Client Empowerment - Legal Advocate

MDLC Legal Advocate - Self-Advocacy Specialist

Position Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Location: Metro Location (Minneapolis Office), Mankato or Duluth

Introduction:

Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid’s Minnesota Disability Law Center (MDLC) serves as the Protection and Advocacy Organization for people with disabilities in Minnesota. MDLC is seeking a self-advocacy specialist for its Minneapolis Office. This legal advocate will review and triage intake calls for the MDLC. This role will conduct follow-up calls to prospective clients, conduct a preliminary evaluation of the case, and gather documentation. This role will consult with team leaders to determine if the case will be assigned to a case handler for additional representation. Where MDLC cannot provide further representation for the prospective client, the self-advocacy specialist will provide resources and support to allow prospective client to effectively advocate for their legal rights. Employment is contingent on passing a Level V background check as that is required for some of our grant programs. This advocate will become familiar in all of MDLC’s work and priorities including Medicaid waivers, special education, abuse and neglect, disability discrimination and reasonable accommodations, among others.

What’s in it for you?

• Flexibility to blend remote work with in-office collaboration
• Half-day paid flex time on Fridays
• On-the-job training, mentorship, and growth opportunities

Why MMLA?

We’re committed to diversity and equal justice for all. We welcome your unique identity, experiences, and perspectives. Discrimination and harassment have no place here—we’re building a respectful, supportive workplace where everyone thrives.

Responsibilities:

• Review and triage intakes for the MDLC
• Provide self-advocacy assistance including resources and referrals to prospective clients
• Assist in developing and maintaining publicly available self-advocacy resources such as fact sheets and videos
• Gather documents from callers, when necessary for evaluation of the case
• Close self-advocacy and information and referral cases in our data system according to grant requirements
• Track legal trends as a frontline staff member
• Collaborate and coordinate with the larger MMLA intake team as needed
• Understand and apply MDLC case priorities in case evaluation
• Apply Legal Aid’s Racial Justice Values Statement in all work-related interactions
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications:

• Minimum one year of intake processing and/or case management experience in disability services or civil legal services, or similar position
• Excellent communication skills particularly over the phone and in writing
• Excellent organizational, and administrative skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and cultural competency
• One year or more of professional experience working with people with disabilities
• Expertise in disability service programs and systems in Minnesota
• Proficiency in Microsoft Windows and Office (including Excel)
• Comfort learning new legal and case handling technologies
• Ability to manage competing time demands and provide legal services in a timely manner.
• Must currently hold or be eligible for Level V moderate risk public trust government clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

• Second language ability (Spanish, ASL, Somali)
• Diverse economic, social, or cultural experiences

Compensation Information:

$55,583 to $65,897 per year, depending on experience. Includes benefits: family medical and dental insurance, disability and life insurance, 403(b) with employer match, FSA, employee assistance programs, and generous paid time off.

Application Submission:

Submit resume, references, and cover letter at https://mylegalaid.org/employment by May 1, 2026.

For reasonable accommodations, contact Megan Cook at mcook@mylegalaid.org.

Other inquiries: hiring@mylegalaid.org

Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid is an Equal Opportunity Employer.