Youth Services Advocate

ACHIEVING INDEPENDENCE AND MOBILITY CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING

(AIM-CIL)

YOUTH SERVICES ADVOCATE

Location:

MAIN Office Responsible To:

Program Director Status:

FULL TIME

-

Non-Exempt Essential Function:

The Youth Services Advocate works to empower people with disabilities to live independently in our community by providing systems advocacy for improving educational opportunities, transition assistance to adult living and coordinating independent living services for youth with disabilities and their families. This position requires that the employee believes in and acts in accordance with the mission and philosophy of Achieving Independence and Mobility Center for Independent Living (AIM-CIL).

Specific Duties:

Serve as a resource person and specialist with regard to issues on educational rights of children with disabilities Develop and maintain resource material that relates to the education of youth with disabilities and the transition to adult services Provide information and referrals to consumers and other callers Participate in community education seminars. Provide information on educational rights of children, IDEA, and inclusion to children, their families, and the community Develop and implement independent living services to youth with disabilities Provides an orientation on independent living to consumers requesting services Develop independent living plan and action steps for each youth participating in program Monitors and reports all services being provided and reports on all goals achieved, dropped, or pending Provide systems advocacy and serve as a resource to improve educational options for young adults with disabilities. Attend IEP meetings as requested by parents of children with disabilities or school staff. Attend community forums/meetings to gain information that will benefit young adults with disabilities. Provide technical assistance to parents and school personnel as requested Attend trainings on current issues facing schools and service providers Give presentations in a variety of settings to share program resources. Provide social opportunities for Youth with disabilities Organize social activities for Youth to develop peer relationships Organize field trips from high schools to the Center to build awareness of our programs and services Pre-Employment Career Training Services Provide the following services to qualifying students within the

PECT Transition Program:

Job Exploration Counseling Work-based learning experiences Counseling on Post-Secondary Education Workplace Readiness Training Instruction in Self-Advocacy Performs other duties as assigned, including, but not limited to the following: Complete assigned program goals and objectives as established in the Annual Work Plan. Document services and required information in CILS First. Provide monthly, quarterly and yearly reports as required. Develop and implement a plan to create an awareness of AIM-CIL's Youth Services Program Makes presentations about program and Center services to other civic groups, organizations, and agencies Serves on committees, boards, and/or councils that specifically relate to program Actively participate in local and regional Transition Planning Committee meetings. Reports to and meets regularly with the Program Director. Attends staff meetings as scheduled. Maintains an active consumer caseload, accurate and up-to-date consumer files, and completes all necessary forms/reports on time and as assigned. In accordance with the team philosophy of this non-profit organization, the person in this position may occasionally be required to carry out or assist with other tasks in addition to the duties listed on this position description.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelors' degree in related field. Associates degree with two years' work experience plus personal experience with disability and advocacy or have a high school diploma and four years' work experience plus a lot and personal experience with disability and advocacy. 2. Experience with the Special Education process and all applicable laws. 3. Understanding of the independent living/disability rights movement. 4. Direct experience working with persons with disabilities or personal experience with a disability. 5. Strong interpersonal skills necessary to communicate effectively and professionally with consumers, staff, and coworkers, along with the ability to help contribute positively to a team approach. 6. Excellent communication (oral and written) and organizational skills. 7. Public relations skills. 8. Awareness of regional human service delivery system. 9. Demonstrated ability to advocate for disability rights and to increase public awareness of pertinent disability-related issues. 10. Clear understanding of and committed adherence to AIM-CIL confidentiality policies. 11. Willingness to travel throughout the three county catchment area. 12. Ability to work weekends and/or evenings as required.

Work Location:

Multiple locations

Work Remotely No Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$18.00 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Education:

Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

disability related: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in Downers Grove, IL 60515