Assistant Clients’ Right Advocate 1 (Bilingual-English/Spanish)

Disability Rights California•Chico, CA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Assistant Clients’ Rights Advocate (ACRA) assists and advocates for people with developmental disabilities who are regional center clients, including those residing in state developmental centers and community facilities. This role provides primary clerical and administrative support for the office, which offers information, advice, and representation on various legal topics affecting individuals receiving regional center services, such as special education, Social Security, IHSS, healthcare, insurance, and community living. The ACRA works under the direct supervision of a clients’ rights advocate and collaborates with other OCRA advocates and attorneys on advocacy and outreach initiatives. This position is located conveniently near the regional center and is eligible for a hybrid schedule, allowing for remote work up to three days per week for an ACRA in good standing. The office is currently situated at 150 Amber Grove Drive in Chico.

Requirements

High school diploma or general education degree (GED); plus 1 – 2 years related experience or training.
Able to communicate fluently and write effectively in Spanish, including the ability to interpret and translate.
Must be able to transport oneself to work-related meetings, hearings, facilities, and settings where clients live.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in a related field from a two-year college or technical school, OR Bachelor’s degree in a related field from a four-year college or university, OR equivalent combination of experience and training.
Able to communicate fluently and write effectively in Spanish, including the ability to interpret and translate.
Knowledge of statewide resources available to people with developmental disabilities.
Experience reviewing medical or educational records.
Contacts with disability organizations and/or within disability communities.
Experience with or extensive contacts in ethnic or language distinct communities.
Experience providing training to a diverse range of people.
Life experience as a person with a disability or direct experience as a caregiver of a person with a disability.
Proficiency with Windows-based computer applications including Microsoft Office and case management software.
Demonstrated experience and ability to work effectively with a variety of organizations and individuals with diverse perspectives, including people with disabilities, administrators, advocacy groups, and the public, and to maintain confidentiality in all matters.

Responsibilities

Work in-person in DRC’s Chico office a minimum of two days per week in collaboration with OCRA’s Far Northern Regional Center team.
Greet callers and provide initial response to requests for help.
Coordinate meetings and conference calls.
Process incoming and outgoing mail.
Apply screening guidelines to identify problems and determine appropriateness of advocacy services.
Provide information and referral to individuals who do not qualify for representation or services.
Process requests for materials and publications.
Assist in client and caller interviews.
Use electronic case management software to create case files, including recording required demographic data, and to maintain accurate and timely case information.
Collect data and generate reports.
Assemble evidence packets for use in administrative hearings and other proceedings.
Develop and update community referral information.
Strengthen and build relationships with local community-based organizations.
Assist in scheduling, organizing, and conducting training activities, and developing and producing educational materials.
Assist in the development and implementation of an outreach plan, including targeted outreach to traditionally underserved communities.
Perform other duties as assigned.