Advocate (Education Team)

Responsibilities

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.

Qualifications

• 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 State ID.
• Demonstrated commitment to the civil rights of all people and the ability to work with individuals with a variety of disability characteristics and backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to communicate effectively with clients, service providers, consumer groups, government agencies and others in the exchange of information and resolution of problem situations in a professional manner. The incumbent is also required to have effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to respond in a professional, non-judgmental manner in emotionally charged situations, and to individuals with communication challenges.
• Analytical ability and problem-solving skills to identify client issue(s) and determine appropriate intervention(s).
• Demonstrated ability to handle, organize, and prioritize multiple, complex tasks.
• Ability to work independently and show initiative in completion of assigned tasks.
• Written and computer skills necessary to prepare required documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to work with various computer software packages including Microsoft Office, Outlook Email, Internet browsing, and specialized agency database software.
• Mental ability to adapt and respond to multiple priorities and demands, deal with the concerns/ emotional needs of clients/families in a timely manner, and handle pressures related to appropriately responding to stressful/disturbing situations.
• Physical ability to work at a desk for extended periods of time, properly operate required office equipment, and conduct site visits.
• Successfully complete background check.

Working Environment

• Normal office environment with little discomfort or exposure due to unfavorable working conditions.
• Work may involve travel to various locations throughout the State with some exposure to adverse weather, traffic hazards, and the like when travel is necessary.  Minimal exposure to injury and/or communicable diseases when using standard precautions.
• Evening and weekend hours may occasionally be required.
• Work may also include telework according to agency policy and supervisor approval.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person assigned to this job.  They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties that may be performed by a person so classified.

Salary Range

Salary: $58,000 – $62,000 (Depending on experience)

Excellent benefit package.
Federal Student Loan Forgiveness qualified.

Deadline for Application

Friday, September 18, 2026