Disablity Advocate

Disability Advocate Western Slope Native American Resource Center (WSNARC)

Location:

Towaoc/Cortez, Colorado Department:

Behavioral Health Program Reports To:

Operations Manager /

Co-Assistant Director FLSA Status:

Full-Time;

Non-Exempt, Hourly Salary:

$58,000 annually STOP - Applicant Instructions Candidates should NOT call the WSNARC office. Applicants will be contacted via this platform or email within approximately two weeks. Before proceeding, applicants must email Human Resources (spettey@wsnarc.org) outlining their Indigenous resources experience. This role will work directly within the Essette system. Please clearly indicate Essette experience in your cover letter. About

WSNARC WSNARC

is committed to empowering individuals with disabilities and their families through advocacy, education, and support. Our mission is to ensure individuals have access to the resources, services, and opportunities needed to thrive within their communities. We maintain a welcoming office in the Cortez/Towaoc area and serve clients across the region, with a strong focus on culturally responsive care for American Indian and Alaska Native populations. Position Summary The Disability Advocate (Indigenous Peer Navigator/Advocate) performs advanced-level work connecting individuals to critical services across multiple systems. This role focuses heavily on Medicaid waiver programs, behavioral health support, systems navigation, peer support services, and culturally responsive recovery programming while utilizing Essette as the primary case management platform. The Advocate supports individuals experiencing complex life challenges including homelessness, disabilities, mental health conditions, substance use, legal involvement, and poverty. This role blends peer support, advocacy, coaching, transportation support, Wellbriety facilitation, and care coordination while ensuring accurate documentation, compliance, and client-centered service delivery. Role Purpose To provide culturally responsive, trauma-informed services that enhance client outcomes and support clinical care, while contributing to a sustainable and impactful program serving underserved Indigenous communities. Key ResponsibilitiesClient Outreach and Engagement (Essette-Driven) Use Essette workflows to identify, contact, and engage clients. Conduct consistent outreach via phone and other methods. Document all contact attempts, outcomes, and follow-ups in Essette. Ensure all available care options are explored and communicated. Medicaid Waiver & Service Navigation Assist clients with applications, eligibility, and enrollment in Medicaid waiver and support programs. Provide hands-on guidance with documentation and compliance requirements. Navigate complex systems including healthcare, housing, and social services. Goal Setting & Client Empowerment Develop client-centered goals and timelines within Essette. Support action planning, barrier reduction, and self-sufficiency. Utilize coaching, motivational interviewing, and advocacy techniques. Service Linkage & Care Coordination Coordinate cross-system services using Essette for referrals, scheduling, and tracking outcomes. Assist with transportation coordination and appointment navigation. Ensure continuity of care across providers and systems. Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) Support Serve as a backup driver for Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) services as needed. Safely transport clients to medical, behavioral health, recovery, and community-based appointments. Assist clients with transportation scheduling, coordination, and ride documentation. Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and safety standards during transportation activities. Support transportation-related compliance requirements and vehicle procedures. Wellbriety Program Facilitation & Recovery Support Assist with the planning, preparation, coordination, and implementation of Wellbriety meetings and recovery-focused programming. Facilitate or co-facilitate Wellbriety meetings utilizing culturally grounded recovery principles. Prepare meeting spaces, educational materials, attendance tracking, and follow-up documentation. Support community engagement and participant outreach related to recovery and wellness activities. Encourage culturally responsive healing practices and peer-led support opportunities. Collaborate with leadership and behavioral health staff to strengthen recovery programming initiatives. Monitoring & Documentation Maintain accurate, timely case notes, care plans, and progress tracking in Essette. Monitor client engagement and adjust plans based on needs and outcomes. Ensure compliance with HIPAA and documentation standards. Advocacy & Problem-Solving Advocate for client needs with agencies, providers, and community partners. Identify systemic barriers and collaborate with leadership on solutions. Support clients in overcoming obstacles through solution-focused strategies. Cultural & Community Support Connect clients with culturally relevant resources, tribal programs, and traditional practices. Promote cultural identity as part of healing and long-term success. Relationship Building & Outreach Develop strong partnerships with local agencies, providers, and community organizations. Represent WSNARC at meetings, outreach events, trainings, recovery gatherings, and community activities. Life Skills Coaching & Peer Support Provide guidance in independent living, resilience-building, and self-management. Offer emotional support grounded in peer support best practices. Professional Standards & Development Maintain ethical boundaries and trauma-informed practices. Attend weekly supervision and ongoing training. Participate in continuous professional development. Other Duties Perform additional responsibilities as needed to support program success. Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesKnowledge Essette Case Management System (required): case tracking, documentation, referrals, reporting. Medicaid waiver programs and disability services. Behavioral health systems and social service navigation. Recovery-oriented systems of care and Wellbriety principles. HIPAA, data privacy, and ethical documentation standards. Customer service, interpersonal communication, and conflict resolution. Skills Strong advocacy and problem-solving abilities. Excellent verbal and written communication. Motivational interviewing and active listening. Relationship building across diverse populations. Time management and organizational skills. Technology proficiency (EHR, Microsoft Office, Zoom/Teams). Group facilitation and peer support engagement skills. Abilities Cultural competence, especially with AI/AN communities. Adaptability in fast-paced, evolving environments. High attention to detail and documentation accuracy. Ability to empower clients through goal-setting and support. Emotional intelligence and resilience in challenging situations. Commitment to ethical and professional standards. Qualifications High school diploma or GED (required). Bachelor's degree in social work, human services, or related field (preferred). Essette experience or similar case management system (required). Experience working with Indigenous communities (preferred). Experience facilitating support groups, recovery meetings, or peer support programming (preferred). Knowledge of community resources and systems navigation. Valid driver's license, clean driving record, and proof of liability insurance. Ability to be approved as an agency driver for transportation services. Preferred Certifications Peer Support Specialist or Recovery Coach certification. Training in trauma-informed care and cultural competency. CPR/First Aid certification preferred. Defensive driving or transportation safety training preferred. Physical & Work Requirements Ability to work in office and community-based environments. Local travel required, including rural areas. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds. Flexible schedule including evenings/weekends as needed. Ability to attend community events, site visits, client meetings, and recovery gatherings. Ability to safely operate agency vehicles and transport clients when needed. Benefits $58,000 annual salary. Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays). Professional development opportunities. Mission-driven, supportive workplace. Individuals with criminal records are encouraged to apply. Equal Employment & Compliance WSNARC is a private, non-profit organization that does not discriminate in employment based on race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, national origin, physical handicap, marital status, or sexual preference. WSNARC adheres to the Indian Preference Act (Title 25 CFR, Section 472). WSNARC is a smoke-free, drug- and alcohol-free workplace. Employment is contingent upon successful background check and reference verification.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$57,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Paid time off

Work Location:

In person