Bilingual Spanish-Speaking Life & Community Advocator

The Arc Prince George's County; Upper Marlboro (MD); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

403(b) retirement plan with employer match

Tuition reimbursement

Paid holidays

Generous paid time-off

Company-paid life insurance

Job summary

The Arc Prince George's County is hiring a Life & Community Advocate in Upper Marlboro, MD, to provide person-centered support to individuals with disabilities. Responsibilities include advocating for choices, assisting with daily living skills, and ensuring safety and wellness.

Ideal candidates must have a high school diploma, experience with disabilities, good communication skills, and a valid Maryland driver's license. Competitive salary and benefits including health insurance and paid time off are offered.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of experience working with persons with disabilities/behaviors is preferred.
• Must be 18 years of age or older and desire to work with adults requiring assistance.
• Must maintain a current Maryland driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for individuals to express personal choice and develop daily living skills.
• Assist individuals with personal hygiene, grooming, and health care needs.
• Implement Person-Centered Plans (PCPs) to support community involvement.

Skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Microsoft Office

Reliability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Electronic Health Record System

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

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, visit www.thearcofpgc.org.

Position Summary

The Arc Prince George's County is seeking a Life & Community Advocate who performs a wide variety of person‑centered support and services, with a strong emphasis on personal choice for individuals with developmental disabilities. These supports involve advocating for, encouraging, guiding and teaching individuals in expressing personal choice, developing daily living skills and habits, taking care of their personal needs, ensuring community integration, assuring health and safety, and maintaining a healthy, safe home environment. The 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(s): Laurel, Lanham, Largo.

Key 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.

Ideal Candidate

• High school diploma or equivalent (required).
• At least 1 year of experience working with persons with disabilities/behaviors is preferred.
• 18 years of age or older and desire to work with adults who require a great deal of hands‑on assistance, personal care and supervision (required).
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, and Excel).
• Good driving record, reliable vehicle, and current Maryland driver’s license with no more than 2 points (required).
• Strong communication skills.
• Dependable and reliable.
• Basic computer skills and ability to use all required software.
• Ability to problem‑solve and assist in decision‑making, including during emergencies.
• Maintain current status regarding assigned core competencies and other required certification acquisition within established schedule and timelines.
• Meet the criteria to be an approved driver for The Arc of Prince George’s County and have reliable transportation.
• Ability to work productively with individuals and other team members to develop relationships.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills and good customer service skills.

Total Rewards

The Arc offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental and vision plans; a 403(b) retirement plan with employer match; tuition reimbursement; benevolence program; paid holidays; generous paid time‑off; paid training; company‑paid life insurance; and much more.

Additional Information About The Arc of Prince George’s County

• Community Living – managing group living homes.
• Family and Personal Supports – providing 1:1 individual supports.
• Employment Services – job training and employment opportunities for people we support.
• Day Programs – meaningful outings in the community.