing.
• $500 sign-on bonus after the completion of 6 months of employment at IRC with work performance in good standing.
• Make sure to tell us if an IRC employee referred you when you get to that question on your application! Please include their full name.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Share IRC’s and program’s mission statement and core values in all aspects of service provision.
• Act as a liaison between IRC’s consumers and staff.
• Bring information from consumers back to IRC to improve Quality Assurance/quality of life efforts.
• Is a member of the Consumer Advisory Committee and shall attend at least 9 out of 11 meetings each year.
• Participate as a speaker or panelist at New Service Provider Training, State Grass Roots Days, conferences and other events facilitated by IRC.
• Be able to make presentations and interact with groups.
• Assist as necessary in reviewing consumer-related conference proposals.
• Assist Community Engagement Unit in preparation for outreaches, coping and organize outreach material and/or accompany unit members to the outreach event as assigned by the Program Manager.
• Assist Community Engagement Unit in preparation for trainings by attending classes as assigned by the Program Manager coping materials, organizing curriculum, setting up the classroom and greeting consumers as they arrive.
• Provide outreach visits to IRC’s consumers, staff, and vendors via active involvement in the Consumer Advisory Committee.
• Represent consumer interests at public meetings and to state
• Ensure that consumers’ rights and dignity are maintained.
• Use office equipment appropriately and keep it in good repair. Keep work area at home and in the office neat and orderly. 
• Observe all safety rules and comply with IRC’s Injury and Illness Prevention Plan and Workplace Violence Prevention Plan.
• Work cooperatively and effectively with others. Perform as a member of the team, answer questions, share expertise and contribute to the harmony of the team.
• Handle change well and be flexible and adaptable in dealing with interruptions, new priorities and new assignments.
• Ability to handle a hybrid work environment consisting of working in the office, remotely at home and in the field while maintaining work productivity and efficiency; communicate via telephone calls, video conference calls, emails, and chat rooms.
• Maintain good attendance and punctuality.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Keep manager informed of pending work, work in progress and problems encountered.
• Utilize agency’s IT systems as assigned, maintaining security and following IRC’s protocols, procedures, rules and requirements.
• Attend training sessions as required.
• Comply with IRC’s Personnel Policies and Procedures.
• Perform different or additional work as assigned.

MINIMUM POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be a person with an intellectual/developmental disability and have an open case with IRC or a closed/inactive case within the last 2 years.
• High School diploma or equivalent or Certificate of Completion from school district preferred.
• Have knowledge of the developmental disabilities service system.
• Be sensitive to diverse cultures.
• Ability to follow oral and written directions.
• Basic computer skills preferred.
• Must possess the ability to secure transportation on a daily basis to access the community independently.
• Must be willing to work weekends and evenings.
• Bilingual preferred.

We are proud to be an EEO employer. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.