Assistant Clients’ Rights Advocate 1 (Bilingual-English/Spanish)

About the role

At Disability Rights California (DRC), we are committed to creating an equitable, accessible, and inclusive experience for all applicants. Below, we’ve outlined important details to ensure you feel fully supported throughout the hiring process.

Responsibilities

• Support and Advocacy – 85%
• Work in-person in DRC’s Bakersfield office a minimum of two days per week, in collaboration with OCRA’s Kern Regional Center team.
• Greet callers and provide initial response to requests for help.
• Cook up meetings and conference calls.
• Process incoming and outgoing mail.
• Apply screening guidelines to identify problems and determine appropriateness of advocacy services.
• Provide information and referral to individuals who do not qualify for representation or services.
• Process requests for materials and publications.
• Aid in client and caller interviews.
• Use electronic case management software to create case files, including recording required demographic data, and to maintain accurate and timely case information.
• Collect data and generate reports.
• Assemble evidence packets for use in administrative hearings and other proceedings.
• Outreach / Training – 15%
• Develop and update community referral information.
• Strengthen and build relationships with local community-based organizations.
• Aid in scheduling, organizing, and conducting training activities, and develop and produce educational materials.
• Aid in the development and implementation of an outreach plan, including targeted outreach to traditionally underserved communities.

Requirements

• Education And Experience (Applicants MUST meet EACH of the minimum qualifications to be considered for an interview.)
• A high school diploma or general education degree (GED); plus 1 – 2 years related experience or training.
• Able to communicate fluently and write effectively in Spanish, including the ability to interpret and translate.
• Desirable Qualifications (Applicants DO NOT have to meet any of the Desirable Qualifications to be considered for an interview.)
• An associate degree in a related field from a two-year college or technical school, OR a bachelor’s degree in a related field from a four-year college or university, OR equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Knowledge of statewide resources available to people with developmental disabilities.
• Experience reviewing medical or educational records.
• Contacts with disability organizations and/or within disability communities.
• Experience with or extensive contacts in ethnic or language distinct communities.
• Experience providing training to a diverse range of people.
• Life experience as a person with a disability or direct experience as a caregiver of a person with a disability.
• Proficiency with Windows-based computer applications including Microsoft Office and case management software.
• Demonstrated experience and ability to work effectively with a variety of organizations and individuals with diverse perspectives, including people with disabilities, administrators, advocacy groups, and the public, and to maintain confidentiality in all matters.

Qualifications

• Bilingual Ability
• Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialization.
• Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party.
• Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
• Can write clear, detailed texts on a variety of subjects related to his/her field of interest, synthesizing, and evaluating information and arguments.

Skills

• Proficiency with Windows-based computer applications including Microsoft Office and case management software.
• Demonstrated experience and ability to work effectively with a variety of organizations and individuals with diverse perspectives, including people with disabilities, administrators, advocacy groups, and the public, and to maintain confidentiality in all matters.

Benefits

• 8% Match – 401K
• Health benefits (HMO options)
• Additional Benefits: dental, vision, basic life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts (medical, dependent care and commuter).
• Health Reimbursement Accounts for some HMO Plans.
• Pet Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, Teladoc

Pay

$50,000 - $58,922 annually / $25.64 hr - $30.22 hr (Band 3)

Schedule

Eligible for hybrid schedule with minimum 2 days/week in office