Building Capacity/ Empowerment – helping someone develop skills and abilities advocate for herself or a loved one to make more informed medical decisions, anticipate and manage the financial and work life implications of illness, and find the support and resources necessary to cope and live life under a "new normal."
Assessment – A process of listening, asking questions, asking for clarification, asking additional questions, observing, and listening again with the purpose of gathering information so you can best advocate with and empower your client.
Empathy - Identification with and understanding of another's situation, feelings, and motives.
Listening & Communicating – Paying attention to our client and being effective talkers; including specific skills of opening moments and active listening.
Confidentiality – Respecting the integrity of information shared by clients. Sharing it with no one the client does not explicitly authorize you to share it with.
Cultural Competency - Openness and skills to understand and value distinct beliefs, practices, communication methods, perspectives and approaches to life, regardless of race, ethnicity, culture, or language proficiency.
Decision Making – A process of identifying options, sorting and framing, and empowering people to make decisions consistent with their values.
Asset-based, Creative Problem Solving – Analyzing an existing or potential problem by incorporating values, anticipating challenges, thinking creatively and reflecting on one’s approach. Identify and discover the strength and potential of individuals and communities.
Ethics - Communicating and acting in concert with a collective understanding of “right living” in the following areas:
Collaboration- Working with others to provide more comprehensive advocacy and problem-solving support.
Case Management - Keeping files and recording case information to facilitate efficient, effective, organized advocacy. Communicating in timely, appropriate ways to improve someone’s ability to affect advocacy outcomes.