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
Status: Full-time, salaried monthly, exempt status
Salary: $45-55K
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:
- 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 May 2025