Staff Attorney / Clients' Rights Advocate 1 or 2

Disability Rights California•Berkeley, CA

9d•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 values all forms of human diversity. We are committed to a culture of belonging where all people are welcome. In order to be effective advocates for all people with disabilities, we must address discrimination in all its forms, including the unique challenges faced by people who experience the intersection of multiple systems of discrimination. 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 3075 Adeline Street, Suite 205, Berkeley, CA 94703. Additionally, the CRA must travel and hold three (3) monthly office hours at the three (3) separate Golden Gate Regional Center locations in San Francisco, San Mateo, and San Rafael, CA. The CRA may work remotely up to three days 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.
Must be able to transport oneself to work-related meetings, training, and community events.

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

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.
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.