The Service Navigation and Advocacy Specialist is a grant-funded position that advances Autism Society Ventura County’s (ASVC) mission by providing culturally responsive, individualized advocacy and resource navigation for families of individuals with developmental disabilities, including Spanish-speaking and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. This role provides one-on-one support at key service touchpoints, builds trust with underserved communities, and strengthens relationships with local systems of care to ensure equitable access and better outcomes.
Job Duties/Responsibilities:
- Attend and support families during Tri-Counties Regional Center intakes and assessments, IEP meetings, In Home Support Services evaluations, Medi-Cal appointments, and Supplemental Security Income processes.
- Provide real-time advocacy, guidance, and interpretation (Spanish-English) during meetings.
- Assist families in understanding their rights, services, and available support.
- Support completion of applications, appeals, and complaints for Regional Center, IHSS, Medi-Cal, SSI, and related services.
- Manage the Resource Hotline phone and respond to inquiries in a timely manner.
- Manage referrals through the Ventura County Community Information Exchange.
- Track and document client interactions, outcomes, and service barriers.
- Facilitate workshops and one-on-one education on topics including self-advocacy, service navigation, and rights.
- Develop and deliver culturally relevant, bilingual educational materials.
- Empower families to build confidence in navigating complex systems independently.
- Conduct outreach at community events, schools, and partner organizations to connect families to ASVC services.
- Build and maintain relationships with TCRC staff, school districts, family resource centers, and community partners.
- Strengthen referral pathways and increase community awareness of available resources.
- Support data collection, reporting, and evaluation aligned with grant requirements.
- Maintain accurate records in ASVC systems and contribute to program reporting.
- Assist with ASVC’s annual events, including Aut2Run.
- Uphold ASVC’s values as a neurodiversity-affirming organization in all interactions.
- All other duties as assigned.
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