Advocacy Specialist - VAP
Disability Rights Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States, 53244
Disability Rights Wisconsin
– Position Overview About Disability Rights Wisconsin
Disability Rights Wisconsin is the state’s Protection and Advocacy system, charged with protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities and keeping them free from abuse and neglect. Our advocates and attorneys use individual casework and systems advocacy to achieve positive changes in the lives of people with disabilities and their families. We value this work and offer a supportive environment, talented colleagues, excellent benefits, and generous leave. Our core values are Diversity, Dignity, Independence, Accessibility, Inclusion, Human Rights, and Liberation. Our Programs Protection & Advocacy for people with disabilities (addressing abuse/neglect, discrimination, access to services, education rights, institutional monitoring, and systemic reform). Disability Benefits Specialist (helping people access Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance). Family Care & IRIS Ombudsman (supporting people to remain in community-based settings). Victim Advocacy (advocacy and representation for crime victims with disabilities). Position Information
Full Time Equivalent:
Full-time (40 Hours/week) Reports to:
Supervising Attorney Rate:
$51,000 – $67,000 (annually), depending on Experience. This position is fully funded by a time-limited grant that will end on September 30, 2027. Disability Rights Wisconsin will attempt to find an alternate funding source after that date, but may not be able to secure further funding for the position after that date. Location:
Anywhere in Wisconsin. If the employee lives within 45 miles of a Disability Rights Wisconsin office, they may work fully in-office or in a hybrid arrangement. Residency outside the 45-mile range qualifies for complete remote work.
Applicant must be a Wisconsin resident . Job Hours:
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. How to Apply
Application Instructions:
Submit resume and cover letter (preferred but not required), detailing qualifications and experience as they relate to the minimum and preferred qualifications. Priority Consideration:
Apply Online At Our Careers Page: www.disabilityrightswi.org/careers Application Deadline:
February 13, 2026. Position will remain open until filled. Note:
You can request alternate formats of this position announcement. You may submit your application materials in alternate formats if needed. About This Position
The Victim Advocacy Program (VAP) of Disability Rights Wisconsin works to ensure that survivors with disabilities receive advocacy, legal representation, services, and support to move forward, find justice, and obtain safety and stability. A primary goal of VAP is to promote self-determination for survivors with disabilities. Role:
The Advocacy Specialist provides direct advocacy to individuals with disabilities who have been victims of crime, and performs related administrative tasks, information and referral, systems advocacy, and training. Key Responsibilities
Advocacy: 80% Participate in intake, referral, case acceptance, and quality assurance functions on the Victim Advocacy team. Collect client information for team acceptance meetings, inform the requester of the decision to accept or deny, and make appropriate referrals. Direct client contact statewide, including meetings at DRW offices, in client homes, and in community settings; exercise independent judgment on advocacy strategy in the field. Provide information, guidance, consultation, and technical assistance over the telephone on advocacy issues for survivors of crime. Maintain a caseload of clients needing advocacy assistance, including the following activities: giving information and self-advocacy support in person or by phone accompanying clients to court proceedings for restraining orders helping clients navigate criminal justice systems, including reporting crime, discussing charges with prosecutors, and drafting victim impact statements collaborating with law enforcement, service providers, and others as needed Participate in interdisciplinary teams as a representative of the Victim Advocacy Program. Consult and collaborate with other DRW advocates on cases and issues. Administrative: 10% Complete intake and case recording forms and maintain accurate records of client interactions and progress. Develop and maintain resource files on topics including legal rights of individuals, victims’ rights, grievance procedures, and other advocacy resources. Maintain client and project files electronically and on paper; comply with DRW data reporting requirements and compile statistics. Participate in internal DRW work groups or teams to develop advocacy strategies and programming. Outreach: 10% Participate in outreach strategies and events. Qualifications
Required At least 6 months of paid or unpaid work providing advocacy and/or support to victims/survivors of crime. At least 6 months of paid or unpaid experience in: interviewing people; identifying a problem and creating a plan to solve it; negotiating to achieve a solution. Excellent listening, verbal, and written communication skills. Basic computer skills, including email, word processing, and internet use. Ability to travel statewide. Preferred Fluency or strong proficiency in American Sign Language, Hmong, or Spanish. Direct paid or unpaid experience with people with mental illness and other disabilities. Bachelor’s Degree in a field relevant to advocacy and support for crime victims or people with disabilities. Knowledge of state and county victim services, and familiarity with state laws on victim rights, restraining orders, and divorce. Familiarity with Wisconsin criminal legal system. Demonstrated commitment to social justice issues. Work Environment and Travel
Work Environment and Physical Demands Remaining in a stationary position for extended periods Moving between worksites as needed Repetitive motions of wrists, hands, and fingers Occasional driving; travel limited to
Strong internal and external communication skills; accurate information exchange Sedentary work that involves sitting and standing Travel Day travel will be less than 1 to 2 days a month. Benefits
Disability Rights Wisconsin offers permanent employees who work 20+ hours per week a comprehensive benefits package, including: Generous health insurance contributions for individuals and families with a Health Reimbursement Account Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer contribution Flexible Spending Account Dental, Vision Coverage Additional Life Insurance for employee, spouse, and children Critical Illness Insurance Identity Theft protection Pet Insurance Public Student Loan Forgiveness Our nonprofit status may qualify you for federal student loan forgiveness programs. This does not guarantee forgiveness; consult federal guidance for details. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid PSLF page: studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service Paid Time Off and EEO
Generous paid time off policies include 10 fixed and 4 floating holidays, and leave for medical/caregiving, vacation, personal, and bereavement. We also offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). This organization is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status, following Title VII, the ADA, and USERRA. We strive for a diverse and inclusive environment. Date of Job Description: January 2026
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– Position Overview About Disability Rights Wisconsin
Disability Rights Wisconsin is the state’s Protection and Advocacy system, charged with protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities and keeping them free from abuse and neglect. Our advocates and attorneys use individual casework and systems advocacy to achieve positive changes in the lives of people with disabilities and their families. We value this work and offer a supportive environment, talented colleagues, excellent benefits, and generous leave. Our core values are Diversity, Dignity, Independence, Accessibility, Inclusion, Human Rights, and Liberation. Our Programs Protection & Advocacy for people with disabilities (addressing abuse/neglect, discrimination, access to services, education rights, institutional monitoring, and systemic reform). Disability Benefits Specialist (helping people access Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance). Family Care & IRIS Ombudsman (supporting people to remain in community-based settings). Victim Advocacy (advocacy and representation for crime victims with disabilities). Position Information
Full Time Equivalent:
Full-time (40 Hours/week) Reports to:
Supervising Attorney Rate:
$51,000 – $67,000 (annually), depending on Experience. This position is fully funded by a time-limited grant that will end on September 30, 2027. Disability Rights Wisconsin will attempt to find an alternate funding source after that date, but may not be able to secure further funding for the position after that date. Location:
Anywhere in Wisconsin. If the employee lives within 45 miles of a Disability Rights Wisconsin office, they may work fully in-office or in a hybrid arrangement. Residency outside the 45-mile range qualifies for complete remote work.
