[nfbmi-talk] MPAS Job Posting

[Terry D. Eagle]

Hello,

 

Below is a job posting for a civil rights advocate with the Michigan
Protection & Advocacy Service (MPAS).

 

Can anyone justifiably explain how MPAS can exclude from employment any
person with a disability, including the blind, by requiring a Valid State of
Michigan driver's license, as a qualification for a position of civil rights
advocate?

 

I personally know three persons with blindness, who each held civil rights
advocate positions for several years within a rehabilitation setting, and
performed the duties very well without possession of a valid driver's
license.

 

Does not such a qualification requirement seem to be discriminatory on its
face?  How about reasonable accommodations under the law?  Is not the
mission and work of MPAS to right the wrong of discrimination and lack of
reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities?

 

 

Position Posting

 

ADVOCATE

Michigan Protection & Advocacy Service, Inc.

Lansing, MI

4/8/2014

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Job Description

ADVOCATE - CAIR Team

 - 2 full-time advocate positions available to advocate on behalf of people
with

disabilities. This position provides advocacy, information and referral,
facility

monitoring and reporting to a wide range of people with a variety of
disabilities.

As such, issue team assignments may vary from time to time, depending on the
needs

of the agency.

*Provides timely investigation and direct advocacy assistance, including
information

and referral, technical assistance and representation to clients in
accordance with

agency policy/procedures and priorities.

*Establishes and maintains presence in assigned facilities and monitors
conditions

and systemic issues as required to meet priorities and objectives.
Identifies and

reports significant issues, problems or concerns to appropriate MPAS
team(s).

*Works as a team member with other staff on approved projects.

ADVOCATE - Employment Team - 1 full-time advocate position

Employment Team provides dispute resolution services to clients of Michigan
Rehabilitation

Services, Bureau of Services for Blind Persons, Centers for Independent
Living, beneficiaries

of Social Security and individuals needing assistive technology. Once
cleared though

a security clearance process the Employment Team monitors Representative
Payees of

beneficiaries of the Social Security Administration. The job
responsibilities include,

but are not limited to: providing timely investigations and direct advocacy
assistance,

including information and referral, technical assistance and representation
to clients

in accordance with agency policy and division priorities; and conducting
outreach

and training to unserved and underserved populations. Extensive in-state
travel required,

along with some out-of-state travel.

Send resume and cover via email by clicking the orange "APPLY NOW" button.

 Or send to:

 Ms. Limas,

 MPAS,

 4095 Legacy Parkway, Ste. 500,

 Lansing, MI 48911

 517-487-0827 fax

 EOE

Job Requirements

ADVOCATE - CAIR TEAM (2 positions)

*Must possess a bachelor's degree in human services.

*Experience in human services, disability rights or investigatory
experience; working

understanding of the rights' protection systems and public health systems in
MI.

 *Experience in monitoring conditions and systemic issues in facilities.

 *Knowledge of public health systems and services in Michigan.

 *Working understanding of the rights protection, special education, mental
health,

child welfare, and juvenile justice systems in Michigan.

 *Ability to be flexible in work assignments.

 *A congenial personality and a sense of humor.

ADVOCATE- EMPLOYMENT TEAM (1 position)

*Applicant must possess a Bachelor's degree in a human services related
field.

*Two to four years of related human services experience including experience
working

with disability rights.

*Valid State of Michigan driver's license.

Protection and Advocacy Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) Program
certification

(provided after hiring).

*Demonstrated commitment to the civil rights of all people and the ability
to work

with individuals with a variety of disability characteristics and cultural
backgrounds.

*Ability to maintain confidentiality.

*Interpersonal skills necessary to communicate effectively with clients,
service

providers, consumer groups, government agencies and others in the exchange
of information

and resolution of problem situations in a tactful, courteous and respectful
manner.

The incumbent is also required to have effective verbal and written
communication

skills.

*Demonstrated ability to respond in a professional, non-judgmental manner to
emotionally

charged issues and the like. The incumbent is also required to be able to
respond

appropriately to individuals with speech impairments, limited cognitive
abilities

and/or limited ability to speak English.

*Analytical ability and problem solving skills to identify client issue(s)
and determine

appropriate intervention(s) .

*Demonstrated ability to handle multiple cases. The incumbent is also
required to

organize and prioritize complex tasks.

*Ability to work independently and show initiative in completion of assigned
tasks.

*Written and computer skills necessary to prepare required documentation.

Job Snapshot

Base Pay

$35,600.00 - $38,800.00 /Year

Employment Type

Full-Time

Job Type

Nonprofit - Social Services,  Other

Education

4 Year Degree

Experience

At least 3 year(s)

Manages Others

No

Relocation

No

Industry

Not for Profit - Charitable, Social Services, Other Great Industries

Required Travel

Up to 50%