Family Advocate

The position is located in Sells, AZ.

Position Summary:

Under limited supervision, promotes the department's goals of providing advocacy services to Tohono O'odham families and individuals with multiple special health care needs.

The work is normally reviewed upon completion to ensure compliance with general organization/ department goals, policies and procedures. Major work activities are covered by procedures or guidelines permitting flexibility in selecting methods to utilize and procedures to follow, determination of work priorities, and the planning and coordination of projects.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develops with each family/guardian, a Family Advocate Plan for services.
• Participates in meetings with agencies/schools and makes home visits to ensure program needs are delivered.
• Participates with family in medical appointments, upon client's permission.
• Advocates for clients, making sure they comprehend what is stated during the appointment.
• Assists families with service barrier; accessing managed care services, including Arizona DDD, AHCCCS, ALTCS, SSI.
• Locates specialized housing for adult children; accessing day programs and/or work programs.
• Assists with securing guardianship; issues relating to Child Protective Services, police or court issues; securing in-home services.
• Assists with securing early intervention services for babies and toddlers; securing therapy, including physical, occupational and speech.
• Provides specialized transportation to families.
• Conducts well-family visits.
• Coordinates with TODHS divisions, TON Education Department, including Head Start and Vocational Rehabilitation, and IHS pediatrics and social services department, BIA special services, IO/BSD special services.
• Develops with families and Division teams, training modules for advocacy, education and health promotion activities.
• Provides transportation to client to and from appointments.
• Presents workshops for families and communities on advocacy strategies, services, program and resource, and health promotion.
• Provides bi-monthly reports to supervisor.
• Coordinates and participates in monthly Tohono O'odham Family Support gatherings.
• Attends staff meetings and other designated meetings as required.
• Maintains professional knowledge by recording data, attending workshops, classes and conferences.
• Performs other job related duties as assigned and contributes to a team effort.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Tohono O'odham culture and traditions.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, tribal laws, regulations and requirements.
• Knowledge of growth and development issues of individuals with developmental disabilities and/or special needs.
• Knowledge of the districts, communities, and outlying areas of the Tohono O'odham Nation.
• Knowledge of managed care services, including Arizona DDD, AHCCCS, ALTCS, TITLE XIX, SSI and others.
• Knowledge of Tohono O'odham guardianship process.
• Knowledge of health, education and social services programs on the Nation and within Pima County.
• Knowledge of the economic, educational, health and social problems of Native Americans.
  • Skill in working with Tohono O'odham families with children with special needs.
  • Skill in working with variety of age groups.
  • Skill in working with variety of handicapping conditions.
  • Skill in record management procedures.
  • Skill in operating various word-processing, spreadsheets, and database software programs.
• Skill in providing superior customer service to external and internal customers.
  • Ability to travel long distances throughout Nation and surrounding area.
  • Ability to develop and present effective presentations.
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to exercise independent judgment.
  • Ability to work extended hours and various work schedules including nights, weekends and holidays.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.
• Ability to maintain privileged confidential information and exercise objectivity.
• Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively both verbally and in writing.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associates Degree in Education or closely related field and four years of work experience in the fields of learning disabilities, special needs, special education, or an equivalent combination of training, education, and work experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of this position.

Licenses, Certifications, Special Requirements:

• Must obtain certifications in Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and First Aid within the first six months of hire.
• Upon recommendation for hire, a criminal background and National FBI check is required to determine suitability for hire, including a 39-month Motor Vehicle Record.
• May require possessing and maintaining a valid driver's license, (no DUIs or major traffic citations within the last three years).
• If required, must meet the Tohono O'odham Nation tribal employer's insurance requirements to receive a driver's permit to operate program vehicles.
• Based on the department's needs, incumbents may be required to demonstrate fluency in both the Tohono O'odham Language and English as a condition of employment.