Client Advocate

NorCal Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing; Stockton, Northern (CA, KY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

401k retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

NorCal Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing is seeking a Client Advocate in the Stockton area to assist Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals and families. The role supports seven mandated services under a California DSS contract, including rights advocacy, access to interpreters, and navigation of public benefits.

Responsibilities include crisis intervention, case management, and coordinating counseling or treatment services based on insurance and eligibility.

Qualifications

• Fluency in American Sign Language to communicate with Deaf consumers.
• Demonstrated advocacy skills; ability to identify community resources.
• Ability to communicate by email and explain written documents into ASL; track and complete forms; maintain case notes.

Responsibilities

• Assist consumers with issues, provide information about options, and develop strategies.
• Advocate for families regarding IFSP/IEP, interpreter rights, and ADA rights.
• Navigate Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, housing programs, and other services.
• Help consumers manage budget, housing, transportation, immigration status, and daily living needs.
• Provide crisis intervention for Deaf individuals in abuse or neglect situations.
• Coordinate counseling and mental health services based on insurance and eligibility.
• Develop and maintain relations with governmental and community organizations.
• Provide presentations and workshops on consumer issues and Deaf culture.

Skills

ASL fluency

Advocacy

Communication skills

Records management

Education

B.A. degree or equivalent experience

Experience with deaf and hard-of-hearing adults

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Outlook

PowerPoint

Job description

Position: CLIENT ADVOCATE

Location: STOCKTON AREA

Status: FULL TIME

SALARY RANGE: $45,000 – 52,094 annually plus benefits package

POSITION SUMMARY

Assist deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals including those with other disabilities in addition to hearing loss, their families and the general public by providing seven mandated services in accordance to our contract with the California Department of Social Services, Office of Deaf Access.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Assist individual consumers with their issues, provide information about their options and develop strategies with the consumer that support their decisions.
2. Advocate for families with their child’s IFSP/IEP, and for consumers for their right to qualified interpreter, their Section 504 and ADA (anti-discrimination) rights.
3. Help consumers navigate the governmental human services system including Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Section 8 HUD, Cal-Fresh.
4. Assist consumers with managing their budget, finding housing, using public transportation, managing immigration status and obtaining citizenship and other daily living issues.
5. Provide crisis intervention for Deaf individuals experiencing abuse or neglect and need services from police, shelters, adult protective services and CPS.
6. Assist in coordinating licensed counseling, alcohol/drug treatment and mental health services for the consumer based on consumer’s health insurance, geographic area, and program eligibility.
7. Develop and maintain relations with governmental and community organizations that serve as resources for Deaf consumers.
8. Provide and coordinate presentations or workshops pertaining to consumer issues; Deaf Culture 101 trainings; exhibit booths.
9. Work as a team member of NorCal in furtherance of its mission; Adhere to agency policies and work rules including confidentiality, code of ethics, and conflict of interest.
10. Participate in a team-oriented approach to case management; Attend full staff and other meetings and trainings as required.
11. Maintain appropriate and confidential case files, records and statistical data on all client contacts and provision of services in accordance with NorCal policies and procedures.
12. Complete special projects and perform other duties as assigned by the Outreach Manager or CEO.

EDUCATION

B.A. Degree desired; or 4 years of professional experience working with deaf and hard of hearing adults and/or providing social services; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES

California Driver’s License and Auto Insurance as required by law; or reliable transportation

QUALIFICATIONS

Required: Fluency in American Sign Language to communicate with Deaf consumers with diverse communication skills.

Demonstrated advocacy skills; Ability to identify community resources. Ability to communicate by email and explain written documents into ASL, track and complete forms, maintain accurate case notes and record statistical information.

Interpersonal Skills: Ability to collaborate with other service providers; ability to establish rapport with consumers and maintain on-going communication and develop trust. Self-directed; Strong problem-solving skills; Work with minimal supervision; Ability to prioritize and plan own work activities; Attention to detail. Ability to cope with urgent situations and thrive in a fast-paced environment; collaborate with co-workers and team members to ensure that clients are provided with the highest quality of services.

Computer Skills: Knowledge and experience in using Internet, Microsoft Office Word, EXCEL, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Background knowledge of various laws and programs benefiting and protecting the rights of Deaf and hard of hearing persons, i.e. Department of Rehabilitation, Social Security Administration Policies and Regulations, Americans with Disabilities Act, and IDEA is desirable.

Valid California driver license and auto insurance as required by law or other means of reliable transportation. Willingness to travel throughout NorCal’s multi-county service area.

The benefits of being a NorCal Employee

Because NorCal Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing hires the best people, we work hard to provide benefits that make their lives better. We offer a comprehensive benefits program which features:

• financial protection through disability, life, accidental death, and dismemberment insurance
• company paid health coverage for you; and options for family coverage through medical, dental, and vision plans
• a 401k retirement plan
• tax advantages through flexible spending accounts that allow you to pay for specific healthcare and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars
• a generous paid time off program in which the benefits increase along with your tenure with the company

mileage and smart mobile device reimbursement