Advocacy Coordinator

Job Summary:

This key member of the Cascade Connections team leads all advocacy efforts at Cascade Connections. The Advocacy Coordinator has demonstrated community leadership in the movement for equity and justice for people with disabilities, and candidates with disabilities are strongly preferred. The Advocacy Coordinator acts as an ambassador and spokesperson for Cascade Connections and for the disability rights movement in various contexts. This Coordinator works with the Executive Director, Training Department team, the Advocacy Committee, our mission, and our staff to educate and advocate for public policy, systems, and resources that promote integrated community employment, full inclusion, and pay equity for people with disabilities. This part-time position requires a minimum of 20 hours/month. Schedule is flexible and depends on availability and amount of work to be done.

Responsibilities:

• Consults with Executive Director and Cascade Connections Staff.
• Oversees all advocacy messaging, this includes writing public relations, social media, and other materials to provide education, justification, and recommendations.
• Performs advocacy work as directed by the Executive Director and in partnership with the Advocacy Committee.
• Serves as the lead staff member for the Cascade Connections Advocacy Committee. Completes all duties and activities requested of the committee and the committee chair.
• Works with the training team to ensure trainings are accessible.
• In partnership with the Executive Director, delivers trainings (in-person or virtual) on varied topics that meet identified needs of the organization and the individuals we serve.
• Works closely with the Executive Director to implement peer-to-peer trainings for people with disabilities. Training topics may include workplace etiquette, social and emotional health, advocacy, directing your person centered planning, etc.
• Facilitates and participates in focus groups with people with disabilities, families, care providers, and others.
• Facilitates and participates in informational panels.
• Provides advice and input on accommodations, services, supports, and the satisfaction of people we serve, from the unique perspective of a self-advocate.
• Works with Executive Director on weekly/monthly schedule.
• Keeps up to date with policies, laws, and current trends that may impact persons with disabilities and their services.
• May speak on behalf of Cascade Connections at events, churches, fundraisers, etc.

Cascade Connections is an Equal Opportunity Employer and stands committed to Affirmative Action.

Requirements:

• At least 18 years of age
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Can pass a background check
• Basic computer skills, including email, Microsoft Word, and Zoom
• Good communicator and public speaker
• Dependable
• Works well on a team
• Interest in public policy
• Knowledgeable about how policy impacts the disability rights movement

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essentials of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Can travel if asked
• Can work in the office and public places

Preferred Requirements (not required):

• Has a disability
• Post-secondary education preferred
• Minimum 1 year experience as an Activist Advocate

Benefits

• Sick leave
• 401k plan
• Employee Assistance Program