Company Overview The Arc of Macomb is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to empowering and supporting individuals with disabilities in Clinton Township. We strive to foster inclusive communities through advocacy, education, and comprehensive support services.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in human service, special education, legal studies or a related field. A combination of experience, demonstrated knowledge, and/or education may be substituted for a degree.
• Expansive knowledge of working with people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
• Knowledgeable about special education laws (IDEA) including current policy and proposed revisions to policy and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act as well as their administrative rules and school policies that may impact families and students' rights.
• Working knowledge of Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education.
• Knowledge of the Post-Secondary Transition system and resources that support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities into adulthood.
• Understanding issues related to community-based services for people with disabilities, laws and regulations regarding service delivery, and ability to advocate for people with disabilities to ensure adequate service delivery.
• Working knowledge of the Medicaid Provider Manual, the Michigan Mental Health System, and attendant policies and procedures.
• Ability to educate and train others, particularly as it relates to self-empowerment skills.
• Demonstrate integrity and honesty while maintaining privacy and confidentiality.
• Ability to communicate accurately and effectively both in writing and verbally.
• Willingness to work flexible hours (including occasional evenings and weekends).
• Must be self-motivated, organized, timely and be able to multi-task.
• Excellent communication and mediation skills
• Working knowledge of technology

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Special Education advocacy related functions include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Reviewing, analyzing, interpreting, and organizing written documentation as it pertains to student records and supporting the parents in understanding the documentation.
• Attending meetings at local education agencies involving education for students who are currently receiving or need special education support services to advocate in the best interest of the student.
• Facilitate communication between schools, parents/guardians/substituted decision-makers.
• Ensure parents/guardians/substituted decision makers are informed and prepared with needed information to make data-based decisions for their student.
• Provide referrals to community support services.
• Assist in the development of individual educational plans, positive behavior support plans through analyzing the results of functional behavioral assessments.
• Provide training opportunities for educators and community groups regarding disability awareness, educational accommodations, interventions, and self-empowerment strategies.
• Maintain individual case records according to agency policy.
• Update Sales Force weekly to provide monthly statistics and reporting to funders.
• Maintain good working relationships and cooperation with all agency and referral agency staff (Michigan Alliance for Families) and local educational agencies.
• Serve as a liaison between the agency and other community/educational entities (Parent Advisory Committee representative, Transition Council, Michigan Alliance for Families, MISD, MRS, MCCMH, etc.)
• Facilitate and assist the agency in developing a quality Post-Secondary Transition program.
• Provide information to families about the programs that The Arc of Macomb and the community of Macomb offer to ensure consistent and stable service provision and educational opportunities.
• Adult advocacy related functions include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Advocate for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and their families by providing information, support and assistance so decisions are informed as they work toward achieving desired goals and objectives.
• Maintain a general knowledge of the Social Security Administration, the application process, benefits available and eligibility criteria to assist people with IDD to apply for the appropriate benefits.
• Maintain a general knowledge of the Medicaid application process and assist people with IDD to apply for the appropriate benefits.
• Provide information on Macomb County Community Mental Health (CMH) and provide guidance and advice to individuals who seek services and guidance if services are denied.
• Develop a strong knowledge base of services and supports provided Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and support people with IDD to apply for appropriate benefits such as Medicaid, SNAP, Adult Home Help, etc.
• Have a basic understanding of employment services available for individuals with I/DD and make referrals to appropriate services and supports for their employment related needs.
• Maintain knowledge of Alternatives to Guardianship, provide information on Alternatives to Guardianship.

General:

• Provide information in various formats (phone calls, emails, face to face meetings, and presentations).
• Participate in all training as necessary
• Participation in fundraising and alternative revenue sources.
• Participate in committees as assigned.
• All other duties as assigned.

Pay:

$21.00 - $24.00 per hour

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Application Question(s): Do you have good computer skills and effective communication skills, verbal and written?

Education:

Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

working with individuals with disabilities: 1 year (Required) Willingness to travel: 25% (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person