Careers

Core Services Advocate – Low Country

Pay: $14.00 – $16.00 per hour (Based on experience)

Employment Status: Parttime / Nonexempt (Hourly)

Location: North Augusta, SC; service area includes Bamberg, Allendale, Hampton, Colleton, Jasper, Beaufort

Benefits: Access to dental and vision insurance, retirement plan, paid leave, mileage reimbursement, Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The Independent Living Core Services Advocate supports individuals with disabilities in achieving their self-identified goals for independent living through services consistent with the Independent Living Philosophy and federal standards established under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

The position delivers federally recognized Independent Living Core Services, supports consumer-directed goal achievement, maintains required documentation, and contributes to program performance and compliance activities. The Advocate works collaboratively with consumers, community partners, and agency staff to promote community inclusion, equal opportunity, self-determination, and independent living outcomes.

Work Location & Service Area

This is a community-based position serving individuals with disabilities throughout an assigned service area within Walton Options’ designated service region. The Advocate will work from agency-designated locations and provide services in accessible community settings throughout the assigned area.

Administrative supervision is provided by the Director or Designee.

Regular travel is required. Applicants should reside within or near the region they are assigned to serve.
Work locations, service assignments, schedules, and program responsibilities may be adjusted based on organizational needs, funding requirements, consumer demand, and agency priorities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Information & Referral (I&R)

• Respond to inquiries from individuals with disabilities, family members, professionals, and community partners.
• Conduct consumer intake and assist in identifying needs, strengths, and goals.
• Provide accurate information regarding community resources, housing, transportation, healthcare, benefits, education, employment, and other available supports.
• Make referrals and conduct follow-up activities as appropriate.
• Maintain accurate documentation of services and outcomes.

2. Independent Living Skills Training

• Collaborate with consumers to develop an Individualized Independent Living Plan (ILP) that outlines measurable goals for independent living (e.g., budgeting, meal prep, transportation, assistive tech, self-advocacy).
• Deliver one-on-one and/or group training in topics such as money management, daily living tasks, and assistive technology.
• Monitor progress, revise ILP as needed, and support consumer self-determination and consumer-controlled decision-making.

3. Peer Support / Peer Counseling

• Facilitate peer support relationships by matching consumers with trained peer mentors/peer counselors who have lived experience with disability.
• Conduct peer group sessions or one-on-one peer support meetings focused on shared experiences, self-advocacy, and/or independence strategies.
• Encourage consumer leadership, self-advocacy networks, and consumer led initiatives.

4. Individual & Systems Advocacy

• Assist consumers in identifying and addressing barriers to independence and community participation.
• Support consumers in advocating for their rights, accommodations, and equal access.
• Participate in community education and systems advocacy efforts that promote accessibility and disability rights.
• Document advocacy activities and outcomes.

5. Transition Services (Institutional, Youth, Community Diversion)

• Assist individuals transitioning from institutions or other segregated settings into community living.
• Support youth with disabilities transitioning to adult life, employment, postsecondary education, and community participation.
• Provide follow-up support to promote successful transitions and long-term stability.

6. Program Support and Community Collaboration

• Support implementation of agency goals, objectives, and work plan activities.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community organizations, service providers, employers, schools, and other stakeholders.
• Participate in outreach activities, workshops, trainings, resource fairs, and public awareness events.
• Attend required meetings, trainings, and professional development activities as directed by the Director or Designee.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and timely consumer service records in accordance with agency policies and funding requirements.
• Enter service data, goals, outcomes, and required performance measures within established timelines.
• Assist with program monitoring, quality assurance activities, and grant reporting requirements.
• Maintain documentation sufficient to support services delivered and outcomes achieved.
• Comply with agency internal controls, record retention requirements, confidentiality standards, and applicable funding requirements.
• Maintain accurate travel and activity records as required by agency policy.
• Protect consumer confidentiality and comply with all agency policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by the Director or Designee to support agency operations, grant objectives, and consumer needs.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Rehabilitation, Education, or a related field preferred.
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities preferred.
• Knowledge of Independent Living Philosophy and consumer-directed services preferred.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and documentation skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, meet reporting deadlines, and comply with funding and documentation requirements.
• Basic proficiency with computer applications and electronic record-keeping systems.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of automobile insurance required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Lived experience with disability and/or disability service systems.
• Experience in Independent Living, advocacy, case management, rehabilitation, or related human services.
• Knowledge of community resources and disability systems.
• Transition services experience (youth, institutional, or community-based).
• Bilingual abilities.

Preferred Skills & Attributes

• Commitment to consumer-directed services and independent living.
• Strong communication, advocacy, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently, collaboratively, and maintain confidentiality.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel regularly throughout assigned service areas.
• Ability to participate in community meetings, outreach activities, events, and trainings.
• Ability to use standard office equipment and technology.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Funding and Compliance

This position may be funded in whole or in part through federal, state, local, or private funding sources. The employee is responsible for complying with all applicable grant requirements, agency policies, documentation standards, record retention requirements, confidentiality requirements, and reporting obligations.

To Apply:
Email cover letter and resume to jobs@waltonoptions.org. NO calls or in-person visits.