If you require an accommodation due to a disability to complete this application OR you are experiencing issues submitting your application and accompanying materials, please e-mail: talent@disabilityrightsca.org

Make a difference! We fight for the rights of people that have disabilities.... JOIN US!

We encourage those who are d/Deaf or Disabled to apply.

LOCATION:

Remote (California Only).

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:

Exempt; Regular; Full time.

SALARY RANGE:

$130,118.63/yr. - $190,560.83/yr..

We base salary and position offers on experience and an internal equity analysis.

EXCELLENT BENEFITS

Including 8% 401k Match, 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/self care 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. Applications should be received by April 19th, 2024 to be considered for the first round of interviews. 

WHO WE ARE

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. 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

OCRA’s program provides consultation and assistance to regional center clients, including: serving as a clients’ rights resource to regional center clients, their families, and the community; assisting regional center clients in understanding procedures for initiating appeal hearings; obtaining generic services such as IHSS and SSI; asserting and protecting the rights of regional center clients changing their residence, including placement in facilities and judicial commitments to state-operated facilities; investigating denials of rights under Title 17, California Code of Regulations, Section 50540; providing self-advocacy trainings to regional center clients; and providing clients’ rights training to regional center staff and service providers.

The OCRA Associate Director reports directly to the OCRA Director and is a member of OCRA’s management team, assisting the Director with day-to-day operations of program activities and office administration, program leadership and guidance, and formulating program priorities. They represent OCRA in public and serve as a liaison to stakeholders such as clients, their families, and agencies and organizations such as DDS, Regional Centers, and the State Council on Developmental Disabilities. They lead multiple OCRA projects and program activities, ensuring that OCRA has the staff, resources, and tools to provide high quality advocacy services. The Associate Director is a thought partner and back-up to the OCRA Director and promotes a positive work environment and teambuilding within OCRA.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential functions are the job responsibilities an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. Associate Director essential functions include:

Leadership

• Provide leadership and strategic direction to OCRA staff, including supervision, workload management, training, and mentoring.
• With the OCRA Director, lead initiatives that ensure skill development at all levels, including substantive legal topics, OCRA and DRC policies and procedures, and supervision, communication, and teambuilding.
• Plan and participate in OCRA management team meetings; serve as backup to the OCRA Director when needed.
• Represent OCRA with stakeholder organizations and collaborators.
• Maintain effective working relationships with DDS, other government actors, other legal services programs, and disability constituency groups.
• As needed, attend DRC Board meetings and report on OCRA work.
• With the OCRA Director, oversee OCRA day-to-day operations and ensure compliance with contract requirements.
• Provide technical assistance and substantive training in areas of expertise to OCRA staff.
• Address systemic problems and issues related to OCRA and its clients by collaborating with clients, their families, and agencies and organizations such as DDS, Regional Centers, and the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.

Administration

• Monitor approved budget and participate in preparation of required contract reporting.
• Review and approve expenses consistent with program budget.
• Conduct quality assurance reviews of required data and ensure accurate reporting of contract deliverables.
• Interface with Information Technology on data collection and other topics in support of OCRA’s effective advocacy.
• Assist with client grievances.
• Evaluate data, prepare reports, and attend DRC board meetings to report on activities as needed.

Other Functions

• Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Directly supervise OCRA staff as necessary to carry out program requirements consistent with DRC’s policies, applicable laws, and contract requirements, including but not limited to Managing Attorneys, Supervising Clients’ Rights Advocates, Supervising Attorneys, and Office Managers.

Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing direct work; regularly evaluating performance and providing ongoing feedback; working with Human Resources to take corrective actions when needed; addressing complaints and resolving problems; reviewing and approving timesheets, travel requests, and expense reimbursements within required timeframes.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

(Applicants MUST meet EACH of the minimum qualifications to be considered for an interview.)

• Juris Doctor degree or equivalent and membership in the California State Bar.
• At least ten years’ experience as a practicing attorney with at least four years of practice in public interest law. Judicial clerkships or externships may count as up to one year of legal practice experience.
• At least five years’ experience advocating for the rights of people with disabilities or other underserved groups.
• At least five years’ experience supervising multiple attorneys and/or advocates with demonstrated results reflecting successful mentoring and leadership.
• Proven ability to supervise multiple staff while also accomplishing administrative responsibilities.
• Experience with laws, rights, and services as they pertain to people with disabilities, or direct representation of people with disabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, including planning communication strategies and effective interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work and supervise colleagues in a distributed and/or remote work environment.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex problems and develop creative solutions.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access and ability to work effectively with diverse groups of people.
• Proficiency with Windows-based computer applications including Microsoft Office software, case management software, database applications, and videoconferencing software like Zoom and Microsoft Teams.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

(Applicants DO NOT have to meet any of the Desirable Qualifications to be considered for an interview.)

• Demonstrated commitment – through lived experience or employment history – to working with people with developmental disabilities.
• Ability to communicate fluently and write effectively in Spanish or an Asian language, or ability to communicate using American Sign Language.
• Experience working in legal services and/or a nonprofit organization.
• Lived experience as a person with a disability or direct experience as a caregiver of a family member with a disability.
• Knowledge of programs that serve people with disabilities.
• Experience in the disability rights movement or extensive contacts in disability communities.
• Experience with or extensive contacts in ethnic or language distinct communities.

BILINGUAL ABILITY:

No additional language is required. 

LICENSES / CERTIFICATES

This position has no licenses or certificates requirements. 

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to travel routinely, up to 25% of the time, for activities such as stakeholder meetings, supervisory visits, team meetings, board meetings, education, training, or outreach activities. 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.

• Duties are performed in office and home environments and the field in a wide range of settings, including courthouses, congregate care or other institutional settings, and community agencies.
• Duties frequently require sitting and communicating with others.
• Duties require regular communication over online platforms, including video technology.
• Must be able to transport oneself to work-related meetings, hearings, facilities, and settings where clients live.