Advocate - Education

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.

Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Eligible

JOB SUMMARY (other duties as assigned)

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.

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.

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.

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. Successfully complete background check.

• Health Insurance full family (pre-tax premium co-pay)
• Pre-tax FSA Available to staff
• Vision full family (no co-pay)
• Employee dental - (dependent co-pay pre-tax)
• Life insurance at 2x’s your salary (max $200,000)
• Short & Long Term Disability
• Dependent care assistance (pre-tax)
• PTO
• 16 paid holidays
• Qualifies for Federal Student Loan Forgiveness program.
• 403(b)
• EAP