Disabilities Advocate

Were Hiring: Part-Time Advocate & Family Support Professional

Location: Greensburg or Pittsburgh Office (with some remote flexibility)
Schedule: Part-Time (20 hours/week)
Pay Rate: $19$21/hour

Make a Meaningful Impact with Achieva

Join The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh at Achieva and help make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities and their families. At Achieva we foster a welcoming environment where everyone is respected empowered and included.

About Us

For over 70 years Achieva has supported the inclusion of people with disabilities in every aspect of community life. Our mission is to advocate with empower and support people with disabilities and their families throughout their lives. We envision a world where all individuals live lives of personal significance.

About the Role: Disabilities Advocate
Reports To: President The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh

This role provides advocacy and family support for individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism as well as their families. Youll assist with navigating special education transition services home and community-based services and other relevant systems and supports.

Key Responsibilities

• Support individuals in achieving personal outcomes.

• Provide information resources technical assistance and advocacy for families and students (birthage 21) regarding education and transition.

• Assist adults based on need and availability.

• Collaborate with families to gather facts and resolve Individualized Education Plan (IEP)-related issues.

• Maintain current knowledge of relevant laws and policies (e.g. IDEA Rehabilitation Act).

• Keep accurate records and prepare required reports.

• Participate in required training and development.

• Perform additional duties as needed in alignment with Achievas mission.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in social sciences or education or 12 years of relevant advocacy experience.

• Strong negotiation problem-solving and communication skills.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

• Organized with strong time-management and prioritization abilities.

• Basic computer proficiency.

• Ability to travel locally.

• Valid drivers license and reliable transportation.

• Act 33/34 clearances required.

• Self-advocates and family members of individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Bilingual (Spanish/English) skills are a plus.

Achieva is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)

We are committed to creating a workplace that reflects and embraces the diversity of the communities we serve. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race color religion sex disability age sexual orientation gender identity or expression national origin veteran status or genetic information.

We are also committed to providing access equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during the application process please contact our HR Department at x650 or .

The equivalent of a Bachelors degree in social sciences or education and /or 1-2 years of related experience advocating and/or supporting individuals with disabilities and their families. Negotiation skills ability to problem-solve and a proven ability to work effectively with other professionals families and system officials. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Ability to work well both independently and with others. Ability to travel locally. Computer literacy. Act 33/34 clearances. Valid license to drive in the State of Pennsylvania and properly insured automobile for frequent use.

ACHIEVA is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer (EOE) and an Employer Partner under the Ticket to Work Program. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex disability age sexual orientation gender identity or expression national origin veteran status or genetic information. ACHIEVA is committed to providing access equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities in employment its services programs and activities. To request a reasonable accommodation contact Sharon Berardelli Human Resource Department ext. 450