Vice President Abuse Investigation Unit and Attorney Development

Equip for Equality, a disability rights organization an innovative and expanding social justice (disability rights)organizatioheadquartered in Chicago and providing advocacy and legal services throughout Illinois, is seeking an experienced clinical professional to engage in oversight and review of representative payees under the  “Strengthening Protections for Social Security Beneficiaries Act of 2017”and appropriate care matters regarding our clients. which was enacted to ensure safety and protection of the rights of people with disabilities in Illinois who are beneficiaries.

The Vice President Abuse Investigation Unit and Attorney Development will develop, plan and oversee the strategy for:

·         Conducting facility-wide monitoring in public and private institutions and community-based settings across the state, including in troubled facilities;

·         Conducting systemic abuse and neglect investigations;

·         Recommending reforms of policies and practices;

·         Responding to reports of restraint related and other suspicious deaths;

·         Monitoring transitions of individuals from state-operated developmental facilities to community-based residential settings to help ensure the success of the transition, while also addressing barriers to transition and re-admissions to state facilities;

·         Overseeing Representative Payees for beneficiaries of Social Security to ensure that organizational and individual payees are properly handling beneficiary funds and taking steps to protect beneficiaries’ safety and wellbeing.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Manages the day-to-day operations of the Abuse Investigation Unit; Responsible for the oversight and documentation of compliance or non-compliance of institutions and organization that provide service to people with disabilities; Implements and monitors service provider compliance with policies, procedures and law; Directs planning and evaluation functions for the Investigation Unit; Proposes and ensures appropriate design and implementation of the Investigation Unit's purpose and activities; Selects and directly supervises the staff of the Investigation Unit; Works in collaboration with the President and CEO in securing public and private resources for legal advocacy programs; Serves as the spokesperson for the Investigation Unit with the media, in public forms, the legal community and the disability community;

Maintains effective relationships with directors and staff of state agencies, including investigatory and oversight entities, and other civil rights organizations;  In collaboration with the President and CEO and the CFO, prepares the annual budget for the abuse investigation unit, monitors expenditures, and makes mid-course correctives as needed.

Minimum Requirements:

Education:

This  position requires a  J.D. degree and Illinois State Law License.

Experience:

·         Required Experience: At least 15 years relevant experience

·         Demonstrated experience working with and/or sensitivity to individuals with disabilities and from multi-cultural communities.

Competitive salary with excellent benefits.  Equal Opportunity Employer.  People with disabilities and diverse candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.  Applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and salary expectations to LaJune Davis-Wiley by email to lajune@equipforequality.org.