LaCAN Leader Job Opportunities
Region 4 (Acadiana Area) LaCAN Leader
The Louisiana Council’s Advocacy Network (LaCAN) is now accepting applications for a Region 4 Advocacy Team Leader to support and lead grassroots advocacy efforts in the Acadiana area.
This is a part-time position with a flexible schedule, averaging about 25 hours per week.
Starting Pay: Up to $1,400 per month
Service Area: Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, and Vermilion Parishes
Office Location: Based at Families Helping Families of Acadiana
What is LaCAN?
LaCAN (Louisiana Council’s Advocacy Network) supports the mission of the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council’s by advocating for policies and systems that promote inclusion in all areas of life—where people learn, work, live, and spend their time in the community.
LaCAN works to improve services so children and adults with disabilities can live in their own homes and be fully included in their schools, workplaces, and communities.
LaCAN provides information and support to people who want to advocate for changes to systems related to home and community-based services, education, and employment. Regional LaCAN teams include people with disabilities, family members, and professionals. Team members receive emails or phone calls when it is important to contact state agencies, legislators, or the Governor.
What You’ll Do
As an Advocacy Team Leader, you will help people with developmental disabilities and their families speak up about issues that matter to them. Responsibilities include:
- Staying informed about issues related to home and community-based services, employment, and education for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
- Recruiting and building relationships with advocates in your region to keep them informed, supported, and involved
- Developing relationships with local legislators and other policymakers to educate them about how policies affect people with developmental disabilities
- Helping advocates build relationships with their elected officials and supporting them in sharing their personal stories.
Who Should Apply
You should apply if you are:
- A person with an intellectual or developmental disability or
- A parent or family member of someone with an intellectual or developmental disability
Applicants must live in one of the Region 4 parishes listed above.
Skills and Experience
Applicants should also have:
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Good organizational and presentation skills
- Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel
- General knowledge of services and supports for people with developmental disabilities, including education services for children
- Reliable transportation, as travel is required for meetings both locally and statewide
- A strong belief that all people with disabilities can and should live in their communities, be included in school and work, and participate fully in community life
- A strong belief that people with disabilities should not be segregated
Preferred Qualifications
- Have been active members LaCAN
- Have experience working with or advocating to the state legislature
How to Apply
Please submit all of the following to Susan Riehn, Executive Director of Families Helping Families of Southwest Louisiana:
- Resume
- Cover letter explaining: Why you are interested in the position, Any past advocacy experience and why you believe you would be a good fit
- Three professional references
Email: [email protected]
If you have questions, contact Susan Riehn at 1-800-894-6558 or by email.
Please see the regional map below for reference. Region 4 is the green area.
