About this role
Job Details
Pay Rate: $20.50/ hour
Work Schedule: Part-Time (20 hours/week)
Location: Greensburg, PA (Hybrid: With some remote flexibility)
Sign on Bonus: Up to $1,000
Make a Meaningful Impact
Join The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh at Achieva and help make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities and their families. At Achieva, we foster a welcoming environment where everyone is respected, empowered, and included. If you are a compassionate advocate looking to support others in achieving a life of personal significance, we encourage you to apply.
About Achieva
For over 70 years, Achieva has supported the inclusion of people with disabilities in every aspect of community life. Our mission is to advocate with, empower, and support people with disabilities and their families throughout their lives. We envision a world where all individuals live lives of personal significance.
Position Summary
The Disabilities Advocate provides essential advocacy and family support for individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism, as well as their families. This role assists individuals in navigating special education, transition services, home and community-based services, and other relevant systems. This position reports directly to the President of The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh.
Responsibilities
- Support individuals with disabilities in achieving their desired personal outcomes.
- Provide information, resources, technical assistance, and advocacy for families and students (birth–age 21) regarding education and transition services.
- Assist adults with disabilities based on identified needs and availability.
- Collaborate with families to gather facts and resolve Individualized Education Plan (IEP) related issues.
- Maintain current knowledge of relevant local, state, and federal laws and policies (e.g., IDEA, Rehabilitation Act).
- Maintain accurate records and prepare all required reports in a timely manner.
- Participate in required professional training and development.
- Promote a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all families served.
- Perform additional duties as assigned in alignment with Achieva’s mission. Job duties may change at any time with or without notice.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in social sciences or education required; 1–2 years of relevant advocacy experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
- Strong negotiation, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.
- Highly organized with strong time-management and prioritization abilities.
- Basic computer proficiency (Microsoft Office and Google Workspace).
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for local travel.
- Must be able to pass required background checks, including Act 33, Act 34, and FBI clearances.
- Self-advocates and family members of individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Bilingual (Spanish/English) skills are a plus.
Why Join Achieva?
- Meaningful Work: Directly influence the quality of education and support for families in your community.
- Inclusive Culture: Be part of a values-driven, supportive organization that champions diversity.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
Achieva is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and is committed to creating a workplace and community where all individuals feel respected, included, and valued. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. We are dedicated to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in employment, programs, and activities.
To request an accommodation, contact Human Resources at 412-995-5000 ext. 650 or [email protected].
Other facts
About Achieva
VISION:
Achieva envisions a community where all people with disabilities lead lives of personal significance.
MISSION:
Achieva advocates with, empowers, and supports people with disabilities and their families throughout their lives.
CORE VALUES:
Respect: Value and celebrate everyone.
Passion: Be dedicated to Achieva’s mission and vision.
Ethics: Infuse integrity, quality and best practices in everything we do.
Change: Embrace and drive innovation toward inclusive person-centered practices.
Team: Inspire, challenge and support each other.
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES:
Person Centered: Create and nurture a culture throughout ACHIEVA that promotes person-centered thinking and planning and in how we provide support.
Advocacy: Ensure that advocacy remains a foundational part of the organization, is supported by sustainable funding and staffing, and focuses on individual advocacy and important system advocacy issues.
Impact: Identify, develop and pursue new and innovative initiatives that stretch Achieva’s abilities to fulfill its vision and mission.
Staff: Implement enhanced strategies to attract, develop and retain the highest quality staff.
Diversity: Develop and pursue a diverse and inclusive culture throughout the organization.
Technology: Leverage technology to enhance all aspects of the organization and services/supports.
Advancement: Develop and pursue an advancement agenda that enhances Achieva’s financial position, community presence and leadership.
What you'll do
- The Disabilities Advocate provides advocacy and family support for individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism. This role assists individuals in navigating special education, transition services, and other relevant systems.
Ready to join Achieva?
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