Staff Attorney/Clients’ Right Advocate 1 or 2

Staff Attorney / Clients' Right Advocate 1 or 2 (CA • Office of Clients' Rights Advocacy)People with disabilities, people of color, people in all protected classes, and formerly incarcerated people are encouraged to apply.Equitable and Inclusive Hiring at Disability Rights California (DRC)We are committed to creating an equitable, accessible, and inclusive experience for all applicants. Examples of reasonable accommodations include:American Sign Language (ASL) interpretationAlternative formats for interview materials (e.g., large print, Braille, digital files)Interview questions are provided prior to the interviewExtended interview timeA quiet or distraction‑free interview settingAdjustments to the interview format for accessibilityAssistance with reading or note‑taking during interviewsLocationRemote (Within California). Must reside in one of these counties throughout employment: Santa Barbara, Ventura, Kern, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, San Diego, or Imperial.Employment StatusExempt; Regular; Full‑timeSalary Range$62,469 – $91,242 annually (CRA 1) – Band 8$70,858 – $98,816 annually (CRA 2) – Band 9Benefits8% 401(k) match, Loan Repayment Assistance Program up to $300 per month, language differential up to $250/mo. Health (HMO and PPO options), dental, vision, basic life insurance, short‑term and long‑term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts (medical, dependent care, commuter). Ample vacation, sick/self‑care time, 18 paid holidays (including the last week in December). Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)‑eligible employer.Internal Candidate EligibilityMeet the minimum qualifications of the positionEmployed for more than 6 monthsPurpose of the JobThe 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 such as 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. The position is statewide; the successful candidate will be flexible, adaptable to existing processes, enjoy interacting and working with a wide range of people, and have strong organizational skills. The position is remote with occasional travel.Job ResponsibilitiesAdvocacy – 70%• Provide information and advice about the diverse legal needs of people with developmental disabilities who receive services from the regional center.• Effectively research the law and apply it to a specific set of facts. Identify key issues and use legal reasoning and argument to provide advice to and advocate for clients.• Represent clients at administrative hearings 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%• May directly supervise one advocate. In the alternative, the time allocated for supervision duties will instead be dedicated to advocacy.• Develop and implement an outreach plan, including self‑advocacy training to regional center clients and 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 ResponsibilitiesThis position may directly supervise one (1) advocate and carry 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; addressing complaints and resolving problems.Minimum QualificationsTwo 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 QualificationsFluent communication and writing in Spanish or an Asian language, including interpreting and translating.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.Alternate dispute resolution training and practice.One or more years supervising colleagues in a work or volunteer setting.Contacts with disability organizations 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 AbilityN/ALicenses / CertificatesFor placement as a CRA 2, must be admitted to the California State Bar, or registered with the California State Bar and eligible to practice under the Registered Legal Aid Attorney program. If registered under the RLAA Program, must become admitted to the California State Bar within five (5) years. If hired as a CRA 1 and later become licensed, you are eligible for an immediate promotion to CRA 2.Travel RequirementsOccasional travel required (up to 10% of the time) for client meetings, out‑of‑town meetings, team meetings, training, or outreach activities. More travel may be required to meet program or contract requirements.Working ConditionsDuties are performed in office, 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 communicating with others on various online platforms.Must be able to transport oneself to work‑related meetings, hearings, facilities, and settings where clients live.#J-18808-Ljbffr