Community Advocate (Systems Change)
Supervisor: Director of Programs
Location: Silicon Valley Independent Living Center(SVILC) San Jose
Summary: To provide advocacy training and leadership to Consumers with disabilities, as well as representatives of partnering service agencies. To develop a network for information exchange at the local level in order to facilitate disability justice change. Facilitate opportunities for Consumers and community representatives to develop and use the skills and tools needed to address barriers and affect systems change. Coordinate Advocacy services with SVILC’s service providers, management and board members.
Essential Functions:
Working the local disability community to design and implement a two-way communication structure that responds to the state-wide network, coordinated by CFILC.
Provide information on statewide disability issues of interest to Consumers and other interested persons at the local level.
Provide or facilitate training to individuals and groups on community organizing, legislative contacts and systems advocacy on disability issues and other issues affecting the disability community.
Assist Consumers in understanding and participating in providing local input to state level process.
Coordinate with other Advocates to facilitate short- and long-range local planning for local system change with regard to current justice issues.
Network with other Systems Change/Community Advocates and other community trainers, ILC (Systems Change) Advocates and local advocates across regions and the state.
Provide outreach and education in the local community on Systems Change and Advocacy.
Arrange for access accommodations for disability community members to trainings and meetings.
Maintain documentation for CFILC/DoR quarterly reports, CILR annual reports, and agency-required records and reports.
Serve as systems advocate for organization and disability community.
Provide individual advocacy services, in coordination with other applicable service providers, for Consumers and community members with disabilities.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and ability desired. Reasonable Accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Associate degree in human services, communication or related field and significant experience with disability issue; OR Two years working in field of work which promotes independence for persons with a variety of disabilities and significant experience with disability issues.
Ability to communicate effectively and clearly. Ability to articulate a variety of perspectives of people with disabilities. Ability to respond appropriately to inquiries from Consumers and their families, staff, local and regulatory agencies and the general public.
Ability to train, deliver speeches and prepare articles for publication. Ability to effectively present information to Consumers and their families, staff, and public groups on advocacy issues affecting people with disabilities.
Ability to define problems, collect and interpret information, and effectively teach appropriate material.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to initiate projects and work with a minimum of supervision.
Ability to prioritize competing demands.
The Community Advocate is regularly required to be able to resolve problems, recall details and be able to concentrate.
Work requires the recognition of need for the development of plans, methods and procedures or special programs where regular policies may not exist or meet the need.
Capable of communicating with people with disabilities and members of the local disability community. Possess an understanding of the concepts and philosophy of Independent Living. Ability to exercise initiative, ingenuity and sound judgment in workload coordination and in technical matters.
Basic computer skills.
Ability to attend and get to offsite meetings such as city council meetings and hearings. Some meetings may be in the evenings.
Ability to work as a team member on a variety of levels including local groups and the statewide network staff
Preference may be given to candidates with specific experience with:
Personal experience with a disability.
Familiarity with ADA issues regarding access, employment, etc.
Computer literacy in word processing and data base management
Fluency in one of the local threshold language(s) and/or American Sign Language.
Physical Demands:
Sitting for long periods of time
Using computer monitor and keyboards, as well as a telephone headset, for long periods of time
Travel to various community offices as necessary
Make outreach visits to locations where individuals with disabilities may be contacted
Attend various outreach and community education events
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Non-discrimination:
SVILC does not discriminate against employees or potential employees and is an equal opportunity employer with regard to the gender, age, disability, ethnicity, race, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation of individuals.
SVILC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. People with disabilities, members of other marginalized communities, and those with personal experience with disability are highly encouraged to apply.
Benefits:
403(b)
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Paid time off
Professional development assistance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in San Jose, CA 95112
