Staff Attorney for our Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Program, Portland

Staff Attorney

Crime Survivor Program

Imagine for a moment, a world where every single person feels equal to another and every person feels a sense of belonging in their communities, places of work and among others.

At Disability Rights Oregon, this is more than just a dream. This is our life’s work. We envision a world in which people with disabilities have equal opportunity, full participation in our communities, and the ability to exercise meaningful choice. Every day, we strive to make Oregon a more welcoming place for people with disabilities.

Disability Rights Oregon is seeking a Staff Attorney for our Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Program who thrives in a team environment and has the drive and determination to advocate for people with disabilities who are survivors of crime.

The VOCA attorney performs direct legal representation and advocacy services for individuals with disabilities who are survivors of all types of crimes, including sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and abuse. The Attorney will enforce laws relating to the rights of people with disabilities and providing information and advice for self-advocacy to extend and enhance services to crime survivors with disabilities. 

What we are looking for:

• A Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Minimum of two years of experience in practice of law.
• Active membership in Oregon State Bar or willingness to explore either reciprocity or to take the Oregon State Bar.
• Experience in criminal law or crime victims’ rights, preferred.
• Broad knowledge of dynamics of trauma and impact of violence on crime survivors, and of trauma informed interview techniques.
• Patience, negotiating skills, and ability to communicate with people of diverse backgrounds and different communication needs.
• Works collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to operate a vehicle and willingness to travel within Oregon, as needed.

What you can expect to accomplish:

• Provides direct legal representation and advocacy to clients who are survivors of crime in a timely and ethical manner in cases selected in accordance with team priorities, goals, and objectives.
• Provides consultation and outreach to District Attorney, courts, and service providers on disability rights and accommodations.  
• Identifies issues and develops cases by interviewing individuals, reviewing records, and research.   
• Participates in case reviews and formulates advocacy plan in conjunction with team.
• Maintains detailed knowledge of policies, laws, and services relevant to clients with disabilities who are survivors of crime.
• Assists in the writing and production of VOCA Program publications including client ‘Know Your Rights’ guides.
• Participates in development and implementation of systemic reform advocacy strategies on behalf of individuals and groups.

What we offer [besides a rewarding job!]:

• Flexible cafeteria benefit plan to use for employer sponsored medical and dental insurance
• 14 paid holidays including floating holidays
• Vacation time and paid sick leave
• Employer funded retirement account
• Cafeteria/ flexible spending accounts
• Competitive compensation
• Employer paid life insurance, long-term disability insurance, and short-term disability insurance
• Malpractice insurance
• Paid association dues and professional development opportunities

What is the Duration of this Position?

This is grant-funded position for 3-years. Although the grant is expected to end on December 31, 2023, the hope is that additional funding will be obtained to extend employment.

Interested?

We can’t wait to hear from you! For consideration, please email with your resume, list of potential references and a cover letter with relevant experience attached to jobs@droregon.org by Friday, April 09, 2021.

Disability Rights Oregon is committed to creating a diverse workforce to strengthen our organization and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. The individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, innovation, self-expression, and talent that our employees invest in their work helps shape the culture here at Disability Rights Oregon. We strive to have a workforce that represents the communities we serve.

We strongly encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply. All employment decisions at Disability Rights Oregon are based on job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, genetic information, age (18 and over), veteran status, uniform service member status, unemployment status, sexual orientation, gender identity (including gender-related identity and gender expression), marital status, family status, or an individual having been a victim of sexual abuse, including domestic abuse, sexual assault or stalking. 

If you meet key qualifications for the job, and believe you would be the best fit, we would encourage you to apply; please use your cover letter to explain how you will accomplish parts of the job for which you have less experience. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of this position, please apply.