Staff Attorney / Clients’ Right Advocate 1 or 2

Disability Rights California•Chico, CA

13d•Hybrid

About The Position

Disability Rights California (DRC) is seeking a Staff Attorney / Clients’ Rights Advocate (CRA) 1 or 2 to join the Office of Clients’ Rights Advocacy. This role involves advocating for people with developmental disabilities who are regional center clients, including those residing in state developmental centers and community facilities. The CRA acts as a generalist, providing information, advice, and representation on various legal topics such as special education, Social Security, IHSS, healthcare, insurance, and community living. The position works under the direct supervision of a supervising attorney and collaborates with other OCRA advocates and attorneys. The role is based in Chico and offers a hybrid schedule, allowing up to three days of remote work per week.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree.
Two or more years of experience: Advocating for the rights of people with developmental disabilities; or In a paid or volunteer position relating to regional center services, special education, or Social Security; or 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.
Able to communicate fluently and write effectively in Spanish or an Asian language, including the ability to interpret and translate.
Knowledge of statewide resources available to people with developmental disabilities.
Experience reviewing medical or educational records.
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 Chico office a minimum of two days per week, in collaboration with OCRA’s Far Northern 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.
May directly supervise up to 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.
Directly supervises one (1) advocate and carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the agency's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interview, hire, and train employees; plan, assign, and direct work; appraise performance; reward and discipline employees; address complaints and resolve problems.

Benefits

8% 401k Match
Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) that pays up to $300 per month depending on salary and debt
Language differential up to $250/mo.
Health HMO and POS (For Individuals outside the HMO areas) Options
Health reimbursement account
Dental
Vision
Basic life insurance
Voluntary life
Flexible spending accounts (medical, dependent care and commuter)
Ample vacation
Wellness time
Eighteen paid holidays (including the last week in December)