The Health Advocacy Coordinator is responsible for supporting the mission of The Arc of Philadelphia by advocating and creating opportunities for positive health outcomes and quality healthcare for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) across projects within the Health Advocacy program’s initiatives.

This is a grant funded position through June 2025, with the opportunity to acquire funds for the position long-term in collaboration with the Health Advocacy Director.

Position Responsibilities

1. Develop and maintain partnerships (volunteer based and contractual obligations) with universities and healthcare providers.
2. Coordinate and manage Health Advocacy program’s student volunteer programs across medical, dental, nursing, and rehabilitation sciences programs that work directly with people with IDD on a weekly basis.
   1. Recruit participants with IDD in our facility and students from university partners
   2. Schedule site visits with all university programs and SpArc Services directors
   3. Facilitate volunteer activities (health screenings, health promotion presentations, student fieldwork activities, etc.) on a weekly basis
3. Manage confidential information in an appropriate manner.
4. Build relationships with healthcare professionals and organizations to advocate at the community and organizational levels to address systemic barriers to healthcare.
5. Create programmatic opportunities that advance the knowledge of medical students and increase access to healthcare for people with disabilities.
6. A demonstrated ability to work with a team and facilitate collaboration between agencies is essential.

Qualifications

1. Master’s degree in a mental, physical, and/or behavioral healthcare related field (Public Health, Nursing, Psychology, Sociology, etc.), or equivalent experience.
2. Clear criminal record and child abuse history, complete medical and drug screen (paid for by The Arc of Philadelphia).
3. Valid driver’s with the ability to travel within Philadelphia and surrounding areas.
4. Must demonstrate effective communication skills with people from diverse backgrounds.
5. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
6. Must be self-motivated, self-directed and independent. Possess good time management and organization skills, and show attention to detail, including prioritization.
7. Understanding of and commitment to inclusion and inclusive practices.
8. Computer skills, including but not limited to literacy in the use of Microsoft office and Google Suite.
9. Understanding and use of Person First language, Self-determination, Presumed Competence and the values of inclusion in relation to supporting individuals with disabilities.
10. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
11. Ability to work independently from a home office, meet required deadlines, prioritize and manage multiple assignments and projects simultaneously, and utilize a laptop with remote capabilities from the home office.

Physical Environment / Working Conditions
Routine office environment. Some local and regional travel required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

How to Apply
Qualified candidates should send a cover letter and resumé to HR@sparcphilly.org, using "Health Advocacy Coordinator" as the subject line.