Advocate Special Education Fellow
(Non-Attorney)
Imagine for a moment, a world where every single person feels equal to another and every person feels a sense of belonging in their communities, places of work and among others.
At Disability Rights Oregon, this is more than just a dream. This is our life’s work. We envision a world in which people with disabilities have equal opportunity, full participation in our communities, and the ability to exercise meaningful choice. Every day, we strive to make Oregon a more welcoming place for people with disabilities.
Disability Rights Oregon is seeking a passionate and dedicated Advocate for our Special Education Program. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and is committed to advocating for students with disabilities who require special education support.
As an Advocate, you will have the opportunity to navigate the complexities of special education law and drive meaningful change in the lives of children, youth with disabilities, and their families. If you have the determination to make a difference and a strong commitment to disability rights, we encourage you to apply.
What you can expect to accomplish:
Conduct intake interviews with clients seeking special education advocacy to determine eligibility and services needed.
Participate in intake review meetings with the program team to provide appropriate summaries for identifying intakes that meet program priorities.
Develop case facts by interviewing relevant individuals and collecting and reviewing records, evaluations, and expert reports.
At the direction of an attorney, provide advocacy services, including short-term assistance, written or oral advice in a timely manner, and attend IEP meetings with clients.
Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion and sound judgment in an advocacy environment.
Participate in case reviews with the team and collaborate to formulate an advocacy plan.
Maintain up-to-date, accurate information, written materials, and resource referrals related to disability rights and special education services.
Enter information into the client management system database and assist in data collection and preparation of statistical reports as requested.
Participate in regularly scheduled organization meetings and events.
Engage in program outreach and training efforts.
Represent DRO on committees and task forces related to special education advocacy, as assigned.
What we offer (besides a rewarding job!):
35 Hour Workweek
Flexible cafeteria benefit plan to use for employer sponsored Medical and Dental insurance
14 paid holidays including floating holidays
Vacation time and paid sick leave
Employer funded retirement account
Cafeteria/flexible spending accounts
Competitive compensation
Employer paid life insurance, long-term disability insurance, and short-term disability insurance
Malpractice insurance
Paid association dues and professional development opportunities
What we are looking for:
Seven or more years of related experience, such as special education, disability advocacy, or human services, required.
Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology or related field. Up to four years of experience may substitute for educational requirement.
Able to use trauma-informed intervention skills to advocate persistently and communicate using patience and negotiating skills.
Must be able to provide people with disabilities with the opportunity for self-determination and empowerment.
Broad knowledge of quality services for people with disabilities.
Demonstrated ability to prioritize and organize tasks.
This position requires occasional travel for approximately 25% of the position, including potential overnights or multiple days.
Excellent communication and social skills including the ability to handle situations patiently and tactfully. Ability to listen and respond in a diplomatic manner in person and over the telephone (including TTY).
Ability to write reports and correspondence with clients. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
Works collaboratively in a team environment.
The job requires specialized computer skills. Must be adept at using various applications including database, spreadsheet, report writing, project management, graphics, word processing, presentation creation/editing, communicate by e-mail, use scheduling software, Google Apps, Microsoft Office Suite, and PC operating systems. Effectively uses computer to research.
Where is this position located?
This position is hybrid-eligible, with some work in the office and some work from home. DRO’s main office is in Portland, Oregon. For the right applicant, this position may be fully remote eligible within the State of Oregon. This position requires occasional travel within Oregon (up to 25% of time).
Pay Equity
To ensure pay equity among our staff, DRO pays employees strictly based years of relevant experience. For this position, the salary for an employee with 7 to 10 years is between $40,350-$42,750, 11 to 15 years between $43,550-$47,150, and 16 to 20 years between $45,050-$51,950.
What is the Duration of this Position?
This is a special grant-funded position. The duration of this position is one year.
Interested?
We can’t wait to hear from you! For consideration, please complete our application.
We encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply.
All employment decisions at Disability Rights Oregon are based on job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, genetic information, age (18 and over), veteran status, uniform service member status, unemployment status, sexual orientation, gender identity (including gender-related identity and gender expression), marital status, family status, or an individual having been a victim of sexual abuse, including domestic abuse, sexual assault or stalking.
If you meet key qualifications for the job, and believe you would be the best fit, we would encourage you to apply; please use your cover letter to explain how you will accomplish parts of the job for which you have less experience. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of this position, please apply.
Bargaining Unit Position: No
