Staff Attorney/Clients’ Right Advocate 1 or 2

About the position

The Clients’ Rights Advocate (CRA) advocates for people with developmental disabilities who are regional center clients, including those residing in state developmental centers and community facilities. The CRA provides information, advice, and representation on a wide range of legal topics impacting people who receive regional center services, such as special education, Social Security, IHSS, healthcare and insurance, and community living. This position works under the direct supervision of a supervising attorney and collaborates with other OCRA advocates and attorneys in advocacy and outreach efforts. The CRA is expected to work in-person at the Ontario office a minimum of two days per week and may work remotely up to three days per week.

Responsibilities

• Work in-person in the Ontario office a minimum of two days per week, in collaboration with OCRA’s Inland Regional Center team.
• Provide information and advice about the diverse legal needs of people with developmental disabilities who receive services from the regional center.
• Represent clients at administrative proceedings regarding education, public benefits, and regional center eligibility and services.
• Identify and employ impact advocacy strategies to remove systematic barriers for people with disabilities.
• Develop and engage in relationships and collaborations with a range of public and private community partners, including governmental agencies and community-based organizations.
• Investigate, facilitate, and report on findings from complaints of violation, withholding, or denial of rights.
• May directly supervise up to one advocate.
• Develop and implement an outreach plan, including targeted outreach to traditionally underserved communities.
• Strengthen and build relationships with local community-based organizations.
• Develop and conduct outreach, education, and training for regional center clients and their families, community groups, and others.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor degree.
• Two or more years of experience advocating for the rights of people with developmental disabilities, 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.

Nice-to-haves

• Three or more years advocating for the rights of people with developmental disabilities.
• Able to communicate fluently and write effectively in Spanish or an Asian language.
• Knowledge of statewide resources available to people with developmental disabilities.
• Experience reviewing medical or educational records.
• 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 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.

Benefits

• 8% 401k Match
• Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) that pays up to $300 per month depending on salary and debt
• Language differential up to $250/month
• Health (HMO and PPO options)
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Basic life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Flexible spending accounts (medical, dependent care, and commuter)
• Ample vacation and sick/self-care leave
• Eighteen paid holidays (including the last week in December)
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) - eligible employer