Peer Advocate

Purpose: To provide peer support and advocacy to people with disabilities and their families within the scope of the independent living philosophy and to teach and encourage development of independent living skills and self-advocacy.

Reports to: Program Coordinator

Responsibilities:

• Share personal insights and experiences, as appropriate, on living with a disability
• Provide ILCHV core services to individuals with disabilities and their families to include advocacy, peer counseling, basic benefits advisement, information & referral, independent living skills training
• Assist people with disabilities in setting individual goals that lead to increased independence
• Identify available community services, supports, and resources and link consumers and their families to those resources
• Network with staff, community service organizations, schools, government agencies to establish collaborative relationships
• Inform people with disabilities about their rights and responsibilities
• Conduct intakes and complete required paperwork and data entry in accordance with organization policy
• Attend and participate at staff meetings, mandatory ILCHV events, workshops and trainings
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Associate Degree
• Must be a person living with a disability
• Proficient computer skills
• Self-motivated
• Strong communication skills
• Understanding and acceptance of Independent Living Philosophy or willingness to learn about it

The Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, age, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, disability, religion, national origin, or military service/leave.