Client Advocate

Location: Stockton area
Full-time position with an annual salary range of $45,000 – $52,094 plus benefits package.

About the role

Assist deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals—including those with additional disabilities—their families, and the general public by providing seven mandated services in accordance with our contract with the California Department of Social Services, Office of Deaf Access.

Responsibilities

• Assist individual consumers with their issues, provide information about their options, and develop strategies that support their decisions.
• Advocate for families with their child’s IFSP/IEP and for consumers regarding their right to qualified interpreters, Section 504, and ADA (anti-discrimination) rights.
• Help consumers navigate governmental human services systems including Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Section 8 HUD, and Cal-Fresh.
• Assist consumers with managing budgets, finding housing, using public transportation, managing immigration status, obtaining citizenship, and other daily living issues.
• Provide crisis intervention for Deaf individuals experiencing abuse or neglect, coordinating services from police, shelters, adult protective services, and CPS.
• Assist in coordinating licensed counseling, alcohol/drug treatment, and mental health services based on consumer’s health insurance, geographic area, and program eligibility.
• Develop and maintain relationships with governmental and community organizations that serve as resources for Deaf consumers.
• Provide and coordinate presentations or workshops on consumer issues, Deaf Culture 101 trainings, and exhibit booths.
• Work as a team member to further NorCal’s mission; adhere to agency policies, including confidentiality, code of ethics, and conflict of interest.
• Participate in a team-oriented approach to case management; attend staff meetings and trainings as required.
• Maintain appropriate and confidential case files, records, and statistical data on all client contacts and services provided.
• Complete special projects and perform other duties as assigned by the Outreach Manager or CEO.

Requirements

• B.A. degree desired; or 4 years of professional experience working with deaf and hard-of-hearing adults and/or providing social services; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Fluency in American Sign Language to communicate with Deaf consumers with diverse communication skills.
• Demonstrated advocacy skills and ability to identify community resources.
• Ability to communicate via email, explain written documents in ASL, track and complete forms, maintain accurate case notes, and record statistical information.
• Strong interpersonal skills: ability to collaborate with other service providers, establish rapport with consumers, and maintain ongoing communication to develop trust.
• Self-directed with strong problem-solving skills; ability to work with minimal supervision, prioritize tasks, and plan work activities.
• Ability to cope with urgent situations and thrive in a fast-paced environment; collaborate with co-workers to ensure high-quality client services.
• Computer skills: proficiency in Internet use, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Background knowledge of laws and programs benefiting and protecting the rights of Deaf and hard-of-hearing persons (e.g., Department of Rehabilitation, Social Security Administration policies, ADA, IDEA) is desirable.
• Valid California driver’s license and auto insurance as required by law, or other reliable transportation.
• Willingness to travel throughout NorCal’s multi-county service area.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits program including disability, life, accidental death, and dismemberment insurance.
• Company-paid health coverage for employees; options for family coverage through medical, dental, and vision plans.
• 401k retirement plan.
• Tax advantages through flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
• Generous paid time off program with benefits increasing based on tenure.
• Mileage and smart mobile device reimbursement.

Pay

$45,000 – $52,094 annually.