Outreach & Advocacy Intern, MidState Region - 2022-2023

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This stipend eligible position is for the 2022-2023 school year. Includes a $1500 stipend paid in December and May. Supports advocacy efforts around a variety of life topics. Work is done in collaboration & under supervision of The Arc Minnesota’s Mid State Regional Community Coordinator & the Community Engagement & Outreach Team (CEOT). Specific duties may include:

Responsibilities:

• Identify agencies, businesses, government, education & other groups to create Arc awareness
• Support outreach efforts to build community awareness & partnerships to promote The Arc
• Assist with efforts to build cultural diversity awareness in the region and to meet their needs
• Support regional needs assessment through individual interviews, focus groups and community conversations to identify unmet needs; create and report results that will inform agency and regional response
• Work with Legislative Advocacy Coordinator to develop Capitol Connector team, to engage community members on The Arc MN’s priority state and federal issues and support meetings of local Capitol Connector team
• Support and organize efforts to engage regional community members with Disability Day at the Capitol, Tuesdays at the Capitol and/or Get Out the Vote initiatives
• Create and support outreach efforts to engage adults with IDD to establish a Mid State Region self-advocacy advisory group; this group will create opportunities for adults with IDD to strengthen their leadership and advocacy skills and the impact they can have within their own and others’ lives. This group will inform The Arc Minnesota Mid State Region about unmet needs on services and resources in this region.
• Conduct research and provide recommendations on peer support specialist models that leverage volunteers to support information, assistance and advocacy services, parents and persons with disabilities and service delivery.
• Respond to daily operational needs of the Regional Community Coordinator with
  • Information, assistance and advocacy inquiries
  • Providing community presentations to inform community about The Arc
  • Supporting Regional Advisory Council plan that may include development & implementation of programs & services, special events ,fundraising, & conferences
• Conduct outreach into the community to share The Arc’s resources by attending and/or hosting booths at community events, government, education, business and other regional committee meetings to inform members about The Arc’s current projects, events, services and supports.
• Provide administrative, logistical, programmatic &/or evaluative support
• Other duties as requested

Professional Development Opportunities & Benefits:

• Includes $1500 stipend payable in December and May or utilization of work study if eligible.
• Apply knowledge of services, policies & programs relevant to the field of social work & the disability community
• Gain better understanding of issues facing the disability community; learn advocacy methods
• Attend to professional roles & boundaries, professional demeanor in communication
• Develop effective relationships with individuals with disabilities, their families & Arc colleagues
• Gain a working knowledge of person centered thinking, planning & application
• Demonstrates skill in effective use of resources & supports

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of services & supports for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities & their family
• Strong interpersonal & problem solving skills necessary; includes presentation skills
• Ability to successfully work as a team member & independent; willingness to learn, be coached & be mentored
• Proficient computer skills, manages multiple priorities & project completion
• Technical expertise or the willingness to acquire technical skills in remote learning platforms
• Multiple language capabilities and lived experiences preferred, but not required

Time Commitment: 10-15 hours per week for the September 2022 - May 2023 time frame. Work is done remotely.

The Arc Minnesota is a statewide nonprofit organization that works to promote and protect the human rights of people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through statewide programs and services, we help people navigate systems while working to advance social change centered in justice, equity, and belonging in community.