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Position Title: Child Advocate (part-time)
Reports to: Executive Director, The Arc of Philadelphia
FSLA status: Part-time, exempt


Summary
The Child Advocate works closely with the Child Advocacy Director to help families learn to navigate the systems for children ages birth to 22 with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), as well as work to promote policies that support active citizenship, self-determination, and full inclusion.

 

Position Responsibilities

  • Ability to address both systemic, organizational, and individual advocacy issues.
  • Assist Child Advocacy Director with caseload of individuals requiring one-on-one advocacy.
  • Review Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and related educational records to provide guidance around accessing services to parents of children with IDD. 
  • Attend IEP meetings with parents of children with IDD
  • Work with individuals and families to navigate school, behavioral health and medical systems as required. 
  • Develop relationships with organizations and systems in the special education, disability services, employment, behavioral and medical health fields as it relates to supporting and advocating for children ages birth to 22 with disabilities. 
  • Help to develop and address The Arc of Philadelphia’s public policy agenda with the goal of promoting active citizenship, self-determination, and full inclusion for children with disabilities
  • A demonstrated ability to work with a team and facilitate collaboration between agencies is essential.

 

Qualification

  • Bachelors Degree with disability advocacy experience preferred
  • Three (3) years relevant experience
  • Clear criminal record and child abuse history, complete medical and drug screen (paid for by The Arc of Philadelphia)
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Must demonstrate effective communication skills with people from diverse backgrounds.  Possess strong verbal, written and listening communication skills. 
  • Ability to easily follow verbal and written directions.
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Ability to translate regulations into practice
  • Demonstrate discretion, integrity, fair-mindedness, confidentiality and know the importance of effective, confidential record-keeping
  • Ability to handle multiple projects, details and tasks simultaneously.   Ability to work well under pressure and flexibility to respond to changing priorities
  • Must be self-motivated, self-directed and independent.  Possess good time management and organization skills, and show attention to detail, including prioritization


Physical Environment/Working Conditions
Hybrid model of routine office environments and remote work from home. Independent travel for the purposes of building professional relationships with partner organizations in education and early intervention fields, attending related conferences and community events, and meeting to support families with one-on-one advocacy in Philadelphia and surrounding counties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.


How to Apply
Qualified candidates should send a cover letter and resumé to HR@sparcphilly.org, using "Child Advocate" as the subject line.

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