Join Our Advocacy Team!
The advocates at By Their Side provide dedicated support to Maryland families of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They offer personalized assistance with navigating services, understanding rights, and planning for long-term care, especially during transitions or crises. Acting as trusted partners, they ensure the voices and needs of individuals and their families are heard, empowering them to make informed decisions for a fulfilling and independent life. All of our advocates are independent contractors who advocate for as many or as few members as they choose.
By Their Side Advocate - Contractual
POSITION TITLE: Personal Advocate
QUALIFICATIONS: Four years of advocacy experience in the field of intellectual/developmental disabilities and Bachelor’s degree. Three years additional experience may be substituted for degree. Strong knowledge of 1) advocacy 2) resources for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities and 3)DDA service system.
PURPOSE: Provide contracted advocacy services for By Their Side members, promoting their preferences and interests, assuring needs are met, desires addressed, and new opportunities for life enrichment are experienced.
ADVOCACY: Provide services identified in each person’s Advocacy Objectives as arranged
by family/Trustee or specified by the Executive Director, including:
Assessment with advocacy related to: preferences, desires, and life enrichment opportunities; satisfaction; health, safety, and other needs; use of Special Needs Trust funds if any; and as guided by intake information provided by families. The service is provided in settings as specified:
Advocacy at annual planning team meeting(s).
Assessment visit(s) at residential and/or day programs at frequency specified. Talk with the person and staff, observe, and review progress on outcomes and medical recommendations.
Monitor progress and needs with day and residential program coordinators at frequency specified.
Follow up contacts to address identified concerns.
Update to family or trustee following visits or meetings. Consult and communicate with family or representative as needed.
Review of annual reports and Person Centered Plan.Review of quarterly updates and incident reports as needed.
Consult with Executive Director as needed for guidance.
Request authorization for additional advocacy time if necessary.
Maintain Progress Notes reflecting substantive content of all contacts made with or on behalf of each person. Email to the office by the 5th of the following month.
Email monthly invoice by the 5th of the following month, noting: dates and
purpose of contacts on behalf of each person; time spent including travel
time, mileage, and progress notes; and other related expenses.
The Advocate does not provide direct support or other services.