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

Disability Rights California (DRC) is dedicated to advocating for the rights and opportunities of people with disabilities. The Assistant Clients’ Rights Advocate (ACRA) will assist and advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities, providing clerical and administrative support, as well as information and representation on legal matters affecting their clients.

Responsibilities

• 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
• Coordinate 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
• Assist 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
• Develop and update community referral information
• Strengthen and build relationships with local community-based organizations
• Assist in scheduling, organizing, and conducting training activities, and developing and producing educational materials
• Assist in the development and implementation of an outreach plan, including targeted outreach to traditionally underserved communities
• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills

• 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
• Associate degree in a related field from a two-year college or technical school, OR 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

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
• We offer ample vacation, Sick / Self Care time and holidays (including the last week in December)
• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) - eligible employer.

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