Comprehensive Advocacy, Inc. (Co-Ad, Inc.)
4477 Emerald Street, Suite B-100
Boise, Idaho 83706
(208) 336-5353 Voice/TDD
(208) 336-5396 Fax

ADVOCATE/OUTREACH CASEWORKER

Reports to: Supervising Attorney

Basic Function: Represents and advocates for persons with disabilities to protect and exercise their rights and entitlements under law.

Principle Accountability:

1. Provides timely investigation and direct advocacy assistance, including information and referral, technical assistance and representation to clients in accordance with Co-Ad Inc., policy and priorities.

2. Provides general information and referral for telephone or written inquiries.

3. Assists with the development, evaluation and implementation of agency priorities, goals and objectives.

4. Follows casework practice standards, guidelines and maintains complete documentation of advocacy efforts. Follows work place requirements of the Co-Ad, Inc., Manual of Operations and administrative procedures.

5. Develops and maintains knowledge and skills, through staff training, community workshops and individual research, necessary to assist clients with advocacy priorities and to provide general information and referral for non-priority requests and demonstrates this knowledge through casework.

6. Establishes and maintains professional working relationships with fellow advocates, service providers, and consumer groups to facilitate advocacy efforts on behalf of disabled persons.

7. Establishes and maintains presence in assigned institution(s)/ facilities and monitors conditions and systematic issues related to Co-Ad, Inc., advocacy priorities. Identifies and reports significant issues, problems or concerns to the appropriate governing agencies.

8. Assists clients in self-advocacy and maintains a professional working relationship with clients.

9. Participates in community and agency committees and task forces, councils, boards, etc. on behalf of Co-Ad, Inc., as approved by the Executive Director.

10. Participates in staff meetings, case meetings and supervisory case staffings.

11. Provides written documentation and reports as assigned or required.

12. Maintains confidentiality of all client information and adheres to the ethical standards of Idaho Rules of Professional Conduct.

13. Demonstrates verbal and written communication skills.

14. Conducts program outreach in accordance with outreach plans.

Qualifications:

1. Demonstrated commitment to the civil rights of all persons. Understanding of consumers' rights to self-determination.

2. Two years experience in human services area, with at least one year of direct experience working with persons with disabilities.

3. Demonstrated knowledge of systems providing services to persons with disabilities.

4. Demonstrated effective interpersonal skills and ability to problem solve, including skills in mediation and negotiation with groups and individuals.

5. Demonstrated abilities to organize and prioritize complex tasks.

6. Demonstrated crisis intervention skills.

7. Ability to travel within appropriate region as necessary to effectively represent a client.