UPDATE – this position has been filled and is no longer available.
TITLE: Education Advocate, Washtenaw Association for Community Advocacy (WACA)
REPORTS TO: President/CEO
EMPLOYMENT STATUS CLASSIFICATION: Part-time, 20 hours/week
COMPENSATION: $20-25/hour
Position Summary:
Washtenaw Association for Community Advocacy’s education advocate works with families to get appropriate services for children/young adults with disabilities (birth-26) in school. Most of this work is with families whose children receive special education services or who may be eligible for them.
Responsibilities:
- Provide effective, professional education advocacy to families and/or young adults with disabilities at Individualized Education Program (IEP) and other school meetings in Washtenaw and Lenawee counties
- Review school and medical records to help families understand and advocate for student needs, appropriate supports, and school-based services
- Communicate with families, schools, and other agencies through email, phone, in-person, and virtual meetings
- Familiarity with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE), Section 504, and related rules, regulations, and policy guidance
- Connect families and young adults with disabilities to local, statewide and national resources
- Attend professional development events (2-3x/year)
- Complete data entry and reporting as required
- Assist with agency events, outreach and learning opportunities as assigned
Required Skills/Experience:
- Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal communication and problem-solving skills
- Reliability, dependability, flexibility, punctuality, professionalism, and teamwork
- Strong attention to details and accuracy
- Computer skills (i.e., Microsoft Word, Google, Excel), ability to attend Zoom meetings, and experience working with online documents, databases, and reporting
- A clean driving record and reliable transportation
- Research and independent learning skills
- Commitment to WACA’s mission of empowering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to participate fully in community life
Preferred Skills/Experience:
- Experience working with individuals with disabilities and understanding of special education
If you have experience in education, as a family member supporting someone with a disability, or are a student in social work, education or a related field, with a strong desire to learn and are looking for a part-time position in a supportive work environment, we want to hear from you! Please submit a cover letter and resume to Kristen Columbus at kcolumbus@washtenawaca.org. Apply now – position open until filled.
Thank you for your interest in joining our team!
