Staff Attorney/Clients’ Right Advocate 1 or 2

Disability Rights California•Santa Barbara, CA

1d•$70,858 - $98,817•Hybrid

About The Position

Disability Rights California (DRC) defends, advances, and strengthens the rights and opportunities of people with disabilities. DRC works for a world where all disabled people have power and are treated with dignity and respect. In this world, people with disabilities are supported, valued, included in their communities, afforded the same opportunities as people without disabilities, and make their own decisions. DRC has a contract with the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), State of California, to provide Clients’ Rights Advocacy services for clients of each of the 21 regional centers located statewide. That contract funds the Clients’ Rights Advocate (CRA) position. We are a team of zealous advocates and disability generalists who are building a culture of teamwork and working for a world where all disabled people have power, are treated with dignity and respect, and make their own decisions. The CRA advocates for people with developmental disabilities who are regional center clients, including people who reside in state developmental centers and community facilities. The CRA is a generalist who provides information, advice, and representation on a wide range of legal topics impacting people who receive regional center services. Examples are special education, Social Security, IHSS, healthcare and insurance, and living in the community. The CRA works under the direct supervision of a supervising attorney and in collaboration with other OCRA advocates and attorneys in their advocacy and outreach efforts. This position is in a location convenient to the regional center and is eligible for a hybrid schedule working both remotely and in-office. The office is currently located at 201 N. Calle Cesar Chavez, Suite 100-C in Santa Barbara, California. A CRA in good standing may work remotely up to three days per week.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree.
Two or more years of experience: o Advocating for the rights of people with developmental disabilities; or o In a paid or volunteer position relating to regional center services, special education, or Social Security; or o Working with vulnerable people or communities.
Ability to conduct research and analysis of pertinent legal authority.
Written and verbal communication skills sufficient to communicate complex legal questions and issues to the general public.
Experience working with or sensitivity to people with disabilities.
Experience working with or sensitivity to people from ethnic or language distinct communities.

Nice To Haves

Three or more years advocating for the rights of people with developmental disabilities.
Knowledge of statewide resources available to people with developmental disabilities.
Experience reviewing medical or educational records.
Able to communicate fluently and write effectively in Spanish or an Asian language.
Alternate dispute resolution training and practice.
One or more years supervising colleagues in a work or volunteer setting.
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 the Santa Barbara office a minimum of two days per week, in collaboration with OCRA’s Tri-Counties Regional Center team.
Provide information and advice about the diverse legal needs of people with developmental disabilities who receive services from the regional center.
Represent clients at administrative proceedings regarding education, public benefits, and regional center eligibility and services.
Identify and employ impact advocacy strategies to remove systematic barriers for people with disabilities.
Develop and engage in relationships and collaborations with a range of public and private community partners, including governmental agencies and community-based organizations, to ensure integrative services for people who receive regional center services.
Investigate, facilitate, and report on findings from complaints of violation, withholding, or denial of rights.
Directly supervise one advocate.
Develop and implement an outreach plan, including targeted outreach to traditionally underserved communities.
Strengthen and build relationships with local community-based organizations.
Develop and conduct outreach, education, and training for regional center clients and their families, community groups, and others.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

8% 401k Match
LRAP (Loan Repayment Assistance Program) that pays up to $300 per month depending on salary and debt
language differential up to $250/mo
Health (HMO and PPO options)
dental
vision
basic life insurance
short-term and long-term disability insurance and flexible spending accounts (medical, dependent care and commuter)
ample vacation, sick/self-care time and eighteen paid holidays (including the last week in December)
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) - eligible employer