Who is 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. Employing a variety of means, 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 are seeking employees who value this work. In turn we treat our employees well, offering a supportive environment, talented colleagues, excellent benefits, and generous leave.

Disability Rights Wisconsin arose out of a disability civil rights movement demanding that the abuse of people with disabilities end and that people with disabilities be included in life, school, workplaces, and communities. Our core values include Diversity, Dignity, Independence, Accessibility, Inclusion, Human Rights, and Liberation. We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment at Disability Rights Wisconsin.

Application deadline: Applications will be accepted from March 14th through April 4th, 2025. Application review will begin on March 28th, and the position will remain open until filled.

Job Summary

DRW’s Ombudsman and External Advocacy Program (OEAP) is a team of two subprograms that provide advocacy and/or ombudsman services to those enrolled in certain Medicaid programs in Wisconsin. This position is within the subprogram called the Family Care and IRIS Ombudsman Program (FCIOP) and provides assistance to Family Care, Partnership, and IRIS enrollees statewide. The Ombudsman works independently under the supervision of the Managing Attorney and Supervising Attorney(s). The Ombudsman collects case information, investigates complaints, and provides information, guidance, self-advocacy support, consultation, and referrals. The Ombudsman works collaboratively and via negotiation and mediation to resolve enrollee problems, and to provide assistance and/or direct representation with complaints, grievances, appeals and state fair hearings. Ombudsmen also provide outreach and training on FCIOP and rights and issues of adults in long-term care programs.

Key Responsibilities

1 Investigate client concerns - 30%

• Discuss Concern with client / guardian.
• Analyze Records / relevant documents.
• Work collaboratively with external entities.

2 Provide guidance / negotiate - 50%.

• Information and referral.
• Support in online, telephone, and in-person meetings.
• Support informal resolution.
• Develop person-specific strategies and skills to empower client self-advocacy.

3 Written support / representation - 20%.

• Utilize data tools to maintain accurate records of case progress.
• Technical assistance and representation at administrative hearings.
• Documentation for grievances and appeals.

 General:

• Adhere to all Disability Rights Wisconsin policies and procedures including but not limited to work hours; timesheets; file maintenance; confidentiality and security.
• Participate in Disability Rights Wisconsin activities such as all-staff meetings and committees.
• May be other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Four years in paid or unpaid work providing advocacy to vulnerable people may be considered in lieu of a bachelor’s degree in an area related to providing advocacy services to people with disabilities.
2. Ability, skill, or experience with individual cases, which could include handling investigation, negotiation, mediation skills, and case file maintenance.
3. Experience working with persons of culturally diverse backgrounds.
4. Proven ability to communicate effectively with clients and/or internal and external entities which include excellent listening, verbal, and professional written communication skills.
5. Computer skills including email, word processing, and use of the internet, and using Microsoft Edge, Teams, SharePoint, and Outlook.
6. Ability to work independently, and as part of a team, and manage your own workload, which includes prioritizing work and multitasking multiple cases simultaneously.

Preferred:

1. Experience/direct contact with persons with a disability or social justice movements either in a paid or unpaid capacity.
2. General knowledge or ability to learn of resources relevant to individuals in Wisconsin’s disability-related services/legal rights, residential, prevention of abuse/neglect systems including Family Care, IRIS, community-based mental health programs, and adult/child protective services.
3. Ability to write and/or speak Spanish, Hmong, or ASL as well as English is desired.
4. Paid or volunteer experience dealing directly with clients/customers on the phone.
5. Personal or professional advocacy experience which may include providing outreach, training, and/or technical assistance.

Physical Demands:

Remaining in a stationary position, often standing, or sitting for prolonged periods:
☐ 13 hours or less          ☐ 14-26 hours           X 27-40+ hours

Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another:
X 13 hours or less          ☐ 14-26 hours           ☐ 27-40+ hours

Repetitive motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers:
☐ 13 hours or less          ☐ 14-26 hours           X 27-40+ hours

Operating motor vehicles:

X 13 hours or less          ☐ 14-26 hours           ☐ 27-40+ hours

Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.
☐ 13 hours or less          ☐ 14-26 hours           X 27-40+ hours

Light work that includes moving objects, boxes up to 20 pounds.
X 13 hours or less          ☐ 14-26 hours           ☐ 27-40+ hours

Travel

• This position requires up to 10% travel throughout the State of WI. Travel is anticipated to average 1-2 days/month, which may include an overnight stay. The travel schedule is expected to vary throughout a calendar year. While travel dates are typically scheduled far in advance, the position could require travel on short notice.

Day travel will consist of:

☐ Weekly (2-3 days) ☐ Monthly (2-4 days) 
☐ Monthly (6-8 days)    X Monthly (<1-2 days)

Overnight travel will consist of:

☐ Weekly (2-3 days) ☐ Monthly (2-4 days)
☐ Monthly (6-8 days)      X Monthly (<1-2 days)

Benefits

Disability Rights Wisconsin places an unparalleled value on the well-being of our staff. The following benefits are offered for permanent employees who work 20+ hours per week:

• Generous employer contribution for individual and family health insurance plus a Health Reimbursement Account for uncovered health care costs.
• Employer-provided Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Contribution
• Flex Spending Account
• Access to affordable, quality:
• • Dental, Vision Coverage
  • Additional Life Insurance for employee and spouse and children
  • Critical Illness Insurance
  • Identity Theft
  • Pet Insurance
• Employment at our organization may qualify you for federal student loan forgiveness programs. We do not directly pay for – nor forgive –federal student loans. However, our status as a not-for-profit organization under Section 501 (c) (3), makes us an eligible employer. There may be other determining factors for one to qualify. For more information, read the Federal Student Aid’s Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) page: studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

Generous paid time off policies include the following upon date of hire:

• 10 Fixed and 4 Floating Holidays
• Paid Sick and Personal Leave
• Paid Vacation
• Anniversary Pay after Year One
• Comp Time for Salaried Employees who work over 40 hours
• Paid Volunteer Time Off
• Paid Bereavement Leave

Additional benefits include the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Commuter Choice, and Sabbatical Leave.

Equal Employment Opportunity Act (EEO) and Affirmative Action (AA)

We are an equal-opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status following Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).

Date of Job Description: March 2025