Legislative Advocate Sample Resume

Diana Brown
1234 Post Oak Drive
Flint, MI 64000
Home: 404-555-5555
Cell: 404-555-5556
Email: Diana Brown@frontfocus.com
  Objective: Seeking to find a challenging position in government policy and public relations where I can utilize my wide communication expertise and intimate knowledge of the Legislative Branch in order to effectively advocate for clients and also continue to attain further knowledge of the legislative process and how communication can be further utilized.   Qualification Summary: More than 4 years of experience in legislative advocacy and legislative staffing. Extensive experience and ability to work effectively with a variety of organizations and individuals with diverse perspectives, the public, elected and appointed officials, people with disabilities, and governmental agencies, especially at the state and local levels. Wide knowledge of the legislative process and protocols of legislative advocacy. Able to analyze complex legislative and draft organizational posture statements regarding proposed legislation as well as to work collaboratively with other community organizations, agencies and the legislature. Strong abilities to communicate effectively in writing and orally, to analyze complex problems and explain legislation so it is easily understood by people at the legislature and the general public and to work effectively as a member of a legislative or public policy coalition.   Education: Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration
Majoring in Community Legislation
Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
July, 2000   Work Experience: Client's Rights Advocate,
Central Valley Regional Center, Flint, MI
June 2004? present

Provided clients? rights advocacy services to persons with developmental disabilities who were consumers of regional centers, including ensuring the rights of persons with developmental disabilities, assisting persons with developmental disabilities in pursuing administrative and legal remedies, and direct representation of persons with developmental disabilities in selected cases. Other responsibilities included investigating and taking action as appropriate and necessary to resolve complaints from or concerning persons with developmental disabilities residing in licensed health and community care facilities regarding abuse, and unreasonable denial, or punitive withholding of rights guaranteed under this division; providing consultation, technical assistance, supervision and training, and support services for clients? rights advocates that were previously the responsibility of the Office of Human Rights. Coordinated the provision of clients? rights services in consultation with DDS, stakeholder organizations, and persons with developmental disabilities and their families representing Michigan's multi-cultural diversity.   Consumer Advocate,
Central Valley Regional Center, Flint, MI
May 2000 ? May 2004

Responsibilities included: ensuring that the rights of people with developmental disabilities as provided in law and regulation were enforced, providing information and training to assist residential and health providers in understanding their responsibilities regarding posting and notification of rights, advising the Regional Center Executive Director on the development and implementation of the Center?s clients? rights assurance program, investigating and facilitating resolution of all complaints of violation, withholding or denial of rights made by or on behalf of clients, preparing reports on findings and making recommendations for resolution to appropriate parties. Directly assisted and represented clients/families or provided technical advice to client representatives in administrative actions relating to eligibility for and provision of services from public benefit programs.   References: Available upon request