Peer Advocate-Youth Transition Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

The Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley is a consumer led community organization providing direct services and advocacy on behalf of persons with disabilities. We envision a world in which people with disabilities enjoy the same right for self-determination, economic freedom and full and equal participation in community life as their non-disabled peers. The Peer Advocate-Youth Transition Specialist serves as a role model and will work with both adults and young people to promote independence.

The responsibilities of the Peer Advocate-Youth Transition Specialist are to :

· Conduct outreach activities that will inform consumers of the availability of peer advocacy services;

· Assist consumers in identifying their future goals and laying out a plan to achieve them;

· Both advocate on behalf of consumers to ensure they receive all the services to which they are entitled and teach them how to become their own advocates;

· Engage young people in middle and high school, who are in need of assistance transitioning from school settings to work, post-secondary education, and living independently;

· Create a series of after school programs that will hone youth leadership skills. Programs may include on-site skills training, off-site visits to community settings such as work places, recreational areas, and cultural venues;

· Work with other youth serving organizations in the community to ensure the needs of youth with disabilities are addressed.

The qualifications are:

· A bachelor’s degree and one year of experience working with people with disabilities or four years of such experience;

· Ability to work independently, be creative and self-directing.

· Must be a person living with a disability.

· Competent with Microsoft Office Suite including Word and Excel.

· Knowledge of independent living and the disability service system are essential.

The Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, age, height, weight, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, disability, religion, national origin, or military service/leave.