Self-Advocacy Associate

Self-Advocacy Associate

The Arc Minnesota promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We work alongside people with disabilities, families, and community partners to advance equity, belonging, self-advocacy, and full inclusion in community life.

The Arc Minnesota is hiring a Self-Advocacy Associate to support the Self-Advocacy Program by developing, strengthening, and carrying out self-advocacy initiatives across the Metro service area.

This is a part-time position scheduled for up to 19 hours per week; weekly hours may change, and some weeks may have very limited or no scheduled hours. The role is hybrid/remote, involves travel as needed, and reports to the Self-Advocacy Program Manager.

The Self-Advocacy Associate works with self-advocates, allies, community organizations, and The Arc Minnesota staff to develop, strengthen, and carry out self-advocacy initiatives. The role centers the power, leadership, and self-determination of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), and helps The Arc Minnesota understand and respond to topics that matter to self-advocates and the disability community.

Compensation and Benefits

• Hourly Pay of $17.00
• Variable, part-time schedule of 0-19 hours per week, with flexible schedules that support life outside of work
• Benefit coverage options for full-time and part-time employees
• Generous time off, including sick time, vacation and floating holidays, for both full-time and part-time team members
• The opportunity to make a difference in your community and in the lives of Minnesotans with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Role and Responsibilities

• Develop, strengthen, and promote self-advocacy groups, trainings, and events
• Support self-advocates and self-advocacy groups to lead in their communities and in the self-advocacy movement
• Ensure the leadership, choices, and self-determination of people with IDD stay at the center of the work
• Build relationships through community engagement, outreach, and collaboration
• Provide guidance to The Arc Minnesota and community organizations about topics important to self-advocates and the disability community
• Help track activities and information needed for annual workplans, grants, and contracts
• Work independently and as part of a team, including in virtual meetings and community settings

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Lived experience as a self-advocate, or at least one year of experience supporting the self-advocacy movement or the leadership of people with IDD
• A strong understanding of self-advocacy and self-determination
• Leadership, relationship-building, and communication skills
• The ability to work independently and with a team
• Experience with basic computer tools, including email and virtual meetings

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

• Lived experience as a self-advocate
• Knowledge of policies and systems that affect people with disabilities
• Experience giving presentations or helping community groups
• Experience using social media for outreach or engagement

Values That Guide This Work

• Human and Civil Rights
• Self-Advocacy and Self-Direction
• Equity and Belonging
• Disability and Racial Justice

Posting Disclaimer

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirement for the performance of this position. This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Arc Minnesota is proud to be an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

We are committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request an accommodation, contact Human Resources by phone at  or by email at archr.