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Careers & Internships at PACER Center

PACER Center Trainer and Advocate

Job Title: Parent Trainer and Advocate
Department: Parent Advocacy & Training
Supervisor: Manager of Parent Training and Advocacy
Status: Full-time, salaried monthly, exempt status
Salary: $45K+ annually
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 a 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.

Responsibilities and Roles

  • Provide in-person, virtual, telephone, and e-mail assistance (information and guidance) to parents regarding special education procedures (IDEA) for school-age children with disabilities + community-based services for young adults
  • Present trainings online and in communities throughout the state for professionals and parents of school-age children with disabilities and young adults
  • Develop new and adapt existing presentation materials
  • Develop written and video special education resources, including research, writing, recording, and reviewing
  • Collaborate with team members on continuous improvement efforts to enhance department’s services to families
  • Help train new staff
  • Maintain timely and accurate database records of contacts and work performed
  • Other activities as assigned

Required Skills

  • Ability to work well with others and interest in relating to parents of children with disabilities
  • Exceptional interpersonal and rapport-building skills
  • Great active listening skills
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive) and database entry
  • Proficient in Zoom for webinars
  • Ability to work with diverse populations
  • Excellent organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines
  • Ability to keep accurate records and collect data for evaluation purposes
  • Ability to provide own transportation and flexibility to travel
  • Flexibility to work occasional evening and weekend hours

Preferred Background and Experience

  • Experience in public speaking and training
  • Experience assisting others on the telephone, virtual calls, and over e-mail.
  • Experience working with individuals in a guidance role
  • Experience in community, human, or social services, or general education
  • Knowledge of laws and rules related to the education of children with disabilities, ages 0 to 22
  • Knowledge of community-based services for youth who have graduate from high school and completed special education services
  • College degree or equivalent background gained through training or work experience

Physical Requirements

  • Prolonged periods working on a computer.

Additional Information

  • Parents of children with disabilities, as well as individuals with disabilities, are encouraged to apply.
  • PACER staff work in a hybrid (remote and in-office) model
  • Salary will be based on experience and qualifications

To apply, send cover letter and resume via

  • Email: [email protected], or 
  • 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.

Posted November 2024