PACER Careers

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 Parent Trainer and Advocate provides direct support to parents, caregivers, and families in navigating special education and the IEP process, helping them understand their rights and responsibilities through resources and guidance. While this position will work with families of all backgrounds, there is an emphasis on conducting outreach to and providing culturally responsive services for Minnesota’s Black and African American communities.

Responsibilities and roles

• Provide virtual, telephone, e-mail, and in-person assistance (information and guidance) to parents regarding special education procedures (IDEA) for school-age children with disabilities + community-based services for young adults
• Develop and present training online and in-person throughout the state for families and professionals on special education, family engagement, and related topics
• Develop connections and partnerships with schools, parent groups, and organizations in communities serving parents and families of black and African American students
• Conduct listening sessions with families on various topics
• 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
• Experience and cultural competence working with black or African American communities in Minnesota
• 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 throughout state of Minnesota
• Flexibility to work occasional evening and weekend hours

Preferred background and experience

• Bilingual (Spanish or Somali speaking) preferred
• 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 graduated 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 is committed to building an inclusive workplace and encourages individuals from all backgrounds to apply
• PACER staff work in a hybrid (remote and in-office) model
• Salary will be based on experience and qualifications