Advocacy Specialist at The Independence Center

Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

24 Feb, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

26 Nov, 25

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Advocacy, Community Organization, Disability Awareness, Effective Communication, Customer Service, Organizational Skills, Problem-Solving, Team Collaboration, Self-Motivation, Flexibility, Confidentiality, Training, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Policy Development

Industry

Non-profit Organization Management

Description

Description The Advocacy Specialist serves as the agency expert on advocacy and is responsible for following the board-approved systems’ change activities at the local and state level. Assists Board and staff leadership in developing and promoting policy positions through legislative letters, media contracts, and presentations in the local community (i.e. city council) and works with statewide partner agencies to advance a cohesive policy agenda. Attends meetings and collects information on disability-related issues. Tracks local policy issue progress and reports to IC leadership. Engages in disability-community organizing activities and provides policy position information to community members and IC staff. Essential Responsibilities: · Maintain a psychologically safe and inclusive work environment that embraces diversity and cross-disability perspectives, ensuring all coworkers and service users feel known, valued, and included. · Provide disability awareness training and community education through one-on-one interaction, networking events, focus groups, community events, media contact, and educational sessions. · Engage in community meetings, coalitions, and workshops looking to advance initiatives that positively impact people with disabilities. · Collaborate with Independence Center staff to enhance their understanding of advocacy and local efforts. · Build a regular regime of internal and external training to enhance Team and community member advocacy skills. · Collaborate and work with The Independence Center Advocacy Committee to explore issues affecting people with disabilities. · Participate and engage in any required program, committee or IC meetings with or in place of leadership. · Punctuality and consistent attendance are essential for maintaining operations efficiency, contributing to your team, and fostering a positive work environment. · This position may also require the performance of other duties as assigned. Requirements Required Skills/Abilities: · Demonstrates The IC’s core values of Adaptability, Collaboration, Inclusion, Integrity and Person First. · Commitment to co-creating a culture that fosters diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion. · Extraordinary customer service skills. · Effective communication skills. · Self-motivated, persistent, and flexible. · Strong organizational skills and detail oriented. · Ability to handle multiple priorities as well as deadlines. · Takes responsibility for high-quality work. · Capacity to work individually and as a member of a team in a team-oriented, inclusive environment. · Possess decision-making and problem-solving skills. · The capacity to empower individuals to advocate for themselves to maximize independence. · Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and work within the confines of HIPAA regulations. · Proficiency with computers, including MS Windows, MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams), Zoom and other common computer programs. Ensure the philosophy, mission and goals of the Independent Living Program are maintained. Education and Experience: · Candidates should have personal experience navigating life with a disability, which informs their perspective and approach to supporting others. · Experience with community organization and a desire to work with and empower people with disabilities. · Experience writing detailed reports, position papers, situational assessments, and related correspondence. · Experience working with people with disabilities is preferred. · Experience working with community members to assess and build more accessible communities and services preferred. Travel: · Local travel to partners, collaborators, and vendors for official IC related business and events may be required. · Must have reliable transportation. Working Conditions: · Office environment requiring ongoing computer use and extended amount of time sitting or standing. · Frequently lift, push, pull, up to 10 lbs. · Internet access to work remotely if protocols are issued for remote work. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to empower the qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of this position.

Responsibilities

The Advocacy Specialist serves as the agency expert on advocacy and is responsible for following the board-approved systems’ change activities at the local and state level. They assist Board and staff leadership in developing and promoting policy positions through various means and engage in community organizing activities.