North Dakota Protection and Advocacy

Are you passionate about serving others? Do you have the desire to advocate for equality and inclusion? The ND Protection & Advocacy Project is a statewide agency with the federally mandated purpose of protecting and advocating for the rights of people with disabilities in North Dakota. We are searching for a change maker to serve the North Dakota Olmstead Commission. The Olmstead Commission's goal is to move North Dakota towards greater integration and inclusion for persons with disabilities with respect to community services and supports, employment, education, health care, housing and transportation. This position provides coordination and support to facilitate the work of the commission. This position is located in our Bismarck office. Occasional travel will be required.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree.Major in prelaw, political science, social work, or related fields.

Preferred Qualifications

Juris Doctorate degree or master's degree.Two years of work experience as a licensed attorney, and licensure to practice law in North Dakota.Professional experience working with people with disabilities.Work experience providing legal representation to individuals in administrative hearings or civil proceedings in state or federal court.Work experience involving research and written analysis of complex statutes, rules, and regulations.Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state law, as well as rulings with substantial relevance to people with disabilities. Examples include the Olmstead v. LC, American with Disabilities Act [ADA], Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [IDEA], Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Medicaid, Medicare, Disability-connected employment law, Social Security Disability, and Guardianship. Work experience training and providing recommendations to others on legal rights issues, conducting outreach or public awareness activities, or developing legal materials or resources for groups, such as clients, professionals, or the public.Experience participating on issue-focused committees, task forces, workgroups or other groups seeking systemic changes.Work experience that involved preparing and presenting testimony to legislative and/or regulatory bodies or other involvement in the legislative process - state or federal. Training and experience in Conflict Resolution or Alternative Dispute Resolution.

About Team ND

"Far and away the best prize life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." - Theodore RooseveltMore than 7,500 talented, hard-working people across sixty-three agencies have come together as Team North Dakota. At Team ND, we are driven to succeed through gratitude, humility, curiosity and courage. Our purpose is to empower people, improve lives, and inspire success. Join us in being legendary.Total Rewards: The State of North Dakota is committed to providing team members with a strong and competitive rewards package that support you, your health and your family.Considering a new position on Team ND? How does your current position stack up? Use our Total Rewards Calculator to estimate.

Application Procedures

Applicants must complete an online application at http://www.nd.gov/omb/jobs and upload a cover letter and resume with 3 professional references. Failure to include all required documents will result in disqualification. We do not accept applications submitted by mail, email, or fax.Application materials must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. on the closing date. The cover letter must include a summary of how the applicant meets the minimum and preferred qualifications. The online application includes questions regarding minimum and preferred qualifications. Responses must be supported by application materials.Contact Veronica Zietz for more information regarding the job or Barb Winking for assistance in the application or interview process, at (701) 328-2950, 1-800-472-2670.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of North Dakota and this hiring agency do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), genetics, religion, age or disability in employment or the provisions of services and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. Sect. 23-12-10.

The ND Protection & Advocacy Project is a statewide agency with the federally mandated purpose of protecting and advocating for the rights of people with disabilities in North Dakota. We are hiring a disability advocate in our Jamestown, ND office.



As a Disability Advocate you must have a passion for ensuring equality and inclusion of people with disabilities. You will provide information, assistance, and advocacy on disability-related, legal rights issues to people with disabilities; you will investigate alleged abuse and neglect; and provide training and outreach to people with disabilities, parents, guardians, service providers, and other professionals on disability rights issues. Occasional travel is required, including some overnight stays.

Duties and Tasks

Protective and Advocacy servicesReceives referrals regarding alleged rights violations of individuals with disabilities. Determines eligibility based on federal program, P&A eligibility criteria, and priorities.Works with the client to fulfill unmet disability-related needs and rights violations. Receives reports of suspected abuse, neglect, and exploitation (ANE) of individuals with disabilities.Investigates, collects, and reviews information to determine probable cause within timelines; completes required documentation and reports per P&A procedures and protocol.Training and outreachCollaborates with other P&A staff to develop training protocols in areas that include ANE, investigations, disability-related law and processes, advocacy, and other rights areas specific to individuals with disabilities.Collaborates with other P&A staff to develop and present trainings on disability-related topics to people with disabilities, professionals, parents, guardians, and others.Systems advocacyCollaborates with individuals with disabilities and advocacy organizations to develop strategies and advocate for positive systemic changes.Represents P&A on meetings, committees, workgroups, and task forces as requested, to address issues of concern to P&A.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in special education, sociology, or social work and three years of experience working with people with disabilities; ORBachelor's degree in any field, and four years of experience working with people with disabilities.

Preferred Qualifications

Work experience that involved advocating for people with a variety of disabilities including developmental disabilities, mental illness, physical disabilities and brain injury, to include co-occurring disabilities.Excellent understanding and knowledge of disability-related service delivery systems in ND.Work experience that required research, analysis, interpretation, and/or application of rules, regulations, statute, or complex policies. Work experience that required investigative type of duties.Work experience making presentations to a group.Excellent oral and written communication skills.Competent in using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Internet.

About Team ND

"Far and away the best prize life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." - Theodore RooseveltMore than 7,500 talented, hard-working people across sixty-three agencies have come together as Team North Dakota. At Team ND, we are driven to succeed through gratitude, humility, curiosity and courage. Our purpose is to empower people, improve lives, and inspire success. Join us in being legendary.Total Rewards: The State of North Dakota is committed to providing team members with a strong and competitive rewards package that support you, your health and your family.Considering a new position on Team ND? How does your current position stack up? Use our Total Rewards Calculator to estimate.

Application Procedures

Applicants must complete an online application at http://www.nd.gov/omb/jobs and upload a cover letter and resume with three professional references. Failure to include all required documents will result in disqualification. We do not accept applications submitted by mail, email, or fax.Application materials must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. on the closing date. The cover letter must include a summary of how the applicant meets the minimum and preferred qualifications. The online application includes questions regarding minimum and preferred qualifications. Responses must be supported by application materials.Contact Denise Harvey for more information regarding the job or Barb Winking for assistance in the application or interview process, at (701) 328-2950, 1-800-472-2670.ND Relay Number 1-800-366-688

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of North Dakota and this hiring agency do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), genetics, religion, age or disability in employment or the provisions of services and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. Sect. 23-12-10.