Disability Rights Florida was founded in 1977 as the statewide designated protection and advocacy system for individuals with disabilities in the State of Florida and is the third largest Protection and Advocacy system in the nation representing a growing, diverse state.
Disability Rights Florida advocates, educates, investigates, and litigates to protect and advance the rights, dignity, equal opportunities, self-determination and choices for all people with disabilities. We are a passionate, highly motivated group and we are looking for exceptional talent to join our team.
We offer an excellent comprehensive employee benefit package. Some of the benefits included are paid vacation time, contributed employer medical, vision and dental insurance, 401(k) plan with an employer 3% match, life, short and long-term disability insurance, and generous paid holidays. Salary is commensurate with experience.
Full-time, non-exempt position
Disability Rights Florida is seeking an Advocate Investigator to join the Advocacy, Education and Outreach Team.
Bilingual/Multilingual candidates preferred (e.g. American Sign Language, Spanish, Haitian Creole, etc…)
The Advocacy, Education and Outreach (AEO) team is accepting applications for an Advocate/Investigator. The ideal candidate would have several years of professional experience advocating on behalf of individuals with disabilities. This position specifically focuses in the area of special education and the Rehabilitation Act. The ability to communicate effectively with a variety of individuals from diverse communities and backgrounds, verbally and in writing, as well as a demonstrated interest in disability rights and a commitment to social justice advocacy are required. Excellent research and writing skills, along with the ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks are also essential to this position. This will be a full-time position located in or near one of our office locations in Tallahassee, Fort Lauderdale, or Tampa, Florida.
Advocate/Investigators share responsibility with other Disability Rights Florida program staff for providing information, technical assistance, outreach, and training. Advocate/Investigators are expected to successfully resolve assigned issues using authorized strategies to include negotiation, education, information and referral or other appropriate activity on behalf of clients of Disability Rights Florida. The primary responsibility of the Advocate/Investigator is to support the organization’s efforts to advocate for the enforcement of the civil rights of people with disabilities as provided by law and regulation. Advocate/Investigators work under attorney supervision and, depending on the team or grant, work directly with the client to gather facts necessary to advocate effectively on the client’s behalf before service providers or state agencies.
Essential Functions
Responds to requests for information from clients or representatives and provides information, referral and technical assistance as provided by federal funders.
Represents the client’s interests in meetings, negotiations, mediations and administrative proceedings as authorized and under attorney supervision.
Develops case strategies based on client information, on-site investigations and thorough research.
Develops and conducts outreach, education and training for clients and their families, community groups, public policy makers, state agency staff and other stakeholders, as assigned.
Advocates for the enforcement of the civil rights of people with disabilities as provided by law and regulation.
Performs thorough and accurate research, analysis, documentation and case preparation
Participates in team meetings and in organizational events, collaborates on cross-team projects and works to enhance the visibility of the organization and further the rights of individuals with disabilities.
To Apply
Please submit a Disability Rights Florida application, current resume, and a writing sample
by email: [email protected]
by mail: Renee Jackson, Disability Rights Florida, 2473 Care Dr. Suite 200, Tallahassee, FL 32308
or by fax: 850-617-6691
Application deadline is December 8, 2021.
DFWP/EEO
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply, and reasonable employment accommodation requests will be honored and provided as applicable and appropriate. Our organization values diversity and inclusion. We encourage individuals with disabilities and from other diverse backgrounds to apply.
Qualifications
Education or experience equivalent to a four-year undergraduate degree required.
Training, education, and/or experience working with individuals with mental illness and/or intellectual/developmental disabilities is required
Advocacy experience in either social or human service, government, public interest, legal, or health care environments required.
Must possess strong computer skills; prior experience with documenting and maintaining information in electronic case files preferred.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and to deal effectively with and negotiate through confrontational situations and possible stressful interactions.
Ability to manage individual workloads so that services are delivered timely and appropriately.
Physical & Other Job-related Requirements
In an office-like environment, incumbent works at a seated station for several hours each day to access the use of computers, phones and related information technology.
Must be able to transport oneself to work-related meetings, centers and offices. Some lifting and carrying of files up to 10 pounds required.
Ability to travel up to 20% of the time for case work, out-of-town meetings, trainings or outreach activities required.
Must maintain valid state-issued photo identification for access to institutions and facilities.
To Apply
Please submit a Disability Rights Florida application, current resume, and a writing sample
by email: [email protected]
by mail: Renee Jackson, Disability Rights Florida, 2473 Care Dr. Suite 200, Tallahassee, FL 32308
or by fax: 850-617-6691
Application deadline is December 8, 2021.
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