Health Coordinator and Special Education Advocate

PACER Center, Inc.; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Hybrid work schedule

Job summary

PACER Center, Inc. seeks a Health Coordinator and Special Education Advocate to lead our Health Information Center project and support families navigating health care and special education in Minnesota.

The role balances health information coordination with advocacy for IEP processes, trainings, and community partnerships, with travel across the state as needed. Hybrid work is required with in-office days.

Qualifications

• Must be able to independently lead health project activities within guidelines.
• Strong ability to relate to and communicate with parents and caregivers of children with disabilities.
• Experience explaining complex systems in family-friendly language.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate Health Information Center activities with grant partners and track progress.
• Serve as liaison between PACER, subcontractors, funders, and TA providers.
• Conduct outreach to increase project impact across Minnesota.
• Develop and update written/video content for health and education resources.
• Assist families in navigating health care systems, insurance, and waivers.
• Meet with families in person or virtually, documenting time per grant rules.
• Represent PACER at trainings and partner meetings statewide.

Skills

Public speaking

Interpersonal skills

Parent communication

Clear written language

Bilingual (Spanish/Somali/Hmong)

Travel willingness

Data tracking

Time management

Education

College degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Zoom

Database entry

Job description

Health Coordinator and Special Education Advocate

Department: Parent Advocacy & Training

Supervisor: Manager of Parent Training and Advocacy

Status: Full-time, salaried monthly, exempt status

Salary Range: $50,000 - $73,000

Benefits: Health insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, and hybrid work schedule (currently Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday required in office)

Position Available: Preference given to candidates who apply by November 4, 2026

PACER Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families of children and young adults with disabilities through parent training and advocacy, assistive technology, and social inclusion programs. Established in 1977, PACER employs approximately 50 staff and helps thousands of families annually access services for their children by providing individualized support, training, and information services, as well as extensive online resources.

Role Summary: The Health Coordinator and Special Education Advocate will divide their time approximately 50% between the two roles. As the Health Information Center coordinator, this role leads PACER’s Family-to-Family Health Information Center project that supports parents, caregivers, and families of children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) to access appropriate services and resources in health care, education, and county social service systems. This role also supports families of children with all disabilities in navigating special education and the IEP process, helping them understand their rights and responsibilities through information and guidance. This position is funded in part by a federal U.S. Department of Health and Human Services grant through 5/31/27. Continued employment is contingent on available funding.

Responsibilities and Roles Health Coordinator:

• Coordinate Health Information Center project activities with grant partners; track progress toward grant’s individual assistance, training, and outreach goals; and maintain accurate records for organizational and grant reporting
• Collaborate with various local, state, and national agencies and organizations, including Minnesota Department of Health, that serve children and youth with special health care needs
• Serve as the primary liaison between PACER and Health Information Center subcontractor, funder, and technical assistance provider
• Conduct outreach and disseminate resources to increase impact of project across the state
• Work with others to maintain, update, and develop written and video content as needed
• Provide individualized assistance to parents and families as they navigate health care systems (including private and public insurance, county waivers, and social security)
• Accurately track and document time across funding sources per grant requirements
• Meet with families, partners, and professionals in the format that best meets their needs, including in-person meetings at schools, clinics, community sites, and partner offices throughout Minnesota, as well as by phone or video conference

Advocate:

• Provide information and guidance to families of school-age children with disabilities on special education rights, responsibilities, and procedures, including preparing for IEP and other school meetings
• Guide families of young adults to community-based services as students transition out of high school and special education
• Plan and present online and in-person trainings statewide for families and professionals on navigating healthcare and special education systems, adapting materials for different audiences
• Research, write, and update clear, family-friendly health care and special education resources
• Build partnerships with schools, parent groups, and community organizations to connect more families, including those new to PACER, with PACER’s services

Required Skills

• Ability to independently lead health project activities within organizational guidelines
• Strong ability to relate to and communicate with parents and caregivers of children with disabilities and special health care needs and related professionals
• Skilled in researching complex topics and translating systems-based terminology into clear, family-friendly language
• Exceptional interpersonal, rapport-building, and active listening abilities
• Ability to work with diverse populations
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines
• Adept at public speaking and facilitating both virtual and in-person settings
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive), Zoom, and database entry
• Ability to keep accurate records and collect data for evaluation purposes
• Ability to provide own transportation and flexibility to travel throughout state of Minnesota
• Flexibility to adapt meeting format and location to the preferences of families and partners, including traveling to meet in person
• Ability to handle sensitive health, disability, and education information with discretion and in compliance with confidentiality policies and applicable data privacy laws
• Flexibility to work occasional evening and weekend hours

Preferred Background and Experience

• Lived experience as parent or caregiver of a child or youth with special health care needs
• Experience assisting individuals in a guidance, teaching, or coaching role
• Experience in education, community, human, or social services
• Experience working with diverse populations, demonstrating cultural competence
• Knowledge of state and federal health and disabilities systems, including public and private insurance programs
• Familiarity with education laws for children with disabilities (ages 0–22) and community-based services for young adults with disabilities
• Ability to communicate in Spanish, Somali, or Hmong is a plus
• College degree or equivalent background gained through training or work experience

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods working on a computer
• Ability to lift and carry materials up to 20 lbs. to relevant events

Additional Information

• Parents of children with disabilities and special health care needs, as well as individuals with disabilities, are encouraged to apply
• PACER is committed to building an inclusive workplace and encourages individuals from all backgrounds to apply
• While PACER staff work in a hybrid model, this position must be responsive to family and partner needs; remote days may sometimes include in-person meetings or travel
• Salary will be based on experience and qualifications

Applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, marital or familial status, or status with regard to public assistance.

PACER Center is an Affirmitive Action and Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.