Core Services Advocate - Nonprofit

Job Title: Independent Living: Core Service Advocate

Reports To: Director

Employment Status: Parttime / Nonexempt (Hourly)

Location: North Augusta, SC; service area includes McCormick, Edgefield, Aiken, Barnwell, Bamberg, Lexington, Allendale, Hampton, Colleton, Jasper, Beaufort

Salary Range: $ 14.00-$16.00 hourly (based on experience)

Benefits: benefits: access to dental and vision insurance, retirement, paid leave, mileage reimbursement, Employee Assistance Program

Description:

The Core Service Advocate supports individuals with disabilities in achieving their chosen goals for independent living by delivering services aligned with the independent living philosophy and federal standards under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. The role provides direct consumer services and encompasses the five core services required for federally funded Centers for Independent Living (CILs): Information & Referral; Independent Living Skills Training; Peer Support/Peer Counseling; Individual & Systems Advocacy; and Transition Services (including youth transition). The staff member is also responsible for assisting with the completion of tasks and activities outlined in the agency's work plan as required and assigned.

Key Responsibilities

1. Information & Referral (I&R)

• Receive consumer inquiries; conduct intake to identify needs and desired outcomes.
• Provide accurate information about community resources, service options, benefits, housing, transportation, assistive technology, and employment support.
• Make referrals to appropriate agencies, follow up to ensure linkage and consumer understanding.
• Document referrals and outcomes in consumer records.

2. Independent Living Skills Training

• Collaborate with consumers to develop an Individualized Independent Living Plan (ILP) that outlines measurable goals for independent living (e.g., budgeting, meal prep, transportation, assistive tech, self-advocacy).
• Deliver one-on-one and/or group training in topics such as money management, daily living tasks, and assistive technology.
• Monitor progress, revise ILP as needed, and support consumer self-determination and consumer-controlled decision-making.

3. Peer Support / Peer Counseling

• Facilitate peer support relationships by matching consumers with trained peer mentors/peer counselors who have lived experience with disability.
• Conduct peer group sessions or one-on-one peer support meetings focused on shared experiences, self-advocacy, and/or independence strategies.
• Encourage consumer leadership, self-advocacy networks, and consumer led initiatives.

4. Individual & Systems Advocacy

• Work alongside consumers to identify and address barriers to services or participation by offering information, guidance, and advocacy support that promotes inclusion and equal opportunity.
• Engage in systems advocacy by working collaboratively with consumers, community partners, and stakeholders to identify and address barriers to full participation in areas such as housing, transportation, employment, and community access. Promote systemic improvements that increase inclusion and independent living opportunities statewide.
• Document advocacy activities, track outcomes, and community impact.

5. Transition Services (Institutional, Youth, Community Diversion)

• Assist individuals with disabilities transitioning from nursing homes, other institutions, or at-risk of institutionalization, into community-based living arrangements; coordinate support for community living.
• Support youth and young adults with disabilities—typically ages 13 through 24—in preparing for and transitioning from secondary education or school-based services to adult life, including post-secondary education, employment, community participation, and independent living.
• Conduct youth specific workshops (self-advocacy, rights, postschool options, housing, transportation, employment) and link youth to adult service systems.
• Follow up with consumers post transition to ensure stability and continued independence.

6. Work Plan & Community Collaboration

• Assist with the completion of the tasks and activities outlined in the agency's work plan as required and assigned.
• Collaborate with community organizations, service providers, and government agencies to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated support network for individuals with disabilities.
• Maintain accurate service documentation, data entry, and reporting; track progress; work with community partners.
• Travel as needed within the service area; flexible schedule including evenings or weekends.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Perform other tasks and duties assigned by the Director.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; associate or bachelor's degree in human services, Education, Rehabilitation, Social Work, Disability Studies or related field preferred.
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities (cross disability preferred) and knowledge of the independent living philosophy: consumer control, self-determination, peer support, equal access.
• Familiarity with federal/regional disability rights laws (Rehabilitation Act, ADA, Fair Housing Act) and community service systems (housing, transportation, employment, benefits).
• Strong oral and written communication skills; ability to facilitate training and peer group sessions.
• A valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and willingness to travel within the service area (home visits, outreach events).
• Comfortable with flexible schedule occasionally (evenings/weekends) based on consumer needs.
• Ability to document services and outcomes, maintain confidentiality, and use basic computer/data entry tools.

Preferred Skills & Attributes

• Lived experience of disability or direct personal/peer experience with independent living preferred.
• Bilingual skills are a plus.
• Prior experience in youth transition or institutional transition services.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team and independently; strong organizational/time management skills.

Working Conditions

• Combination of office-based work and community/outreach work (institutional visits, community meetings, training sessions).
• Possible exposure to variable environments (consumer placements, community settings both indoor and outdoor).
• Reasonable accommodations available for employees with disabilities.
• Performance Expectations & Reporting
• Meet established benchmarks for consumer outcomes in all five core service areas.
• Maintain accurate service documentation in compliance with federal and organizational monitoring protocols for CILs.
• Participate in regular staff meetings, professional development, consumer satisfaction feedback, and training on independent living standards as required.
• Assist in completion of work plan tasks and activities assigned.

Equal Opportunity & Accessibility Statement

Walton Options is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from persons with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. We are committed to the independent living philosophy, accessibility, and accommodations for applicants and employees. If you need reasonable accommodation in the application process, please contact Michele Guilford at 706-724-6262.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $14.00 - $16.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $14 - $16