Staff Attorney/Clients’ Right Advocate 1 or 2

Equitable and Inclusive Hiring

People with disabilities, people of color, people in all protected classes, and formerly incarcerated people are encouraged to apply. Make a difference! We fight for the rights of people who have disabilities.

About the Role

DRC is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) - eligible employer. Disability Rights 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.

Reasonable Accommodations

• American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation
• Alternative formats for interview materials (e.g., large print, Braille, digital files)
• Interview questions are provided prior to the interview
• Extended interview time
• A quiet or distraction-free interview setting
• Adjustments to the interview format for accessibility (e.g., pinning participants)
• Assistance with reading or note-taking during interviews

Location

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

Employment Status

Exempt; Regular; Full-time

Salary Range

$72,318 – $91,243 annually (CRA 1) - Band 8
$70,858 – $98,817 annually (CRA 2) - Band 9

Benefits

• 8% 401k Match
• LRAP (Loan Repayment Assistance Program) that pays up to $300 per month depending on salary and debt
• 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).
• Affordable vacation, sick/self-care time and eighteen paid holidays (including the last week in December)

Internal Candidate Eligibility

Regular employees
Meet the minimum requirements of the position for which they are applying
Employed for more than 6 months
In good standing

Application Deadline

Open until filled. Resume and cover letter are reviewed and required. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Who We Are

We are Disability Rights California (DRC), a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) - eligible employer. DRC works for a world where all disabled people have power and are treated with dignity and respect.

Purpose of the Position

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.

Job Responsibilities

• Advocacy – 70%
• Supervision – 15%
• Outreach / Training – 15%

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree
• Two or more years of experience:
• Advocating for the rights of people with developmental disabilities; or
• In a paid or volunteer position relating to regional center services, special education, or Social Security; or
• Working with vulnerable people or communities.
• Ability to conduct research and analysis of pertinent legal authority.
• Written and verbal communication skills sufficient to communicate complex legal questions and issues to the general public.
• Experience working with or sensitivity to people with disabilities.
• Experience working with or sensitivity to people from ethnic or language distinct communities.

Desirable Qualifications

• Three or more years advocating for the rights of people with developmental disabilities.
• Knowledge of statewide resources available to people with developmental disabilities.
• Experience reviewing medical or educational records.
• Able to communicate fluently and write effectively in Spanish or an Asian language.
• Alternate dispute resolution training and practice.
• One or more years supervising colleagues in a work or volunteer setting.
• 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.
• Licenses / Certificates: For placement as a CRA 2, must be admitted to the California State Bar, or registered with the California State Bar and eligible to practice under Registered Legal Aid Attorney program. If registered under the RLAA Program, must become admitted to the California State Bar within five (5) years. If you are hired as a CRA 1 and later become licensed, you are eligible for an immediate promotion to CRA 2.

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.

Working Conditions

The following describes general working conditions and requirements of the job, which can be performed with or without disability-related reasonable accommodations.