Advocacy Specialist - VAP

Who is Disability Rights Wisconsin?

Disability Rights Wisconsin is the state’s Protection and Advocacy system, charged with protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities and keeping them free from abuse and neglect. Employing a variety of means, our advocates and attorneys use individual casework and systems advocacy to achieve positive changes in the lives of people with disabilities and their families. We are seeking employees who value this work.

In turn, we treat our employees well, offering a supportive environment, talented colleagues, excellent benefits, and generous leave.

Disability Rights Wisconsin arose out of a disability civil rights movement demanding that the abuse of people with disabilities end and that people with disabilities be included in life, school, workplaces, and communities. Our core values include Diversity, Dignity, Independence, Accessibility, Inclusion, Human Rights, and Liberation.

• Protection & Advocacy for people with disabilities (addressing abuse/neglect, discrimination, access to services, education rights, institutional monitoring, and systemic reform).
• Disability Benefits Specialist (helping people access Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance).
• Family Care & IRIS Ombudsman (supporting people to remain in community-based settings).
• Victim Advocacy (advocacy and representation for crime victims with disabilities).

Full Time Equivalent: Full-time (40 Hours/week)

Reports to: Supervising Attorney

Rate: $51,000 – $67,000 (annually), depending on Experience.

This position is fully funded by a time-limited grant that will end on September 30, 2027. Disability Rights Wisconsin will attempt to find an alternate funding source after that date, but may not be able to secure further funding for the position after that date.

Location: Anywhere in Wisconsin. If the employee lives within 45 miles of a Disability Rights Wisconsin office, they may work fully in-office or in a hybrid arrangement. Residency outside the 45-mile range qualifies for complete remote work.
Applicant must be a Wisconsin resident
.

Job

Hours:

Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Application Instructions: Submit resume and cover letter (preferred but not required), detailing your qualifications and experience as they relate to the minimum and preferred qualifications.

For priority consideration, apply online at our Careers page:(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./careers

Final date to receive applications
: February 13, 2026
. Position will remain open until filled.

Note: You can request alternate formats of this position announcement. You may submit your application materials in alternate formats if needed.

The Victim Advocacy Program (VAP) of Disability Rights Wisconsin works to ensure that survivors with disabilities receive the advocacy, legal representation, services, and support they need to move forward, find justice, and obtain safety and stability in whatever form they require. A primary goal of VAP is to promote self-determination for survivors with disabilities.

The Advocacy Specialist is responsible for providing direct advocacy assistance to individuals with disabilities who have been victims of crime on a variety of disability-related and victim service issues. Other duties include administrative tasks related to case maintenance and reporting, information and referral, systems advocacy, and training.