Advocacy Specialist at Disability Rights Wisconsin

About the Team

Disability Rights Wisconsin (DRW) is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and advancing the rights of people with disabilities across the state. Our Information and Referral Advocacy Team serves as a critical lifeline for individuals navigating complex systems of employment, housing, and legal rights. We are driven by a mission of social justice, ensuring that every person with a disability has access to the information, advocacy, and support they need to live independently and with dignity.

About the Role

As an Advocacy Specialist, you will be the first point of contact for individuals seeking assistance with disability-related issues. This role exists to bridge the gap between people with disabilities and the resources they need to assert their rights. You will spend your days listening to stories of injustice, investigating complaints, and providing technical assistance on employment and housing matters.

Your day-to-day involves a dynamic mix of direct client interaction and strategic advocacy. You will conduct intake interviews, determine case acceptance, and then work to resolve issues through consultation, self-advocacy support, and, when necessary, direct intervention with employers, landlords, or government agencies. Beyond individual cases, you will contribute to the broader mission by compiling resource files, developing training materials, and representing DRW on task forces and coalitions. This position offers the opportunity to work autonomously while collaborating closely with a team of advocates and our organization's attorney to deliver effective, legal-based advocacy.

Location and Work Model

This is a full-time position open to Wisconsin residents. We offer a flexible work arrangement based on your location: employees living within 45 miles of our Madison or Milwaukee offices may work fully in-office or in a hybrid model, while those residing further away will work completely remotely. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Hiring Process

We are committed to a fair and efficient hiring process. Applicants who submit their materials by May 29th will be given preferred consideration. Selected candidates will move through a series of steps designed to assess both professional fit and alignment with our values.

Our Culture and Commitment to Diversity

Disability Rights Wisconsin places an unparalleled value on the well-being of our staff and the communities we serve. We are an equal-opportunity employer committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive environment. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status. We actively seek to understand and support the unique needs of the people we serve and the diverse backgrounds of our team.

Work location

Work model: Hybrid

Planifyr

Key Responsibilities

check_circleParticipate in intake, referral, case acceptance, and quality assurance functions
check_circleProvide information, guidance, and technical assistance on employment and housing advocacy issues
check_circleMaintain accurate records of client interactions and case progress using required forms
check_circleCompile and organize client statistical data to comply with reporting requirements
check_circleProvide training and technical assistance to groups on employment rights and advocacy strategies
check_circlePerform outreach activities to reach culturally diverse groups about advocacy services
check_circleRepresent the organization on task forces, coalitions, and committees regarding disability issues
check_circleMaintain a caseload of individuals needing advocacy assistance through phone and in-person interactions

Requirements

verifiedBachelor's degree in advocacy services or 4 years equivalent experience
verifiedPaid or unpaid experience providing individual case advocacy
verifiedWisconsin residency
verifiedEffective computer skills (email, word processing, spreadsheets, Teams, SharePoint, HRIS, Outlook)
verifiedDemonstrated ability to collaborate with other agencies

Nice to Have

Direct paid or unpaid experience with people with disabilities. Working knowledge of state and federal laws affecting 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 systems, 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.

Benefits & Perks

check_circleGenerous employer contribution for individual and family health insurancecheck_circleHealth Reimbursement Account for uncovered health care costscheck_circleEmployer-provided Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurancecheck_circle401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer ContributionFlex Spending Account

Skills, education and keywords

Skills: Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Teams, Sharepoint, Hris System, Outlook, American Sign Language, Hmong, Spanish, Legal Research.

Education: Bachelor's degree in advocacy services or equivalent experience.

Frequently asked questions about Advocacy Specialist - Information and Referral at Disability Rights Wisconsin

What does a Advocacy Specialist - Information and Referral at Disability Rights Wisconsin do?expand_more

A Advocacy Specialist - Information and Referral at Disability Rights Wisconsin is responsible for the following: Participate in intake, referral, case acceptance, and quality assurance functions; Provide information, guidance, and technical assistance on employment and housing advocacy issues; Maintain accurate records of client interactions and case progress using required forms; and Compile and organize client statistical data to comply with reporting requirements.

What are the requirements for this Advocacy Specialist - Information and Referral role?expand_more

Disability Rights Wisconsin is looking for candidates who meet the following requirements: Bachelor's degree in advocacy services or 4 years equivalent experience; Paid or unpaid experience providing individual case advocacy; Wisconsin residency; Effective computer skills (email, word processing, spreadsheets, Teams, SharePoint, HRIS, Outlook); and Demonstrated ability to collaborate with other agencies.

Where is the Advocacy Specialist - Information and Referral role at Disability Rights Wisconsin located?expand_more

Advocacy Specialist - Information and Referral at Disability Rights Wisconsin is based in Planifyr. This is a hybrid role.

Is this Advocacy Specialist - Information and Referral job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more

Disability Rights Wisconsin has listed this Advocacy Specialist - Information and Referral role as hybrid.

How much experience is required for this Advocacy Specialist - Information and Referral role?expand_more

Advocacy Specialist - Information and Referral at Disability Rights Wisconsin typically requires 4+ years of relevant experience at the mid level level.

What skills do you need for the Advocacy Specialist - Information and Referral role at Disability Rights Wisconsin?expand_more

Key skills for Advocacy Specialist - Information and Referral at Disability Rights Wisconsin include Word Processing; Spreadsheets; Teams; Sharepoint; Hris System; Outlook; American Sign Language; and Hmong.

What education is required for Advocacy Specialist - Information and Referral at Disability Rights Wisconsin?expand_more

Educational requirements for this role: Bachelor's degree in advocacy services or equivalent experience.

What category does the Advocacy Specialist - Information and Referral role belong to?expand_more

Advocacy Specialist - Information and Referral at Disability Rights Wisconsin is part of the admin job category on Recrutus.

Advocacy Specialist - Information and Referral