Disability Advocate

Preference Given to Applicants Who Apply Before APRIL 15th.

Job Posting: Advocate

Georgia Advocacy Office

Position Summary

The Georgia Advocacy Office (GAO) is Georgia’s federally mandated protection and advocacy system. GAO is seeking a dedicated and mission-driven Advocate to work across all P&A programs to protect and advance the rights of people with disabilities. This position plays a critical role in ensuring people with disabilities are free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation and have meaningful access to community-based services and supports. The Advocate will work directly with individuals with disabilities, conduct investigations, monitor facilities, and collaborate closely with Program Directors and other staff to advance systemic and individual advocacy efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct advocacy for people with disabilities across all P&A programs, including individuals living in facilities and in the community.

• Conduct investigations into allegations of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and rights violations, including interviews, records review, and site visits.

• Enter and monitor facilities where people with disabilities live, receive services, or are detained, in accordance with P&A authority.

• Support individuals in accessing community-based services and supports, including housing, healthcare, behavioral health services, education, and employment.

• Monitor conditions in facilities to assess compliance with federal and state laws, regulations, and standards of care.

• Work collaboratively with Program Directors to coordinate advocacy strategies, share findings, and support systemic advocacy efforts.

• Maintain accurate, timely documentation of advocacy activities, investigations, and monitoring efforts.

• Educate individuals with disabilities, families, service providers, and stakeholders about disability rights and available protections.

• Participate in outreach, training, and public education activities as assigned. • Perform other related duties consistent with the mission of the P&A system.

• Support organizational projects and initiatives that foster self-determination and self-advocacy and that support ordinary citizens to stand by and with people with disabilities.

• Participate on task forces, coalitions, and committees.

• Maintain accurate, confidential files documenting advocacy services provided.

• Assist in preparing reports to funding sources.

• Perform related tasks consistent with skills, abilities, and general responsibilities as required.

Skills

• Effective and professional communication skills, including demonstrated writing skills.

• Interpersonal skills to maintain productive working relationships with all staff and to work in interdisciplinary teams with other professionals.

• Organizational skills to successfully complete multiple priorities and tasks and meet self-imposed and externally set deadlines.

Minimum Qualifications

• A sense of identification with people with disabilities and a dedicated commitment to the rights of people with disabilities.

• A Bachelor’s degree in a related field or a combination of life experience and education

• Demonstrating a likely capacity to perform the requirements of the position.

• A strong commitment to the improvement of quality of life and protection of rights for people with disabilities in Georgia.

• Ability and willingness to travel throughout the state of Georgia.

• Ability to pass a background check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in Social Role Valorization and related training.

• Specialized knowledge in disability or related field.

• Experience advocating with and for persons with disabilities.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Outlook, Excel, web-based

• report creation, and generic database management.

• Reliable transportation, insurance, and valid driver’s license or access to transportation.

• Experience providing training to diverse groups of people.

Working Conditions

• Regular travel to facilities and community locations is required.

• The position may involve exposure to emotionally challenging situations, including investigations of abuse or neglect.

• Some flexibility in hours may be required to meet advocacy and investigative needs.