Advocate

Job Summary
ILP Advocates provide support to individuals with developmental disabilities to allow them to reach their highest possible levels of independence and will promote an environment where teaching occurs at all times. The ILP Advocate assists our clients in developing fun and rewarding life opportunities and helps them to build meaningful relationships within their communities.

Minimum Requirements
• Must have a four-year degree in Human Services or related field of study is preferred. A High School Diploma plus three years previous work with a vulnerable population may be substituted. One year of volunteer experience with a vulnerable population may be substituted for one year of work experience.
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must possess a valid Oregon Driver’s License and be insurable by the agency’s carrier
• Must obtain and maintain, with agency assistance, certification in CPR, First Aid, and Oregon Intervention Systems (OIS)
• Must pass a criminal history check.
• Must meet employment requirements listed in the Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs)

Summary of Essential Job Functions
• Exhibit clear, consistent emotional and professional boundaries and an ability to be appropriately assertive.
• Promote and teach self-advocacy skills.
• Promote independence.
• The ability to work with little supervision and as part of a team, participating creatively in problem solving.
• The ability to maintain a flexible schedule that suits the needs of the clients.
• The ability to understand and apply Oregon Administrative Rules to the position.
• The ability to understand the overall DD services delivery system and the role the ILP plays in that system.
• To ensure that supports provided are within funding guidelines. Document and communicate with management if more support is needed.
• Assist each client in maintaining their health, safety and highest possible quality of life and also serves as a liaison between each client and the available services of the community.
• Participate in ongoing assessments of the clients’ needs and goals; assists in creating individualized approaches to assisting clients with meeting their needs and reaching their goals.
• During office hours, the ILP Advocate must inform the Administration Office about their whereabouts at all times and follow agency procedures regarding signing in and signing out.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
1. Medical Liaison: Assists clients in monitoring and meeting medical needs, including maintaining confidential records of each client’s medical issues, scheduling appointments and providing transportation as needed.

2. Dietary/Nutritional Support: Assists clients in meeting their nutritional needs in accordance with generally accepted guidelines of healthy nutrition, with attention to each client’s personal preferences and financial resources; assists with meal planning, nutritional education and grocery shopping as needed.

3. Housing Liaison: Assists and supports each client in maintaining safe, affordable housing in the community; facilitates communication between each client, their landlord and any Social Service agencies providing subsidies; assists clients in moving, helping them relocate in accordance with regulations of housing subsidies and changing individual needs.

4. Financial Management: Assists clients with maintaining their financial well-being through planned budgeting sessions and incidental teaching; assists with balancing and reconciling bank accounts, budgeting, paying bills, making major purchases, and other financial tasks as needed.

5. Activities Coordinator: Works with other ILP team members and clients to plan social events and trips; initiates and participates in one-on-one and group recreational activities with clients.

6. ILP/office staff member: Attends scheduled staff meetings and 1:1 meetings with the Program Manager; participates in ongoing training; maintains appropriate professional behavior and attire; works to maintain a supportive office atmosphere; assists other staff members in covering the needs of the respective clients; assists with the maintenance and upkeep of the ILP’s agency vehicles; and fulfills other duties as assigned.

Notice of Management Rights
To meet client needs, in the Alvord-Taylor workplace personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities without prior notice. While personnel are regularly assigned to specific shifts or locations, Alvord-Tayor reserves the right to modify such assignments in order to meet and fulfill the organizational mission. Such transfers in hours of employment or locations of shift are at the sole discretion of management.

Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required of personnel so classified. This job description does not imply or constitute a contract for employment.

   
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