About Action Toward Independence, Inc. (ATI)
Action Toward Independence, Inc. is a Center for Independent Living, established in 1988, which provides services to people with disabilities primarily in Orange and Sullivan Counties. ATI promotes the independence, inclusion, participation and personal choice of individuals with disabilities of all ages, in all environments.
Position Summary
Under general supervision by the Program Manager, the Veteran Peer Advocate is responsible for all aspects of consumer advocacy and community outreach to Veterans and Service Members with disabilities and thier families. The Veteran Peer Advocate will serve as a positive example and will assists veterans and their family members in achieving successful reintegration and wellness while home or post separation from active duty.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
· Conduct community outreach and engage with Veterans, Service Members, and family members to encourage service connection.
· Offer eligible program participants all services provided by ATI and fellow staff members.
· Outreach to other agencies to promote referrals of people whom may be appropriate for Veteran services.
· Facilitate or co-facilitate peer support groups in a consistent manner.
· Provide continuous care by collaborating and coordinating with other agencies to supply a coordinated array of services chosen by each participating Veteran and/or Service Member to achieve their goals for independent living.
· Provide Veterans and Service Members with a set of independent living core services aimed at promoting independence, self-help, community inclusion/equal access, personal growth, empowerment and achievement of personal goals through the use of a peer based model.
· Provide peer support, mentoring, assistance and advocacy to Veterans and Service Members on an individual and group basis to enable them to successfully re-integrate to civilian and family life.
· Assist and support Veterans and Service Members in their employment choices to help match them with a position that aligns with their strengths; and work with them to manage job-related anxiety.
· Access community resources and develop support systems and skills to cope with daily stress.
· Provide information and referral to other community based services and supports that will help the Veteran with identified needs and goals.
· Assist the Veteran and Service Member to obtain benefits, housing, employment, social connections and other needs as requested by the individual.
· Maintain their own personal wellness and present an appropriate model to those whom are mentored.
· Complete and maintain all required documentation for reporting and record keeping.
· Perform additional duties as deemed necessary or relevant to the scope of the position, at the discretion of the Executive Director.
Minimum Qualifications
· Honorable Discharge from any Branch of Service or currently serving National Guard or Reserve Member.
· Demonstrated commitment to disability rights and the philosophy of independent living.
· Knowledge of the Mental Health Field and PTSD.
· Self-directing and able to work independently.
· Excellent verbal, written and organizational skills.
· Reliable transportation; ability to travel.
· Ability to multi-task.
· Willingness to participate in continuing education, where applicable to the job duties, performance or professional growth.
Preferred Qualifications
· Qualified person with a disability.
· Computer proficiency and experience documenting in a computer database system.
Physical Demands & Work Environment
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential job functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
· Physical Demands: While performing this position, the employee is occasionally required to stand, sit, walk, use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, reach with hands and arms, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch and talk or hear. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
· Work Environment: While performing the duties of this position, the employee may be exposed to electronic equipment, including: computers, printers, fax machines, copy machines and cleaning equipment. Employee may also be exposed to outdoor elements. Employees are to take all precautions while in these environments. The noise level in the work environment is typically moderate and limited to voices, animal sounds and office/cleaning equipment.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $18.00 - $19.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person
