Family Advocacy and Navigation Manager

Introduction:
The Arc of Putnam County has long been committed to serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. To further strengthen our mission, we have established the role of Family Advocacy and Navigation Manager. This position is designed to enhance our advocacy efforts, improve family support, and foster community engagement, ensuring that individuals with IDD receive the resources and opportunities they deserve.

Mission:
To empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to achieve their fullest potential and live meaningful lives within our community. We strive to provide comprehensive, community-based support systems that promote independence, inclusion, and personal growth for people of all abilities.

Vision:
A community where individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are valued, respected, and provided with opportunities for personal growth and participation in all aspects of life.

Values:

• Respect: We honor the dignity and worth of every individual, recognizing their unique contributions and potential.
• Inclusion: We foster an environment where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and supported, promoting equal opportunities for all.
• Empowerment: We provide individuals with the tools, resources, and support they need to take control of their lives and achieve their goals.
• Integrity: We adhere to the highest ethical standards, ensuring transparency, accountability, and honesty in all our actions.
• Collaboration: We work together with individuals, families, staff, and community partners to achieve common goals and maximize our impact.
• Innovation: We embrace new ideas and approaches, continually seeking ways to improve our services and adapt to changing needs.
• Compassion: We approach our work with kindness, understanding, and empathy, always prioritizing the well-being and needs of those we serve.

Position Overview:
The Family Advocacy and Navigation Manager will serve as a vital bridge between The Arc, individuals with IDD, their families, policymakers, state agencies, and the broader community. The role will empower families with information, training, and resources, advocate for policies that benefit individuals with IDD, strengthen partnerships with schools, service providers, and local businesses, and increase public awareness of the needs and rights of individuals with IDD. This position will also play a critical role in advocating for a smooth transition from school-based services to adult services and ensuring that individuals and families continue to receive support as they navigate complex systems of care.

Key Responsibilities:

Family Engagement & Support:

• Develop workshops and training sessions for families on navigating the APD Medicaid Waiver, guardianship, disability rights, and more.
• Attend transition IEP meetings to help families understand the steps in transitioning from school to adult services.
• Provide one-on-one support to families facing challenges with services and transition planning.
• Serve as the primary advocate for families of children with IDD, ensuring access to necessary resources and support to navigate complex service systems.

Advocacy & Policy Influence:

• Monitor state and local policies affecting individuals with IDD and advocate for legislative changes to improve services and opportunities.
• Represent The Arc at advocacy events, legislative meetings, and community forums to amplify the voices of individuals with IDD and their families.
• Collaborate with self-advocates to ensure their voices are heard in decision-making processes.
• Serve as a liaison between families, school districts, and service providers to ensure smooth transitions when youth age out of school-based services.

Community Outreach & Partnership Development:

• Build and maintain relationships with local businesses, schools, and community organizations to create inclusive opportunities for individuals with IDD.
• Organize events, such as Family Resource Fairs, to connect families with various agencies supporting individuals with IDD.
• Strengthen partnerships with healthcare providers, school districts, and local agencies to enhance support for families.
• Assist families in connecting to community resources, including educational, healthcare, and social services.

Transition Planning & Coordination:

• Facilitate transitions from school-based services to adult services, ensuring continuity of care.
• Collaborate with school districts, local agencies, and service providers to implement coordinated transition plans.
• Assist families in accessing APD Medicaid Waiver benefits, Social Security, and other long-term care services.

Resource Development & Training:

• Develop and provide educational resources to help families understand service eligibility, benefits, and the transition process.
• Offer training to empower families with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate complex service systems.
• Ensure resource materials are accessible and relevant to families, particularly those in rural or underserved areas.

Funding & Sustainability:

• Identify and pursue funding opportunities through grants, fundraising initiatives, and partnerships with local businesses to support the position and related programs.
• Explore collaborations with government agencies for program support, including potential Medicaid funding and state/federal grants.
• Research and apply for grants to prevent service disruptions and bridge gaps in available resources, particularly for rural families.

Data Management & Reporting:

• Track family advocacy cases, documenting service transitions, gaps, and outcomes.
• Prepare regular reports on advocacy efforts, funding needs, service utilization, and challenges faced by families for the CEO and board of directors.
• Maintain accurate and confidential case files, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations.

Expected Outcomes:

• Increased family participation in advocacy and support initiatives.
• Stronger collaboration between The Arc and policymakers, resulting in improved policies for individuals with IDD.
• Enhanced access to resources for families navigating the disability system, especially in rural and underserved areas.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

• Lived experience with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) is required.
• A background in nonprofit or government work with at least 5 years of experience in advocacy, case management, or a related field.
• Proven history of effective advocacy on behalf of families within educational, governmental, or community service systems.
• Experience attending IEP meetings and collaborating with school districts, service providers, and other stakeholders to ensure successful transitions.
• Experience working with rural families to identify and connect them with services and resources.
• Prior military experience will be given preferential consideration.

Knowledge and Skills:

• In-depth understanding of the challenges faced by families of children with IDD, particularly in rural areas.
• Strong knowledge of the APD Medicaid Waiver, Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), and other disability-related benefits.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and advocacy skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with families, schools, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple cases, ensuring timely and coordinated care.
• Ability to identify and secure funding through grants, Medicaid, and other resources to support service continuity for families.
• Awareness of current and upcoming legislative issues affecting individuals with IDD and the ability to engage in advocacy efforts.

Working Conditions:

• Full-time position with local travel required to meet with families, attend IEP meetings, and coordinate with service providers.
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to meet operational needs or attend relevant events.
• Some travel to rural areas to assist families and identify available resources may be required.

Compensation:

• Competitive salary range of $50,000 to $65,000, depending on experience, education, and qualifications.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plan, and paid time off.

To Apply:
Please submit your resume and cover letter outlining your qualifications, lived experience, and history of advocacy, particularly related to rural resource identification and navigation.

Additional Requirements:

• Background screening: A Level II background screening is required.
• Moral Character: The selected candidate must attest to maintaining good moral character.
• Drug-Free Workplace: This is a drug-free workplace, and adherence to all related policies is required.

Other Duties:
This job description is not all-inclusive and may be subject to change based on the organization's evolving needs. Additional responsibilities may be assigned to support the organization's mission.