Life & Community Advocator - MLK or Bridges Location ($20.30 - 21.52)

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, 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.  

Working Days & Hours:

• Scheduled Work Days: Monday - Friday

• Work Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (40 hrs/wk)

• Location: MLK or Bridges Day Program

What You'll Be Doing Day-to-Day:

• 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.

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent

• 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-on assistance, personal care and supervision

• Strong written and oral communication skills

• Experience with Microsoft Office (outlook, word, and excel)

• Must have a good driving record, reliable vehicle, and current Maryland driver’s license, with no more than 2 points

• Must have strong communication skills

• Must be dependable and reliable

• Must have basic computer skills and be able to use all required software

• Must have ability to problem-solve and assist in decision-making, including during emergencies

• Must maintain current status regarding assigned core competencies and other required certification acquisition within established schedule and timelines

• Must meet the criteria to be an approved driver for the Arc of Prince George's County and have reliable transportation

• Must have the ability to work productively with individuals and other team members to develop relationships

• Must possess excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills and good customer service skills

Total Rewards

The Arc offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, to include medical, dental and vision plans. A 403(b) retirement plan w/ employer match, tuition reimbursement, benevolence program, paid holidays, generous paid time-off, paid training, company paid life insurance, and much more!