Life & Community Advocator (Full-Time) (5601)

About the Organization

The Arc Prince George’s County serves more than 600 individuals with disabilities through a variety of programs, services and supports. Our primary areas of support are community living, family and personal supports, employment services, and day programs - all with an emphasis on person-centered community involvement and inclusion. To learn more about us, please visit www.thearcofpgc.org.

Position Summary

The Arc Prince George's County is seeking a Life & Community Advocators that performs a wide variety of person centered support and services, with a strong emphasis on personal choice to individuals with developmental disabilities. These supports and services involve advocating for, encouraging, guiding and teaching individuals in expressing personal choice, developing daily living skills and habits, taking care of their personal needs, assuring community integration, ensuring for their health and safety, and maintaining a healthy, safe home environment. The supports and services performed depend upon the specific abilities of the individuals being served and the nature of the setting where the activities are performed.

Schedule

Scheduled Work Days: Monday - Friday
Work Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (40 hrs/wk)
Location(s): Laurel, Lanham, Largo

Responsibilities

• Preparation for Change: Plan and prepare for changes by working closely with individuals to identify and address their needs and preferences.
• Community Integration: Assist individuals in identifying, planning, and engaging in appropriate community experiences based on their interests and needs.
• Person-Centered Plan Implementation: Implement and monitor Person-Centered Plans (PCPs) to support individuals’ community involvement and goal achievement.
• Direct Support & Safety: Provide ongoing supervision and assistance with activities of daily living, ensuring individuals' safety and well-being both in the facility and the community.
• Community Living Skills: Teach and support individuals in developing essential community living skills, including money management, shopping, and appropriate social interactions.
• Health & Personal Care: Assist individuals with personal hygiene, grooming, and health care needs, and respond to medical concerns promptly and appropriately.
• Emergency Response: Respond to medical emergencies, administer first aid as needed, and follow emergency protocols, including evacuation plans.
• Documentation: Complete accurate and timely documentation in the Electronic Health Record System (EHR), including activity participation, behavior programs, and health updates.
• Team Collaboration & Communication: Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and team discussions, promoting effective teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
• Behavioral Support: Assist in managing challenging behaviors in compliance with individual Behavior Plans (BPs) and contribute behavioral data for review.
• Health & Safety Compliance: Report any health, safety, or environmental hazards and ensure the safe operation of equipment and vehicles.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that all required reports, including regulatory and incident reports, are completed within the proper time frames and in accordance with policies.
• Program Planning & Development: Collaborate with the Interdisciplinary Team to develop and review Individual Plans (IPs) and Behavior Plans (BPs), ensuring person-centered and inclusive goals.
• Training & Development: Attend and participate in all required trainings, in-services, and workshops, and assist in training staff on individual plans and behavioral strategies.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent. (required)
• At least 1-year experience in working with persons with disabilities/behaviors is preferred.
• Must be 18 years of age and have desire to work with adults who require a great deal of hands