Advocate

Apply Description 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.... JOIN US! Equitable and Inclusive Hiring at Disability Rights California (DRC) 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. Examples of reasonable accommodations include: 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 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: [email protected] . Please note: resume and cover letter are required. Incomplete applications will not be considered. LOCATION: Remote (must live in California) EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Non-exempt; Regular; Full-time (37.5 hrs) SALARY RANGE: $24.97 hr - $36.50 hr / $50,000 yr - $71,358 yr As part of our commitment to internal equity, salary offers are determined through a structured analysis that considers each candidate’s relevant education and years of substantially similar experience for the position. We review the candidate’s resume to assess relevant experience in relation to current employees in comparable roles. This process ensures our compensation decisions are fair, consistent, and aligned with organizational equity standards. EXCELLENT 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. 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. Applications should be received by June 12, 2026 to be considered for the first round of interviews. Resume and cover letter are reviewed and required. Incomplete applications will not be considered. 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. PATHWAYS TO WORK PRACTICE GROUP The Pathways to Work Practice Group is a statewide team of attorneys and advocates that assist and advocate for, people experiencing disability-related barriers to employment. Through the Client Assistance Program (CAP), we assist people with difficulties seeking or receiving vocational rehabilitation services from the Department of Rehabilitation, independent living centers or other Rehabilitation Act-funded programs. We also assist people with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits in addressing barriers in work, such as reasonable accommodations and transportation. PURPOSE OF THE JOB The Advocate for the Pathways to Work team shares responsibility with other legal advocacy staff for providing information, technical assistance, representation, outreach, and training to people with disabilities, and other stakeholders, under the direct mentorship of senior staff. JOB RESPONSIBILITIES DRC provides reasonable disability accommodations to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Advocate essential functions include: Advocacy – 85% · Provide information and advice to clients. · Represent clients in meetings, negotiations, mediations, administrative proceedings, under attorney supervision. · Interview clients and witnesses and maintain their case files. · Review notices, records and other documents to ascertain facts. · Investigate factual issues and issue spot for relevant advocacy strategy and possible courses of action. · Research the applicable law and apply Disability Rights California’s standards and criteria to determine what level of assistance is appropriate for each client. · Develop and implement options and case strategies appropriate given the law and the facts. Outreach / Training – 15% · Develop and conduct outreach, education and training to clients, community groups, advocates and others. · Strengthen and build relationships with local community-based organizations. Other Duties · Perform other duties as assigned. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES N/A Requirements MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: (Applicants MUST meet EACH of the minimum qualifications to be considered for an interview.) · Equivalent combination of education and experience: High school diploma or general educational development (GED) certificate, and at least 2 years of relevant paid or volunteer experience as an advocate in the social service, human service, community-based, public interest or health care environments working with people with disabilities; or directly representing clients in administrative hearings; · Experience working with individuals with disabilities; · Experience working with individuals from ethnic or language distinct communities; · The candidate must successfully complete a Tier 2 federal suitability clearance process. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS (Applicants DO NOT have to meet any of the Desirable Qualifications to be considered for an interview.) · Associate's (AA or AS) degree in a related field or equivalent from two-year college or technical school OR Bachelor's (BA or BS) degree in a related field from four-year college OR equivalent combination of experience and/or training. · Knowledge of laws, rights, and services as they pertain to people with disabilities, and/or direct representation of people with disabilities. · Able to communicate fluently and effectively using American Sign Language, Spanish, or an Asian language. · Experience or familiarity with and/or extensive contacts in multi- ethnic or language distinct community, and LGBTQIA+ community. · Life experience as a person with a disability or direct experience as a caregiver of a family member with a disability. BILINGUAL ABILITY: N/A LICENSES / CERTIFICATES N/A TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS Ability to travel occasionally for activities such as client meetings, trainings, or outreach activities, up to 10% of the time. 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 or home environments and the field, in a range of community-based settings. Duties require regular communications over online platforms. Must be able to transport oneself to work-related meetings, trainings, and community events.