Peer Advocate Counselor

Vermont Center for Independent Living • Full-time • Montpelier, VT, US • 4d ago

Cover Letter Required:

Before reading below we would ask that, if you apply for the Peer Advocate position please submit a cover letter. It doesn't need to be a long one, just tell us a bit about why you want to be a part of VCIL and your lived experience with disability and/or the disabled community.

Position Description:

Peer Advocate and Community Outreach Specialists (PA’s) are people with personal experience with a disability. A PA works with individuals and groups of people with disabilities in a specific geographic area to empower them and increase their ability to live independently as full and equal citizens of their communities. PA's also participate in outreach activities in their geographic area to increase community options and supports for independent living.

Essential Functions:

· Advocate for disability rights as defined in the VCIL Policy Manual.

Work one on one with peers to establish long-term and short- term goals, working together to empower the peer to better advocate for themselves.
Work to increase independent living options for disabled and Deaf Vermonters.
Participate as an active advocacy team member to further the mission of the VCIL.
Assist in identifying and developing opportunities for expansion of programs and services in the region.
Participate in meetings as VCIL' s representative (i.e. Long Term Care Coalition, Community Adult Resource Team, etc.).
Work with local town government, organizations and agencies toward making the community accessible to all (i.e. housing authorities, transportation agencies, etc.)
Work in conjunction with other VCIL staff to coordinate local group work. Respond in a timely and peer-centered manner to telephone, written and in person requests for information.
Participate in required trainings.
Develop and continually update annual work plan.
Research and apply current standards of practice to enhance job skills and knowledge related to the PAC position.
Assist supervisor in the evaluation of the PAC program effectiveness.
Work in a manner consistent with VCIL's philosophy of peer empowerment, self-advocacy and peer support.
Describe the programs and philosophy of VCIL to individuals and groups.
Provide accurate, up-to-date and timely information on individual and group work with peers. This includes data entry, monthly reports on meetings attended and community outreach.
Work with other VCIL staff to maintain and update program materials
Support other VCIL programs and staff.
Perform other duties as assigned within the mission of VCIL.

Position Necessities:

· Within the first three months of employment you must demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to disability and Deaf rights, the philosophy of independent living and the mission and goals of VCIL. Other attributes and skills needed include:

Motivation, positive attitude, flexibility and willingness to learn.
Self-directed, resourceful and flexible with strong problem-solving skills,
Ability to take a peer-centered approach.
Ability to work collaboratively and constructively with other disability and Deaf organizations.
Ability to work collegially and respectfully with peers, board and staff.
Willingness to accept responsibility for quality outcomes.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with ability to listen empathically and assist peers in defining their needs and locating resources. Knowledge and understanding of disabilities, Deaf culture and independent living.
Familiarity of community resources, human services, government agencies and non-profit organizations Strong research and computer skills
General knowledge of civil rights law and other laws affecting people with disabilities and the Deaf community.
Ability to communicate concepts of independent living and disability and Deaf rights.

Benefits:

For all full-time and part-time employees (15 or more hours a week) VCIL pays 100% of the cost for Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Life Insurance and a Health Reimbursement Account. All employees working 15 or more hours are also eligible to enroll in a medical FSA/DCA account. Employees working 20 or more hours a week are additionally eligible to enroll in our 403-B plan. Full-time employees (30 or more hours a week) are additionally able to enroll in our health insurance (VCIL pays 80% of monthly premiums), along with gaining short-term and long-term disability coverage which VCIL pays for 100%. VCIL also provides approximately 10 paid sick days and 10 paid vacation days a year, along with 3 days of personal leave in your first year. (please note this varies on when you join VCIL and accrual rates based on scheduled hours) Finally, VCIL recognizes 15.5 paid holidays per year.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

· 403(b) matching