Advocate

Job Description

Job Description

Under the supervision of an Attorney, the Advocate will provide legal services and engage in individual and systemic advocacy on behalf of individuals with disabilities. The Advocate is expected to report to the PAIMI program initially and different programs thereafter as needed. 

Essential Functions

The Advocate performs a wide range of duties, including the following:

• Assist people with disabilities in advocacy and systems change efforts.
• Conduct client and other interviews, identify issues, determine a course of action, develop and implement appropriate advocacy strategies, negotiate solutions to problems, and facilitate self-advocacy, when appropriate;
• Analyze new and existing cases as well as other matters to determine if they present systemic issues which may be appropriate for DRNY to address, and, with the Program Director formulate strategies for dealing with such issues;
• Act in accordance with identified Priorities and Goals of the Program;
• Consult with people with disabilities, family members, advocacy groups, and others to identify barriers for people with disabilities and identify strategies to address such barriers and issues;
• Support DRNY projects and initiatives that foster self-determination, self-advocacy, and coalition building;
• Participate in committees, task forces, and other organization-wide groups;
• May be asked to provide multilingual client support
• Develop training and education materials and conduct training and outreach activities;
• Keep informed on advocacy strategies, technology advances, and other best practices;
• Maintain accurate, confidential files documenting advocacy services provided;
• Assist in preparing reports to funding sources;
• Maintain accurate time and client records, including accurate use of the timekeeping system, which is necessary for DRNY to meet its programmatic and fiscal responsibilities;
• Timely open and close case files regarding client matters;
• Perform related tasks consistent with skills, abilities, and general responsibilities as required to support DRNY;
• Be available to travel, throughout New York State and outside of New York State as necessary to perform assigned job tasks; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor?s degree required;
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite;
• Strong research skills;
• Ability to provide education and training to large groups;
• Strong communication skills;
• Strong relationship-building skills;
• Strong organizational skills;
• Strong problem-solving skills;
• Outstanding professionalism and ethical judgment;
• Ability to work with diverse groups of individuals;
• Multilingual skills preferred;
• New York State Driver?s License preferred; and
• Must be a New York State resident; and
• Work and reside in New York State consistent with DRNY?s policies.

Working Conditions

An Advocate usually performs work remotely or in an office environment, but the mission of the organization may sometimes take an Advocate to non-standard workplaces. An Advocate will be expected to travel within and outside the state as necessary.

The annualized salary range for the Advocate position is between $52,000 and $80,000.

DRNY offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees. This includes employer-paid premiums for health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. Full-time employees also receive generous paid time off benefits and are eligible for our SEP IRA and 403 (b) retirement plans.

To view more about our organization, check out our YouTube videos highlighting DRNY?s mission in advocating for the civil rights of individuals with disabilities. Please visit our DRNY YouTube Channel and review our DRNY Press Releases.