Matrix Parent Advisor

Position: Matrix Parent Advisor Reports To: Director of Matrix Program Partime: 15 Hours per week Hourly Rate: $30.00 Summary of Job: Mentor families of children (birth to 26 years-old) with disabilities by providing information, resources, and support to help build their confidence and advocacy skills. Services are provided by phone and one on one consultation, through training and workshops (can be virtual at times) and in collaborative meetings with agencies and professionals. The preferred candidate is the parent of a child with a disability. This is a part-time position, up to 15 hours a week with potential to work in Sonoma, Solano, Napa or Marin Counties depending on community needs. Applicants must live and work in the area where services are delivered. Job Duties and

Responsibilities:

- Evaluate the needs of parents related to their child’s development, understanding of services, parenting and advocacy skills
- Provide supportive communication, respecting cultural and individual differences
- Model collaboration, problem-solving and organization for parents
- Provide referrals, resources, and information on development, special needs, and systems such as Special Education, Regional Centers, and Early Start
- Conduct training for parents and professionals and facilitate support groups
- Participate in public awareness activities, community, and inter-agency meetings
- Maintain paperwork, manage time sensitive services and record client information and data
- Engage in professional development
- Respond promptly to consumers, service providers, and community partners to address inquiries or requests.
- Train and support consumers, family members, and / or caregivers in self-advocacy skills with a goal of independent self-advocacy and self-sufficiency.
- Maintain complete, organized, and confidential records, ensuring timely data input and well-documented case notes in compliance with federal, state, and / or funder reporting requirements.
- Identify and document success stories to promote organizational learning, create promotional materials, and fulfill reporting obligations.
- Initiate and conduct outreach activities to educate community members and service providers about agency services and to foster relationships that result in resources and opportunities available to consumers, their families, and their caregivers.
- Stay informed about resources and services available to individuals with disabilities of all ages, their families, and their caregivers to enhance service coordination capabilities through continuing education.
- Provides individualized support to parents and families through phone and in-person consultations, one-on-one meetings, and IEP meeting support. Conducts in-person training for parents and professionals and represents the organization at community outreach events throughout Marin, Napa, Sonoma, and Solano counties. Occasional evening and weekend availability is required.
- Perform other duties as assigned. Education and

Experience:

- Must have experience with families of children with disabilities.
- Clear verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work in emotionally charged and stressful situations.
- Computer and data/information management and organizational skills.
- Ability to communicate clearly and work collaboratively.

Skills:

