Disability Benefit Specialist Program Attorney

Job Type: Permanent, .75 FTE (30 hours/week) or 1.0 FTE (40 hours/week)   Rate: $55,000-$70,000 (1.0 FTE) / $26.44-$33.65 DOE     Location: Anywhere in Wisconsin. Employees close to DRW’s Milwaukee or Madison office can work fully in-office or under a hybrid work arrangement. Employees further from Milwaukee or Madison will work fully remotely.  ________________________________________   What is DRW?   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.   DRW 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.   One of our core values is diversity. A diversity-based approach to disability rights recognizes the intersectional nature of oppression experienced by people with disabilities from underprivileged and underserved communities. We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment at DRW. We work to specifically address disability-related injustices at the intersections of disability and race, disability and gender, disability and gender-based violence, and more.   Job Summary The Program Attorney for the Disability Benefit Specialist (DBS) Program has primary responsibility for providing technical assistance and training to DBSs located in Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) on public benefits matters relevant to people with disabilities.    Key Responsibilities  1. Provide technical assistance, caseload management, and caseload oversight to DBSs (55%)

• Provide timely and accurate information to DBSs regarding public benefits, including laws, regulations, and policies, case analysis, case consultation, and case strategy to ensure that DBS clients can obtain and maintain all public benefits to which they are entitled. 
• Demonstrate ability to assess specific issues, identify relevant facts, conduct research, and provide guidance regarding case development for DBS cases.
• Maintain professional and appropriate relationships with DBSs, their supervisors, and ADRCs.
• Maintain knowledge of relevant benefit programs. 
• As defined by contract with the DHS, provide orientation, caseload oversight, caseload management, and an annual file review for the DBSs in assigned counties.

2. Train DBSs (25%)

• Using effective teaching methods for adult learners, provide high quality orientation and on-going trainings to the DBSs on public benefits matters.
• Develop and maintain materials to be used by DBSs to perform their job duties.

3. Legal (10%)

• Effectively represent individual clients referred by DBSs in hearings, administrative appeals, and court.

4. Programmatic (10%)

• Timely prepare reports associated with the DBS Program and DRW.
• Follow DRW policies, including but not limited to client communications, records maintenance and retention, and opening and closing cases.
• Participate in meetings, committees, work groups, hiring, and more in furtherance of DRW or DBS program goals.

5. Other (<1%)

• Other duties as may be necessary to achieve the objectives of the DBS program; and
• Some statewide travel required.

  Benefits Disability Rights Wisconsin places a high value on the well-being of our staff. We offer the following benefits for permanent employees working at least 20 hours per week: health, vision, dental, and life insurance; short- and long-term disability; 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer contribution, and flex spending plan. Paid time off includes generous holiday, vacation, personal and medical leave, as well as time for volunteering and voting. ________________________________________   A COVID-19 vaccine mandate is in place for all employees. A copy of the policy can be requested by emailing hr@drwi.org.   ________________________________________   EEO/AA | We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.