Advocate; Education Team

Disability Rights Michigan (DRM) has an immediate full-time (37.5 hours per week) advocate position on the Education Team located in Lansing; the position is hybrid with flexibility. The advocate will provide individual direct advocacy; information and referral; data collection; reporting; and outreach and training to address agency mission and focus areas for individuals with disabilities. The individual provides advocacy, using a variety of approaches which may include client counsel, filing formal complaints, negotiation, or other activities, as assigned in accordance with the Education Team work plan, following agency casework standards and agency ethical guiding principles.

Bachelor’s degree in a human service-related field preferred or equivalent education and/or experience. Two to four years of related education or human services experience including experience working with disability rights. Experience with state special education rules and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act a plus. Candidates must demonstrate effective communication, problem-solving and advocacy skills and the ability to listen and respond in a diplomatic manner.

DRM is the agency designated by the Governor of the State of Michigan to protect and advocate for the legal rights of individuals with disabilities.

DRM is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, political belief, creed, national origin, heights, weight, genetics, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other reason prohibited by law.

Provides individual and systemic advocacy, training, and outreach on behalf of individuals with disabilities experiencing violation of their legal and service rights related to education.

• Provides advocacy, using a variety of approaches which may include client counsel, filing formal complaints, negotiation, or other activities, as assigned in accordance with the Education Team work plan, following agency casework standards and agency ethical guiding principles.
• Maintains communication with team members and other Agency staff to exchange information, provide technical assistance/consultation, and resolve problems.
• Develops and maintains professional working relationships with schools, service providers, consumer groups, government agencies, advocates, and others to address concerns and advocate for rights and appropriate services for the client.
• Completes required case and administrative documentation in a timely manner.
• Participates in systemic advocacy and policy education activities in accordance with agency priorities.
• Participates in various outreach activities including public presentations, training, and development of written materials in accordance with agency priorities to educate others about DRM and the educational rights of individuals with disabilities.
• Attends team area and agency staff meetings, training, and in-service programs in office, virtually or off-site as required.
• Attend seminars, conferences, and training sessions as appropriate.
• Maintains current knowledge of legal mandates, court rulings, government systems and agency policies related to the rights of individuals with disabilities including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Rehabilitation Act, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Michigan Mental Health Code, state special education rules, and other resources.
• Other duties, as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in a human service-related field preferred or equivalent education and/or experience.
• Two to four years of related education or human services experience including experience working with disability rights.
• Valid State of Michigan driver’s license or…