Adult Companion

Job Title

Staff will assist individuals with developmental disabilities to participate fully in their lives and in their communities.

Who We Are

At Advocates, we provide comprehensive services for people facing developmental, mental health, or other life challenges. We're a nonprofit, mission-driven organization with a person-centered approach, empowering the individuals we support to make choices, build independence, and live full, meaningful lives. Our work is rooted in respect, compassion, and inclusion, and we envision a world where individual differences are appreciated and celebrated. At Advocates, we value the ideas, experiences, and contributions of every employee and are committed to fostering a supportive, welcoming culture where people can learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact.

Minimum Education Required

High School Diploma/GED

Responsibilities

Provide non-medical care, supervision, and socialization to an individual with disabilities (Autism, Intellectual & Developmental disability). Services may include:

• Assistance with meals and basic activities of daily living
• Completion of light housekeeping tasks
• Assist the individual with shopping, planning, making appointments and recreation activities.
• Accompanying individual on walks, to the gym, trips to social and recreational activities and community events.
• Assist with hobbies and leisure activities.

Collaborate with the family, peers, and supervisor in implementing the plan of care to meet the individual's goals. Responsible for the participant safety and well-being. Interact with participants in an empathetic, respectful, caring, and dignified manner. Maintain current progress and service notes and submits all required documentation and verbal feedback to Supervisor in accordance with Advocates' policy. Attends and actively participates in supervision and staff meetings. Ensure that individuals we support are treated with dignity and respect in accordance with Advocates' Human Rights Policy. Adhere to all principles related to the Advocates Way. Perform all duties in accordance with the agency's policies and procedures.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent, or at least one year minimum of working in related fields or lived experience. Minimum one year experience in providing companion or caregiving to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Bilingual Preferred (Portuguese & Spanish). Ability to read English and communicate effectively in the primary language of the program to which he/she is assigned.
• Demonstrated understanding of and competence in serving diverse populations.
• Must hold a valid drivers' license. Must have access to an operational and insured vehicle and be willing to use it to transport.
• Must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and ability to use good judgment.
• Must have sensitivity to the needs of the population.
• Basic computer knowledge in order to complete documentation in a timely manner.
• High energy level, superior interpersonal skills and ability to function in a team atmosphere.

Advocates is committed to cultivating a diverse and welcoming community where everyone feels respected and valued. Advocates fosters a culture of inclusion that celebrates and promotes diversity along multiple dimensions, including race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, partnered status, age, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, culture, and experience.