Director of Advocacy

The Arc Tennessee

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Job Summary

The Director of Advocacy is responsible for the ongoing implementation and management The Arc Tennessee’s advocacy, self advocacy, awareness, education, employment and related services.

Job Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

General

• Uphold the mission, positions and values of The Arc of Tennessee
• Possess a general knowledge of The Arc as a national, state and local organization
• Comply with fiscal, legal, and agency (The Arc) requirements
• Role model behaviors that reflect trust, competence, vision, and inspiration
• Involve others in planning or problem solving
• Expand and upgrade knowledge and skills through on-the-job, program sponsored, or outside educational opportunities
• Seek out opportunities that expand the scope of mission-driven projects offered by The Arc TN

Specific Job Duties

• Manage the delivery of all advocacy, awareness, education and employment services included in The Arc TN’s grants and contracts
• Ensure the delivery of high quality, person-centered advocacy, awareness, education and employment services as outlined in The Arc TN’s grants and contracts
• Work collaboratively with the Director of Program  Administration to ensure adherence to budgets and applicable policies and procedures, hiring of program employees and completion of required reports
• Supervision and guidance of program team members
• Work collaboratively with the Director of Program Administration to ensure appropriate assignment of advocacy referrals according to priority level and geographic location 
• Work collaboratively with individuals, their families/conservators, DIDD, court representatives and community agencies to assure that assigned functions are accomplished within given timeframes.
• Provide information and referral as appropriate to individuals seeking assistance
• Provide technical assistance as appropriate to individuals needing support to navigate the complex system of services for individuals with I/DD and their families including but not limited to early intervention, education, VR, DIDD, TennCare, DHS, DOMH, AAAD, and SSA/SSI
• Provide direct advocacy services for individuals with disabilities as appropriate when faced with issues related to special education, civil/human rights/quality of life; service access; health and safety; legal; and conservatorship
• Maintain documentation of activities related to information and referral, technical assistance and direct advocacy and other documentation as requested
• Maintain documentation of employment services as required
• Maintain involvement in various state and local committees, councils, task forces, etc. that impact people with I/DD and their families
• Develop, conduct and promote workshops and educational opportunities relevant to special education; transition; self-advocacy, self-direction and self-determination; conservatorship; rights and responsibilities; navigating the service system; person-centered planning; customized employment; and other topics of interest to persons with I/DD, their families, educators and service providers
• Promote projects of The Arc Tennessee with individuals, families, school systems, and other community organizations
• Work collaboratively with the Director of Program Administration to develop promotional program materials
• Attend meetings as required
• Support other activities of The Arc TN such as family meetings, board committees, conferences, etc.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Work collaboratively with (and supervise)  the People First of Tennessee

Reporting

• Monthly workbook
• Monthly work plan
• Quarterly success stories
• Annual report
• Other documentation upon request

• (A job description is a brief narrative of one’s job functions.  It is not meant to entail all facets of one’s job duties.)

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; minimum high school diploma or GED
• Minimum of five years of experience in the service delivery system for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities or special educationwith a Bachelor’s Degree; minimum of ten years of experience with a high school diploma or GED
• Program operation experience including program and budget development, implementation, oversight and evaluation
• Experience and knowledge of Special Education law- both at the State and Federal level.
• Experience and knowledge of the class member lawsuits for DIDD helpful
• Supervisory/management experience preferred
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proven leadership skills
• Computer literate
• Team player
• Valid driver’s license and insurable driving record or reliable transportation
• Ability to have flexibility with work schedule and to travel across the state

Additional Information

Benefits

How to Apply

Apply via email including cover letter and resume to Heidi Haines at hhaines@thearctn.org.

 

Details

• Date Posted: January 25, 2021
• Type: Full-Time
• Job Function: Executive Leadership
• Service Area: Other
• Start Date: 03/01/2021
• Working Hours: 40 hrs/wk