- Understanding and implementation of the Independent Living (IL) philosophy.
- Ability to advocate for people with disabilities, their families, and / or their caregivers and train others in self-advocacy.
- Maintaining confidentiality and handling confidential information appropriately.
- Strong self-management skills, including good time management and the ability to work well with others.
- Ability to follow direction, exercise initiative, demonstrate ingenuity, and exercise sound judgment in accordance with established policies and procedures.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Docs applications.
- Ability to present and explain services offered by the agency. Schedule & Work Environment: ● This is a 30-hour-per-week position serving families throughout Sonoma County. ● The position includes office, community-based, and limited virtual work. A significant portion of services will be provided in person at Family Resource Centers and other community locations throughout Sonoma County. ● Some evening or non-traditional hours may be required for Parent/Family Cafes, workshops, trainings, and community events. For awareness: ● If this job ever becomes a full time position, full time hourly and full time exempt positions are intended to work full time from one of two of our offices. Currently, due to a shortage of office space, this position operates from our office location for 2-3 days per week and 2-3 days remotely (subject to supervisor’s approval). ● Standard business hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, with a designated 1-hour lunch period. ● Once MCIL has found a new office all program positions will be in person Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. About Marin CIL: Since 1979, the mission of Marin Center for Independent Living is to assist persons with all types of disabilities with achieving their maximum level of sustainable independence as contributing, responsible and equal participants in society. Marin CIL believes that outstanding people who are committed to, and carry out, our mission are the key to our success. Our mission includes commitment and attention to implementing the Independent Living Philosophy and enthusiasm for the vision and tasks of changing the position of people living with disabilities in Marin County (and the State and country). Marin CIL is also part of the One Door service delivery model which includes their partnership with the county of Marin Aging and Adult Services. EEO Statement: Marin Center for Independent Living is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. We strictly prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We strive to create an inclusive and diverse work environment where everyone is treated with dignity, fairness, and respect. We are dedicated to fostering a workplace culture that celebrates individual differences and promotes equal opportunities for all. Our commitment to equal employment extends beyond compliance with legal requirements and guides our everyday practices. We value the contributions and perspectives of each team member and believe that a diverse workforce enhances our ability to achieve our mission effectively. Marin Center for Independent Living is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment. We encourage qualified individuals from all backgrounds to apply for employment with our organization and join us in our pursuit of creating a society that respects and embraces diversity. CODE OF CONDUCT Our Code of Conduct guides the interpersonal relationships and interactions of our employees, have with each other and with our consumers, including through social media, to promote a safe and secure environment, to foster a community feeling, and to assist them in carrying out their daily activities in a way that supports our mission and philosophy. The following behaviors and conduct are expected of everyone working at Marin CIL:
- All coworkers and consumers will be treated with a spirit of kindness, patience and understanding, and in accordance with Marin CIL’s mission and philosophy.
- All coworkers and consumers will be treated with respect, concern, courtesy and responsiveness in the performance of all job duties. All services will be provided in a manner that does not discriminate, harass or bully any person, or jeopardize anyone’s health or safety.
- Work will be performed in a cooperative manner with management, coworkers, and consumers.
- Policies and procedures on the use or disclosure of personal or confidential information regarding individuals we serve, staff, donors, and or Marin CIL, including HIPAA financial or proprietary, sensitive information will be followed at all times.
- High standards of personal integrity, honesty and professionalism will be exhibited in the workplace and community at all times, which includes interacting with consumers, families, coworkers, and the public in a civil, courteous, and professional manner.
- All duties will be performed without favoritism or improper influence by family, social or other relationships. Direct service staff may not solicit or accept gratuities or gifts from consumers, their families or vendors. Items that express sentimental value but a monetary value of less than $10 may be accepted with approval of the Deputy Director. Examples might include a card, picture or small handmade item. Gifts of food or flowers will be shared with coworkers. In all cases, decisions about gifts from consumers will be based on the best interest of the consumer.
- Engaging in conduct that is deemed to be insubordinate, vulgar, obscene, threatening, intimidating, harassing, and/or unlawfully discriminatory (as further defined by the Anti-Harassment and Anti-Discrimination policy) is prohibited.
- Threatening, intimidating, coercing, or otherwise interfering with the job performance of fellow employees or management is prohibited.
- The assets and resources of Marin CIL, its employees, and consumers will be protected and preserved by following procedures to prevent their loss, theft, or unauthorized use.
- Marin CIL work time, property, equipment, and resources will not be used for personal gain.
- Employees will not engage in any activity or business which creates a conflict of interest with the philosophy, goals or policies of Marin CIL, or has an adverse effect on the confidence of our consumers and the public in the integrity of Marin CIL.
- Adherence to Marin CIL policies and procedures and full cooperation with any investigation the company may undertake is expected at all times. This is not all inclusive and serves as a general overview of the conduct that all employees, volunteers, and interns should display. Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. ARBITRATION POLICY Pursuant to the At Will Employment, Confidentiality, and Arbitration Agreement between you and Marin CIL, any and all controversies, claims, or disputes with anyone (including Marin CIL and any employee, officer, director, or benefit plan of Marin CIL in their capacity as such or otherwise) arising out of, relating to, or resulting from your employment with Marin CIL or the termination of your employment with Marin CIL shall be subject to binding arbitration under the Arbitration Rules set forth in California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1280 through 1294.2, including section 1283.05 (the "Rules") and pursuant to California law. Disputes which will be arbitrated include any statutory claims under state or federal law, including, but not limited to, claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, the California Labor Code, claims of harassment, discrimination or wrongful termination and any statutory claims. This arbitration policy also applies to any disputes that Marin CIL may have with you. Pay: $29.95
- $30.00 per hour Expected hours: 15.0 per week Work

Location:
Hybrid remote in San Rafael, CA 94903