Self Advocate Coordinator

The State of Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS) - South Region - has one (1) current part-time job opportunity for a Self Advocate Coordinator. This position will be located in the New Haven office in the Self Determination Division.

This is a 20-hour per week position with a flexible work schedule. The work schedule will fluctuate based on the needs of the department. The work schedule will be determined at date of hire and will be either 4 days per week at 5 hours per day or 5 days per week at 4 hour per day.

Applicants must be an individual who is DDS eligible and receives supports from DDS. This position is responsible for spreading the department's mission and incorporating the principles into every aspect of the position.

Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening and must specify their qualifications on their application. 

Please note you will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application for this posting to the JobAps system.

If selected for further consideration, at the time of interview, employee may be required to provide letters of reference.

• Transportation is required to get to and from the office. Transportation to other locations will be negotiated. Position does involve travel and requires flexibility of work schedule in response to Department needs.

• Individuals who may require additional 1-1 supports may use their individual DDS allocation or portable funds to provide these supports.

This posting MAY require completion of additional referral questions (RQs) which will be sent to you via email after the closing date. Please regularly check your email for notifications. You must reply by the deadline indicated on the notification or you will be automatically disqualified from consideration.

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Cindy Lukaszewicz at Cindy.Lukaszewicz@ct.gov or (203)294-5037.

In the Department of Developmental Services, this class performs a range of duties to influence change that will result in the enhanced empowerment of people with cognitive disabilities to have control in their lives and authority over the resources that support them.

Examples of duties include: provide leadership, mentor and train individuals, families, internal DDS staff, qualified provider staff and community members; support existing Self Advocacy groups and educate and assist in creating new self advocacy groups; create self determination materials that are written for and by people with cognitive disabilities; participate in regional and statewide SAC meetings; act as a representative of the department on various statewide and regional committees/trainings; participate in interviews and assist in hiring for various DDS positions and involvement in community networks and promoting self determination and self direction within the state.  The Self Advocate Coordinator may assist individuals in problem solving and planning development by providing peer to peer support.  The SAC coordinator will assist organizations and individuals in developing and facilitating events to promote the initiatives of the department.  This position is responsible for speaking to individuals, families, community members and private and public staff about self-determination and self-advocacy and the initiatives of DDS.

In accordance with Sec. 49-52 of Public Act 12-197, Self Advocate Coordinators employed in positions by the Department of Developmental Services are: 

1) eligible for prorated sick leave, in accordance with DAS regulations;

2) eligible for prorated vacation and personal leave; and

3) must be given time off with pay, for the number of hours they would have been scheduled to work for any legal holiday that falls on a day that they would regularly be scheduled to work.

• Applicants need to self-direct their supports or plan to self-direct and/or receive some supports from a private provider.

• Applicant needs to live a “self-determined” life.

• Applicants must have knowledge of self-advocacy and self-determination and be able to represent individuals’ views.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.  If you require an accommodation to participate fully and fairly under the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact Renee LaBarge, DDS EEO Director at 860-418-6022 or renee.labarge@ct.gov.