Staff Attorney - Clients' Rights Advocate 1 or 2

Description

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 e-mail: talent@disabilityrightsca.org . Please note resume and cover letter are required. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Make a difference! We fight for the rights of people that have disabilities.... JOIN US!

We encourage those who are D/deaf or Disabled to apply.

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 (PSLF) - eligible employer.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Open until filled. Applications should be received by October 28, 2024 (3 weeks from date of posting) to be considered for the first round of interviews. 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-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 clien