Job Title: Community Empowerment Specialist – Empower Me
Status: Full-time, non-exempt
Job Summary
Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to independent living philosophy and possess the ability to effectively engage groups in learning advocacy skills and abuse and neglect prevention strategies.
Strong organizational, planning, communication, writing, and interpersonal skills are required, as is the ability to work collaboratively with staff, participants, schools, and community partners.
Knowledge of community resources, experience in self-advocacy or systems advocacy is strongly preferred.
Reliable transportation and the ability to travel throughout the project service area are required.
This position is funded through annual grant awards and is contingent upon the continued availability of grant funding and program needs.
Essential Job Duties
- Work under the direct supervision of the Community Development Director. Collaborate with and receive day-to-day program guidance, coordination, and support from the Lead Community Empowerment Specialist to help achieve program goals.
- Maintain regular communication with the Lead Community Empowerment Specialist regarding scheduling, outreach activities, participant needs, and program implementation.
- Conduct outreach and collaboration campaigns to develop partnerships with key stakeholders (local school systems, non-profit disability organizations, and social service agencies).
- Deliver outreach presentations to key stakeholders and other community groups to identify potential participants and volunteers.
- Understand and prepare materials from adopted curricula including OnRAMP Ignite, OnRAMP T ‘NT, and Safer, Smarter Teens. Maintain curriculum fidelity.
- Plan, schedule, and deliver Empower Me courses for middle and high school students with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
- Assist program participants in understanding, identifying, reporting, and preventing abuse and neglect.
- Assist program participants in setting personal advocacy goals.
- Recruit and assign mentors to support participants in reaching their personal goals.
- Match participants with a representative of one or more community organizations that address their area(s) of interest to learn more about how they can become involved.
- Document activities according to Disability Rights & Resources procedures including outreach contacts, Empower Me session attendance, and curriculum evaluations in compliance with program and grant requirements.
- Complete trainings including mandatory reporting, domestic violence, and other topics as required by grantor and/or agency.
- Complete required data entry and reporting activities in CFAL and the CTF Evaluation Portal in a timely, accurate, and complete manner.
- Ensure participant evaluations are completed, collected, entered, and mailed in accordance with program procedures and grant requirements.
- Manage timelines, goals, and quality of work.
- Meet all expectations for attendance.
- Other duties as assigned by supervisor and/or required by grantor.
Skills/Experience Requirements
High School diploma or GED
Pre-ETS Training and Experience preferred.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Programs
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a resume to ipella.king@drradvocates.org.
Disability Rights & Resources is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including those with disabilities.
Disability Rights & Resources is committed to providing reasonable job accommodations and modifications for staff with disabilities upon request.
Job Title: Peer Specialist
Status: Full-time, Non-Exempt
Job Summary
The Peer Specialist will individuals with disabilities to achieve independence, providing advocacy, peer support, and skills training.
Duties/Responsibilities
- Assist consumers in identifying and achieving independent living goals through the development and monitoring of Independent Living Plans (ILPs) or waivers.
- Provide core independent living services to individuals with disabilities, including peer support, advocacy, independent living skills training, transition services, and information and referral.
- Assist consumers in navigating systems and accessing community resources through coaching, advocacy, and independent living skill-building related to housing, healthcare, transportation, employment, and community living.
- Provide transition support and information to consumers seeking greater independence, including youth transition assistance and support for individuals transitioning from nursing facilities or other institutions into community living.
- Support consumer participation in grassroots and systems advocacy through outreach, self-advocacy training, public education, and community partnerships.
- Participate in disability-related community groups or committees.
- As needed, assist with outreach and community education related to DRR services, disability rights, and independent living resources, particularly in underserved and rural communities.
- Accurately document consumer services, goals, contacts, and required data in DRR’s CFAL system in accordance with agency policies and funding requirements.
- Maintain consumer confidentiality.
- Participate in trainings, meetings, and professional development activities as required.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Required Skills/Abilities
Good interpersonal and communication skills and be able to work with diverse populations.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
Exceptional organizational skills
Knowledge of community resources
Must have access to reliable transportation and have ability to travel within service area.
Required Education and Experience:
High school diploma or GED required
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit their resume to Ipella.King@drradvocates.org
Disability Rights & Resources is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including those with disabilities.
Disability Rights & Resources is committed to providing reasonable job accommodations and modifications for staff with disabilities upon request.