Applicant must be a Wisconsin resident . Job Hours:
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. How to Apply
Application Instructions:
Submit resume and cover letter (preferred but not required), detailing qualifications and experience as they relate to the minimum and preferred qualifications. Priority Consideration:
Apply Online At Our Careers Page: www.disabilityrightswi.org/careers Application Deadline:
February 13, 2026. Position will remain open until filled. Note:
You can request alternate formats of this position announcement. You may submit your application materials in alternate formats if needed. About This Position
The Victim Advocacy Program (VAP) of Disability Rights Wisconsin works to ensure that survivors with disabilities receive advocacy, legal representation, services, and support to move forward, find justice, and obtain safety and stability. A primary goal of VAP is to promote self-determination for survivors with disabilities. Role:
The Advocacy Specialist provides direct advocacy to individuals with disabilities who have been victims of crime, and performs related administrative tasks, information and referral, systems advocacy, and training. Key Responsibilities
Advocacy: 80% Participate in intake, referral, case acceptance, and quality assurance functions on the Victim Advocacy team. Collect client information for team acceptance meetings, inform the requester of the decision to accept or deny, and make appropriate referrals. Direct client contact statewide, including meetings at DRW offices, in client homes, and in community settings; exercise independent judgment on advocacy strategy in the field. Provide information, guidance, consultation, and technical assistance over the telephone on advocacy issues for survivors of crime. Maintain a caseload of clients needing advocacy assistance, including the following activities: giving information and self-advocacy support in person or by phone accompanying clients to court proceedings for restraining orders helping clients navigate criminal justice systems, including reporting crime, discussing charges with prosecutors, and drafting victim impact statements collaborating with law enforcement, service providers, and others as needed Participate in interdisciplinary teams as a representative of the Victim Advocacy Program. Consult and collaborate with other DRW advocates on cases and issues. Administrative: 10% Complete intake and case recording forms and maintain accurate records of client interactions and progress. Develop and maintain resource files on topics including legal rights of individuals, victims’ rights, grievance procedures, and other advocacy resources. Maintain client and project files electronically and on paper; comply with DRW data reporting requirements and compile statistics. Participate in internal DRW work groups or teams to develop advocacy strategies and programming. Outreach: 10% Participate in outreach strategies and events. Qualifications
Required At least 6 months of paid or unpaid work providing advocacy and/or support to victims/survivors of crime. At least 6 months of paid or unpaid experience in: interviewing people; identifying a problem and creating a plan to solve it; negotiating to achieve a solution. Excellent listening, verbal, and written communication skills. Basic computer skills, including email, word processing, and internet use. Ability to travel statewide. Preferred Fluency or strong proficiency in American Sign Language, Hmong, or Spanish. Direct paid or unpaid experience with people with mental illness and other disabilities. Bachelor’s Degree in a field relevant to advocacy and support for crime victims or people with disabilities. Knowledge of state and county victim services, and familiarity with state laws on victim rights, restraining orders, and divorce. Familiarity with Wisconsin criminal legal system. Demonstrated commitment to social justice issues. Work Environment and Travel
Work Environment and Physical Demands Remaining in a stationary position for extended periods Moving between worksites as needed Repetitive motions of wrists, hands, and fingers Occasional driving; travel limited to
Strong internal and external communication skills; accurate information exchange Sedentary work that involves sitting and standing Travel Day travel will be less than 1 to 2 days a month. Benefits
Disability Rights Wisconsin offers permanent employees who work 20+ hours per week a comprehensive benefits package, including: Generous health insurance contributions for individuals and families with a Health Reimbursement Account Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer contribution Flexible Spending Account Dental, Vision Coverage Additional Life Insurance for employee, spouse, and children Critical Illness Insurance Identity Theft protection Pet Insurance Public Student Loan Forgiveness Our nonprofit status may qualify you for federal student loan forgiveness programs. This does not guarantee forgiveness; consult federal guidance for details. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid PSLF page: studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service Paid Time Off and EEO
Generous paid time off policies include 10 fixed and 4 floating holidays, and leave for medical/caregiving, vacation, personal, and bereavement. We also offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). This organization is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status, following Title VII, the ADA, and USERRA. We strive for a diverse and inclusive environment. Date of Job Description: January 2026
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