Advocacy Specialist - Information and Referral

Disability Rights Wisconsin•Hybrid (WI, US), WI

2d•$51,000 - $67,000•Remote

About The Position

This position is for our Information and Referral Advocacy Team. The Advocacy Specialist is responsible for providing information and referral, as well as technical assistance to individuals with disabilities based on organizational priorities and funding. The advocate will collect case information, investigate complaints, and provide information, guidance, self-advocacy support, consultation, and referrals. Other duties include administrative tasks related to case maintenance and reporting, outreach, information and referral, resource compilation and organization, and possibly some systems advocacy and training.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in an area related to the provision of advocacy services to people with disabilities; or equivalent experience of at least four years in paid or unpaid work in providing advocacy regarding employment or housing rights may be considered in lieu of a formal advanced degree.
Paid or unpaid experience providing individual case advocacy.
Demonstrated commitment to social justice issues.
Effective listening, verbal and written communication skills.
Effective computer skills include communicating via email, word processing, and spreadsheets, and the use of Teams, SharePoint, HRIS system, and Outlook.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate with other agencies.
Applicant must be a Wisconsin resident.

Nice To Haves

Direct paid or unpaid experience with people with disabilities.
Working knowledge of state and federal laws effecting the employment of people with disabilities including reasonable accommodations.
Experience with legal research or litigation support.
Direct contact with persons from culturally diverse backgrounds.
Familiarity with services system, including laws and regulations in areas that impact the lives of people with disabilities, government benefits, victim rights, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Equal Rights Division, or HUD.
Fluency or strong proficiency in American Sign Language, Hmong, or Spanish.

Responsibilities

Participate in intake, referral, case acceptance, and quality assurance functions.
Collect client information in preparation for group case acceptance meetings or meetings with supervisor, participate in group case acceptance meetings, inform person requesting assistance of decision to accept or deny case, and make appropriate referrals.
Provide information, guidance, consultation, and technical assistance to individuals who call for help on employment and housing advocacy issues pertaining to people with disabilities.
Maintain a caseload of individuals needing advocacy assistance, including: Giving information, advice, and self-advocacy assistance in person or over the phone.
Intervening directly with employers, landlords, service providers, government/school administrations, and others on a limited basis as necessary.
Work with the team’s attorney to provide effective legal-based advocacy when required.
Preparing written analyses of advocacy issues and documentation necessary to support clients during formal and informal proceedings, and meetings.
Complete required intake and case recording forms and maintain accurate records of client interactions and case progress.
Consult and collaborate with other DRW advocates on individual cases and advocacy issues.
Develop and maintain resource files on topics including legal rights of individuals, self-advocacy, legislative and bureaucratic remedies, grievance procedures, and other advocacy resources and disability related organizations.
Maintain client and project files both electronically and in paper files. Comply with DRW client data reporting requirements, compile and organize client statistical data.
As assigned, provide training and technical assistance and advocacy strategies to a variety of groups and write and produce training materials, advocacy manuals, and informational documents on employment rights issues; this can involve developing a substantial knowledge base relative to employment discrimination, housing discrimination, reasonable accommodations, vocational rehabilitation services, and using it independently in the field.
Perform outreach activities, with an emphasis of reaching culturally diverse groups and organizations, about DRW advocacy services.
Maintain effective working relationships with individuals with disabilities, advocacy groups and service providers; represent DRW on task forces, coalitions, and committees concerned with issues relevant to DRW priorities and people with disabilities.
May include as assigned, monitor legislative and governmental hearings and committees by attendance and upon occasion provide oral or written testimony.

Benefits

Generous employer contribution for individual and family health insurance, plus a Health Reimbursement Account for uncovered health care costs.
Employer-provided Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Contribution
Flex Spending Account
Access to affordable, quality: Dental, Vision Coverage
Additional Life Insurance for the employee, spouse, and children
Critical Illness Insurance
Identity Theft
Pet Insurance
Public Student Loan Forgiveness: Employment at our organization may qualify you for federal student loan forgiveness programs. We do not directly pay for – nor forgive – federal student loans. However, our status as a Section 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization makes us an eligible employer. There may be other factors that determine whether one qualifies.
Generous paid time off policies include: 10 Fixed and 4 Floating Holidays
Leave time for: Medical and Caretaking, Vacation, Personal, Bereavement Leave
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Commuter Choice
Sabbatical Leave