Employment Opportunities
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Organizational Background
For nearly 35 years, Equip for Equality has been advancing the human and civil rights of people with disabilities across Illinois. Among our many accomplishments, Equip for Equality has made Chicago public transportation more accessible, helped tens of thousands of people with disabilities move from institutions into the community, increased inclusive education and educational outcomes for students with disabilities, and enhanced safety and quality of care in a variety of settings. We have offices throughout Illinois.
Equip for Equality has three Programs: the Civil Rights Team, the Special Education Clinic, and the Abuse Investigation Unit. EFE has a dedicated staff of 59 attorneys, social workers, and administrative staff working every day to advance our mission. As we work to improve society’s inclusion of individuals with disabilities, we also strive to be an inclusive, diverse, and welcoming workplace.
HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER
JOB SUMMARY
Reporting to the CEO and CFO, the Human Resources Manager is responsible for HR strategy, planning, administration, and evaluation. The HR Manager stewards a positive employment experience working closely with management, staff, interns, fellows, applicants, volunteers, contractors, and vendors. Responsibilities include managing the day-to-day tactical HR operations, such as full life cycle staffing (recruiting, on boarding, off boarding), employee relations, and compliance. Manages the overall design, implementation, communication, and administration of benefit and employee programs. An integral member of the operations team as well as the diversity and inclusion committee.
REQUIREMENTS AND PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
The selected candidate must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, a master’s degree is preferred. A minimum of 8 years of progressive HR or similar experience is required. HRIS experience is a must, Paylocity (including bswift) preferred. Strong technology, oral and written communication skills are very important; as are being a self-starter and demonstrated experience working with and/or sensitivity to individuals with disabilities and from multi-cultural communities. The position is located in Chicago and is full time. Part time may be considered.
Equip for Equality encourages qualified candidates of all backgrounds and identities to apply for this position.
STAFF ATTORNEY, SPECIAL EDUCATION CLINIC – springfield office
JOB SUMMARY
The attorney will participate in all aspects of the Clinic’s work including:
- providing brief written and telephone advice
- oral and written advocacy
- direct representation at IEP meetings, mediations, and expulsion hearings
- direct representation in due process hearings or federal court
- Systemic litigation and advocacy
This position reports to the Vice President of the Special Education Clinic. Training will be provided on special education law, client interviewing, and our internal case management system. Opportunities will be provided to work with pro bono attorneys and law student interns as well as other professional development opportunities.
Our goal is to empower Parents and families to be advocates while ensuring the rights of students with disabilities.
REQUIREMENTS AND PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
- A law degree
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Experience with and/or commitment to working with low income and diverse client populations
- Travel required within the nearby geographic area
- Commitment to civil rights
- Personal or professional experience with people with disabilities
- Spanish language fluency is a plus
- This position is located in the Springfield office
Equip for Equality encourages qualified candidates of all backgrounds and identities to apply for this position.
STAFF ATTORNEY, SPECIAL EDUCATION CLINIC – chicago office
JOB SUMMARY
The attorney will participate in all aspects of the Clinic’s work including:
- providing brief written and telephone advice
- oral and written advocacy
- direct representation at IEP meetings, mediations, and expulsion hearings
- direct representation in due process hearings or federal court
- Systemic litigation and advocacy
This position reports to the Vice President of the Special Education Clinic. Training will be provided on special education law, client interviewing, and our internal case management system. Opportunities will be provided to work with pro bono attorneys and law student interns as well as other professional development opportunities.
Our goal is to empower Parents and families to be advocates while ensuring the rights of students with disabilities.
REQUIREMENTS AND PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
- A law degree and license
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Experience with and/or commitment to working with low income and diverse client populations
- Travel required within the nearby geographic area
- Commitment to civil rights
- Personal or professional experience with people with disabilities
- Spanish language fluency is a plus
- This position is located in the Chicago office
Equip for Equality encourages qualified candidates of all backgrounds and identities to apply for this position.
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit resume and cover letter. Include salary expectations in cover letter. Salary is commensurate with experience and EFE offers excellent benefits. Position is open until filled.
Send resume and cover letter to:
Courtney Smith, Human Resources Coordinator
Equip for Equality
20 N. Michigan Ave., Ste. 300
Chicago, IL 60602
courtneys@equipforequality.org
Phone: 312-895-7333
Fax: 312-541-2378
Or apply online: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/List/2193/Equip-for-Equality
Resumes without cover letters will not be considered.
We have volunteer opportunities!
Did you know you can volunteer or have an unpaid internship with EFE? Students and professionals can volunteer by providing general office help or through internships with our technology department, human resources and other areas of our state-wide non-profit organization. (If you’re an attorney, law student or law school graduate, please read about our Pro Bono Attorney and Law Student Initiative which offers an opportunity to help with our disability rights cases and obtain hands-on legal advocacy experience. You can also learn about Public Interest career opportunities at Illinois Legal Aid OnLine.) For information about our volunteer and unpaid internship opportunities for non-attorneys, please contact Courtney Smith (see contact information below).
Learn about our Voting Access Chicago project and help us make Chicago’s polling places ADA accessible for people with disabilities and older adults. For volunteer opportunities, please contact Bebe Novich.
Background Checks
Because Equip for Equality is a community-serving organization and safety is of the utmost importance, Equip for Equality requires a background check for employees and others who volunteer or perform services for us depending on the role. The background check is run for employees once a conditional offer of employment has been extended. Background checks are conducted in accordance with all applicable laws, EFE’s policy, and paid for by EFE. A disclosed record may not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment.
We are an equal opportunity employer.
We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to disability, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. View the Department of Labor’s “EEO is The Law” poster for more information about how employers must comply with Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws.
Do you need a reasonable accommodation for our application process?
Equip for Equality is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the application process, please contact Courtney Smith at CourtneyS@equipforequality.org or (312) 895-7333 and let her know the nature of your request and your contact information. Disability related information disclosed via the application process will be kept confidential.
Courtney Smith, Human Resources Coordinator
Equip for Equality
20 N. Michigan, Suite 300
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: 312-895-7333
Fax: 312-541-2378
- Learn about our Pro Bono Attorney and Law Student Initiative, which provides volunteer opportunities for attorneys, law students and law school graduates.
- Read about some of our case work involving employment discrimination, guardianship, abuse and neglect or special education.
- Sign up for our newsletter.
Last updated: October 18, 2019