Arizona Center for Disability Law

Special Education STAT Advocate

Phoenix Office

 

 

This one year position will staff the STAT (Short Term Assistance Team) in the Center’s Phoenix office and respond to initial requests for assistance from persons with disabilities who have special education related legal issues.  The purpose of this position is to provide up-to-date, accurate information and referral and advocacy assistance to callers to the Center, as well as to gather appropriate information, including all necessary federal reporting data, perform factual investigations, and assess issues.  The Special Education STAT Advocate will work with the I&R Supervisor and Deputy Executive Director to refer appropriate cases to the Center’s Volunteer Lawyer Program.  Our full job description is available on the Center’s website at www.azdisabilitylaw.org.

 

Qualifications:  College degree in social work, justice studies, or a disability related field preferred plus a minimum of two years experience, or, alternatively, a minimum of four years experience directly working with persons with disabilities in a related area.  Bi-lingual ability to speak and write English/Spanish is a plus.  Full-time position is 40 hours per week. 

 

Resumes will be accepted through 2/22/08.  Please send resume and cover letter to:

 

                             I&R Supervisor

                             Arizona Center for Disability Law

                             3839 N. 3rd St., Suite 209

                             Phoenix, AZ  85012

         

                             Fax: (602) 274-6779

                             E-Mail:  nfranklin@azdisabilitylaw.org

                             No telephone inquires please.

 

The Center values diversity in the workplace.  People with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  EOE.

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ARIZONA CENTER FOR DISABILITY LAW

JOB DESCRIPTION

 

 

POSITION:                Special Education STAT (Short-Term Assistance Team) Advocate

 

REPORTS TO:        I & R Supervisor

 

DATE:                        January 31, 2008

 

POSITION PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES:  This is a one year position from date of hire in the Center’s Phoenix office.  The Special Education STAT Advocate will provide information and referral, intake of new cases in Center special education priority areas and provide technical assistance and short-term advocacy service to callers.  The purpose of this position is to provide up-to-date, accurate information and referral and advocacy assistance to callers of the Center and to gather appropriate information and perform factual investigation in order to assess case for representation.  The Special Education STAT Advocate will work with the I&R Supervisor and Deputy Executive Director to screen and refer appropriate cases to the Center’s Volunteer Lawyers Program participants.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

  1. Respond to callers and/or visitors requesting services or information in advocacy area in a timely manner.
  2. Determine caller and/or visitor eligibility for services, and if not eligible, provide appropriate information and referral to other sources in the community and log information on the caller contact.
  3. In conjunction with Center special education priorities and goals, interview potential clients; obtain all relevant information regarding the problem for which the individual seeks assistance, services and remedies; determine caller eligibility and provide technical assistance or short-term assistance, if appropriate; obtain information necessary for Center’s data management system (DAD) and input that information into the system, in conjunction with federal reporting requirements.
  4. At the direction of the I & R Supervisor and/or Deputy Executive Director, provide further advocacy services, including, but not limited to, written or oral advice, draft letters, factual investigation or contacting third parties, and writing up case synopses and obtaining adequate documentation for referral to Volunteer Lawyer Program. Attend meetings with I & R Supervisor and other STAT Advocates to ensure consistency and quality of information and data management, and identify resource materials and training needed to provide quality assistance to callers.
  5. Participate as a team member in Center advocacy work to determine priority issues for STAT, present cases from STAT and develop information and advice for callers.
  6. Assist in the preparation of reports required by funding agencies.
  7. Complete all administrative requirements and necessary documentation required by the Center.
  8. Provide education and outreach to the community as needed.

 

 

 

OTHER:

 

This job specification should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position.  Incumbents will follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties that may be required.

 

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

 

 

  1. Commitment, interest and experience in civil rights, disability rights and/or public interest field, particularly in the area of special education;

 

  1. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;

 

  1. Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize complex tasks;

 

  1. Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a member of a team;

 

  1. Demonstrated administrative ability, including report compilation, data collection, word processing, analytical and organizational skills;

 

  1. Effective interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to mediate, negotiate, and manage both groups and individuals;

 

  1. Demonstrated skills to effectively deal with and negotiate through confrontational situations and stressful interactions;

 

  1. Willingness to participate in interstate and intrastate travel, including some overnight travel; and

 

  1. Willingness to work evenings and weekends when necessary;

 

  1.   Bilingual (English/Spanish) individual preferred.

 

  1.   Can perform of the job with or without reasonable accommodations.