Staff Attorney - Clients' Rights Advocate 1 or 2

Location: INLAND REGIONAL CENTER -- 3602 Inland Empire Blvd., Ontario, CA 

 HYBRID SCHEDULE (home/min. of 2 days in the office)

SALARY RANGE (Depending on Experience):$62,469 – $91,242 annually (CRA 1)

              $67,477 – $98,816 annually (CRA 2)

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/wellness 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. 

WHO WE ARE

Disability Rights California (DRC) is the Protection & Advocacy (P&A) system for the state of 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, with a minimum of two days in-office 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%

·      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 interview, hire, and train employees; plan, assign, and direct work; appraise performance; reward and discipline employees; address complaints and resolve problems.

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