Job Description
Staff Attorney - Clients' Rights Advocate 1 or 2. Disability Rights
California. California, US. Job Type: Full-time. Equitable and
Inclusive Hiring at Disability Rights California (DRC). At Disability
Rights California (DRC), we are committed to creating an equitable,
accessible, and inclusive experience for all applicants. Below,
we’ve outlined important details to ensure you feel fully supported
throughout the hiring process.
Examples of reasonable accommodations include American Sign Language
- ASL) interpretation. Alternative formats for interview materials
- e.g., large print, Braille, digital files). Interview questions were
provided prior to the interview. Extended interview time. A quiet or
distraction-free interview setting. Adjustments to the interview
format for accessibility (e.g., pinning participants). Assistance with
reading or note-taking during interviews. If you require an
accommodation due to a disability to complete this application OR you
are experiencing issues submitting your application and accompanying
materials.
Please note that a resume and cover letter are required. Incomplete
applications will not be considered.
People with disabilities, people of color, people in all protected
classes, and formerly incarcerated people are encouraged to apply.
Make a difference! We fight for the rights of people that have
disabilities.... JOIN US!
LOCATION: 201 N. Calle Cesar Chavez (TRI-COUNTIES REGIONAL CENTER),
eligible for hybrid schedule with minimum of 2 days/week in office
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Exempt; Regular; Full-time.
SALARY RANGE: $68,875–$91,242 annually (CRA 1). $70,858–$98,816
annually (CRA 2). We base salary and position offers on experience and
an internal equity analysis. EXCELLENT BENEFITS Including 8% 401k
Match, a LRAP (Loan Repayment Assistance Program) that pays up to $300
per month depending on salary and debt, a 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).
Additionally, we offer ample vacation, sick/self-care leave, and
eighteen paid holidays (including the last week in December) and
more…. We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (eligible employer).
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open until filled. A resume and cover letter are
required. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
WHO WE ARE 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.
OFFICE OF CLIENTS’ RIGHTS ADVOCACY: 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.
PURPOSE OF THE JOB: 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 the
office. The office is currently located at 201 N. Calle Cesar Chavez
in Santa Barbara. The CRA may work remotely up to three days per week.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: Essential functions are the job responsibilities
an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable
accommodation. CRA essential functions include:
Advocacy—70%. 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. Supervision—15%. Directly supervise one advocate.
Outreach/Training—15%. 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.
Other Duties: Perform other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Directly supervises one (1) advocate and
carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the
agency's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include
interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and
directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining
employees; and addressing complaints and resolving problems.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: (Applicants MUST meet
EACH of the minimum qualifications to be considered for an interview.)
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.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS: (Applicants DO NOT have to meet any of the
Desirable Qualifications to be considered for an interview.) 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.
BILINGUAL ABILITY: LICENSES/CERTIFICATES For placement as a CRA 2,
must be admitted to the California State Bar, or eligible to practice
under California’s Registered Legal Services Attorney Program. If
eligible under the RLSA Program, must become admitted to the
California State Bar within five (5) years. If you are hired as a CRA
1 and later become licensed, you are eligible for an immediate
promotion to CRA 2.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Occasional travel required. Ability to travel
occasionally for activities such as client meetings, out-of-town
meetings, team meetings, training, or outreach activities up to 10% of
the time. More travel may be required to meet program or contract
requirements.
WORKING CONDITIONS: The following describes general working conditions
and requirements of the job, which can be performed with or without
disability-related reasonable accommodations.
Duties are performed in office and home environments and the field in
a wide range of settings, including courthouses, congregate care or
other institutional settings, and community agencies.
Duties frequently require sitting and communicating with others.
Must be able to transport oneself to work-related meetings, hearings,
facilities, and settings where clients live.
Job Tags
Full time, Contract work, Temporary work, Work at office, Local area, Immediate start, Remote work, Flexible hours, 2 days per week, 3 days per week,