Who is Disability Rights Wisconsin?

Disability Rights Wisconsin is the state’s Protection and Advocacy system, charged with protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities and keeping them free from abuse and neglect. Employing a variety of means, our advocates and attorneys use individual casework and systems advocacy to achieve positive changes in the lives of people with disabilities and their families. We are seeking employees who value this work. In turn we treat our employees well, offering a supportive environment, talented colleagues, excellent benefits, and generous leave.

Disability Rights Wisconsin arose out of a disability civil rights movement demanding that the abuse of people with disabilities end and that people with disabilities be included in life, school, workplaces, and communities. Our core values include Diversity, Dignity, Independence, Accessibility, Inclusion, Human Rights, and Liberation.

A diversity-based approach to disability rights recognizes the intersectional nature of oppression experienced by people with disabilities from marginalized and underserved communities. We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment at Disability Rights Wisconsin.

Staff Attorney

Job Information

Full Time Equivalent: 1.0 FTE (40 Hours per week), Exempt

Reports to: FCIOP and SSI-MC EAP Managing Attorney

Rate: Min. $58,140 annually

Note: Compensation at Disability Rights Wisconsin is based on a tiered calculation scale that considers and adds on to the pay scale:

·       prior relevant employment experience;

·       candidate attributes applicable to social justice and disability advocacy work;

·       grant coordination experience if applicable;

·       supervision experience if applicable.

Location: This is a Milwaukee Office position. Hybrid work is available. Applicants must be a Wisconsin resident.

Job Hours: Work to be completed during core office hours; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

How to Apply

Application Instructions: Required for this position a:

·       resume or work experience history or both, that details your qualifications and experience as they relate to the qualifications needed for this position.

·       cover letter, or email or letter of interest.

Application Deadline: Position will remain open until filled.  

Note: You can request alternate formats of this position announcement. You may submit your application materials in alternate formats if needed.

 Job Summary

Disability Rights Wisconsin’s Ombudsman and External Advocacy Program (OEAP) is a team of two subprograms that provide advocacy and ombudsman services to those enrolled in certain Medicaid programs in Wisconsin. This position is part of the Supplemental Security Income Managed Care External Advocacy Project (SSI-MC EAP) and provides assistance to SSI HMO enrollees statewide. The staff attorney works independently under the supervision of the Managing Attorney and Supervising Attorney(s).

The staff attorney supports and provides legal guidance to the advocates as they collect case information, investigate complaints, and provide information, guidance, self-advocacy support, consultation, and referrals. The staff attorney works collaboratively, through negotiation and mediation, to resolve enrollee problems and provide assistance and/or direct representation on complaints, grievances, appeals, and state fair hearings. The staff attorney is cross-trained in Family Care and the IRIS Ombudsman Program (FCIOP) to support the supervising attorneys in that program. The staff attorney provides outreach and training on SSI-MC-related topics to various stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

1.    Case Work – 75%

·       Provide intake and casework oversight. Be available for unscheduled consultation. Ensure the call log