The Arc of Weld County

Title:  Advocate and Communications Associate

Reports To:  Advocacy Coordinator         

FLSA Status:       30hrs/week to 40hrs/week negotiable, Non-Exempt

Primary Office Location:  Greeley Colorado

Primary Working Region:  Weld County

Date (updated):  October 29, 2018                          

Essential Functions:  approximately 75% of work will be spent on Advocate Essential Functions

• Responsible for maintaining a caseload of children and adult advocacy cases while maintaining accurate records, in compliance with the AWC advocacy protocol
• Assists in the development and implementation of advocacy case plans for all assigned cases, per the AWC advocacy protocol
• Maintains regular communication with the Advocacy Coordinator regarding all assigned cases in addition to other essential functions of the advocacy position
• Possess the ability to learn and understand major local, state and federal statutes e.g. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Individuals Disability Education Act (IDEA) as well as any other local, state and federal legislation/regulations that impact individuals with disabilities 
• Possess the ability to work with and navigate various systems, e.g. Health Care Policy and Finance (HCPF now includes the Department of Developmental Disabilities, DDD), school districts and Department of Education, etc.

Essential Functions:  approximately 25% of work will be spent on Communication Associate Essential Functions

• Executes agency approved multi-media communication strategies
• Responsible for internal website support with IT vendor
• Develop marketing materials with professional graphics for flyers, social media, etc., as directed and approved by the Executive Director
• Responsible for e-newsletter development and distribution, with approval from the Executive Director

Nonessential Functions:

• Will assist individuals and families with referrals to appropriately needed services or programs
• Empowers individuals and families to use all appropriately identified resources
• Establish links and productive working relationships with all services, providers, and community agencies
• Maintain compliance with the AWC employee handbook
• Participate in1:1 weekly supervisions with the Advocacy Coordinator
• Reports all incidents of Mistreatment, Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation (MANE) to immediate supervisor
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Must consent to and pass a pre-employment criminal background check and driving record check, as well as periodic checks as deemed necessary
• Must be or become an active member of The Arc of Weld County; includes membership dues payment within the first 30 days of employment
• Schedule availability must be flexible, as some weekends, early mornings and evenings will be required
• Bi-lingual Spanish preferred

Travel: 

• Must have own personal transportation, valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance as required by Colorado law
• Frequent weekly travel can be expected locally throughout Weld County, in proximity to the Denver Metro; typically, an hour or more per day
• Possible travel to the northeastern Colorado counties; likely only once or twice per year

Experience: 

• Previous experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or within a related capacity required; minimum of 2 years

Education: 

• High school diploma or equivalent. 
• Education in the field of developmental disabilities or other related field of study preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Must support the Mission and Vision of the Arc of Weld County
• Possess the ability to learn and understand major local, state and federal statutes e.g. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Individuals Disability Education Act (IDEA) as well as any other local, state and federal legislation/regulations that impact individuals with disabilities 
• Possess the ability to work with and navigate various systems, e.g. Health Care Policy and Finance (HCPF now includes the Department of Developmental Disabilities, DDD), school districts and Department of Education, etc.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; illustrations may be requested
• Strong organizational skills
• Proficient use of a personal computer and general skills in Microsoft programs
• Well-developed knowledge of standard office equipment
• Exemplary development of professional conduct

Expected Hours of Work:

• Typically, office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm, schedule will be determined by case need and with approval from the Advocacy Coordinator.
• Additionally, this position requires some evening and weekend work, including a full weekend for the Families in Action retreat, as well as special events that are scheduled each month
• Special events occur monthly and attendance is expected

Work Environment:

• This position operates in a professional office environment, as well as in the field such as schools, child care settings including camp-like environments
• This position routinely requires the use of standard office equipment, such as computers/laptop, photocopiers, scanners and filing cabinets.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration.
• The employee may be occasionally exposed to condition at alternative hosting sites, such as school, camps, client homes, etc.
• Must be physically able to lift up to 30 lbs.
• Must be physically able to sit for extended periods of time, as the primary duties are sedentary and performed seated at a desk
• Must be physically able perform behavioral interventions, as well demonstrate such techniques when training volunteers

Physical Demands:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. 
• Regularly required to talk and/or hear
• Frequently required to stand, walk, use hands and fingers, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms

The Arc of Weld County offers a competitive salary, contingent on experience and qualifications and an excellent benefits package.  We are an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability or national origin. 

Disclaimer:  This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the job. Duties, responsibilities or qualifications may change at any time with or without notice.

Interested applicants should email a cover letter and resume to Tiffany Ochoa, Office Manager at tiffany@arcweldcounty.org. As a reminder, this job posting ends Friday January 18th at 5pm.  Late submissions will not be accepted.  Please no phone calls.