Health Coordinator and Special Education Advocate

PACER Center, Inc.; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities seeks a Health Coordinator and Special Education Advocate. This role involves assisting families in navigating healthcare and educational systems, along with providing advocacy and training. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication and organization skills, with a commitment to improving the lives of children and families.

Benefits

Flexible work arrangements

Opportunity to make a difference in the community

Qualifications

• Experience in guiding, teaching, or coaching roles.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws related to health care systems.
• Cultural competence and experience with diverse populations.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance to families navigating special education and healthcare systems.
• Develop and present trainings statewide.
• Maintain resource content and project records.

Skills

Communication

Research

Interpersonal Skills

Organizational Skills

Public Speaking

Education

College degree or equivalent background

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Zoom

Job description

PACER Center Health Coordinator and Special Education Advocate

Job title: Health Coordinator and Special Education Advocate

Department: Parent Training & Advocacy

Supervisor: Manager of Parent Training and Advocacy

Position available: As soon as possible

At PACER Center, staff work every day to help children and young adults with disabilities and their families light the pathway to education, technology, and services that help those children live full and joyful lives. Founded in 1977 with the philosophy of parents helping parents, PACER continues to be an incomparable resource with a mission to improve educational opportunities and enhance the quality of life for children and young adults with disabilities and their families. PACER is a reputable 501(c)(3) with an impact that reaches over a million individuals a year.

Role Summary: The Health Coordinator and Special Education Advocate provides direct support to parents, caregivers, and families of children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) in navigating health care, education, and social service systems. This role also provides direct support to all families of children with disabilities on the special education and IEP process, using family-centered resources, training, and advocacy.

Responsibilities and roles:

• Provide individualized assistance (information and guidance via phone, email, virtual, and in-person) to families of children and youth with special health care needs and the professionals who work with them
• Guide parents and families as they navigate special education (IDEA) for school-age children with disabilities, and relevant health care systems
• Develop and present virtual and in-person trainings statewide on relevant topics for professionals and families of school-age children and young adults
• 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
• Conduct outreach and disseminate resources to increase impact of project across the state
• Maintain and update web-based content and coordinate ongoing resource development (written and video)
• Coordinate project activities, track progress toward grant goals, and maintain accurate records for organizational and grant reporting
• Collaborate with team members and oversee PACER’s Dental and Medical Advisory Board
• Maintain timely and accurate database records of contacts and work performed
• Perform other activities as assigned to support PACER’s mission and program goals

Required skills

• 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
• 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

Preferred background and experience

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

Physical requirements

• Extended periods of computer use are required

Additional information

• Must have reliable transportation and flexibility to travel periodically for training activities, which may occur during daytime or evening hours
• Parents of children and young adults with disabilities and special health care needs, as well as individuals with disabilities, are encouraged to apply
• PACER staff work in a hybrid model (remote and in-office)
• Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications

To apply, send resume and cover letter via:

• Mail: Recruitment Director | PACER Center | 8161 Normandale Blvd | Minneapolis, MN 55437

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