Staff Advocate or Staff Attorney

Position: Staff Advocate or Staff Attorney

Location: Phoenix or Tucson

Reports To: Program Coordinator and Team Managing Attorney

Classification: Non-exempt or Exempt Depending on Position

DRAZ is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity, equity, and inclusion. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact Natalie Luna Rose at.

Position Overview: To provide advocacy services to applicants and clients of the Arizona Rehabilitation Services Administration’s Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program who face barriers to obtaining appropriate VR services leading to employment and independence. To assist individuals experiencing other barriers to employment, such as discrimination in employment, post-secondary education, housing, healthcare, and transportation. To provide training to people with disabilities and their representatives about their rights under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, VR rules and regulations and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To increase awareness of the role of DRAZ’s Client Assistance Program (CAP) and Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) program among people with disabilities statewide, the public, and service providers.

Essential Functions & Principal Accountabilities:

1. Responsible for providing legally based advocacy services with the assistance of the Program Coordinator and under the supervision of the Civil Rights Team Managing Attorney to individuals who are encountering a barrier to employment or a specific conflict concerning VR services, including:
2. Working with the Intake Unit, Managing Attorney, and Program Coordinator to ensure appropriate federal grant allocation.
3. Interviewing clients about conflicts with the state Rehabilitation Services Administration, VR and service providers and investigating issues and reviewing.
4. Identifying other related legal issues, such as discrimination by employers, postsecondary institutions, and vendors, and reporting them to the Program Coordinator and Managing Attorney for possible additional assistance.
5. Reviewing and analyzing applicable federal and state statutes, regulations, and policy and properly applying them in individual client cases.
6. Consulting with the assigned Managing Attorney and Program Coordinator to develop appropriate legal and advocacy strategies.
7. Implementing approved case strategy plans.
8. Drafting and editing engagement letters, advocacy letters, informational and closing letters, and mediation agreements under the supervision of the Team Managing Attorney.
9. Keeping clients informed of progress and status of service requests.
10. Acting as an advocate for clients' rights in settings, such as meetings, negotiations, mediation, and administrative fair hearings.
11. Keeping electronic case files and Disability Advocacy Database service request information current.
12. Providing education and training to individuals with disabilities, their family members, guardians, and service providers, and supporting other state and community-based organizations in relevant training activities.
13. Developing and offering outreach to underserved communities, such as rural, indigenous, immigrant, refugee, and culturally diverse communities throughout Arizona.
14. Developing written education and training materials, such as PowerPoint presentations, brochures, guides, FAQs, videos, and blog posts, regarding VR, transition, employment, and postsecondary topics.
15. Working with the Program Coordinator and Managing Attorney to address systemic issues facing VR clients before agencies, boards, and legislature, as requested.
16. Attending seminars, conferences, and training sessions as appropriate.
17. Assisting with completing all required federal, state, and private grant reports for the CAP and PABSS program.
18. Assisting DRAZ in completing quarterly and annual reports.
19. Assisting the Managing Attorney, Program Coordinator, and CEO in the development of grant proposals and other activities to secure additional support for the CAP and PABSS Program.
20. Completing administrative requirements and necessary documentation required by DRAZ.

Level of Authority: This position directly impacts Disability Rights Arizona’s programs, clients, and staff. This position requires the ability to perform work and make decisions while operating within an approved plan of action in consultation with the Civil Rights Team Managing Attorney and with oversight by the Program Coordinator.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Bachelor’s degree in social service or law-related discipline, or equivalent or law degree.
2. Three years of advocacy experience.
3. Broad knowledge of quality services for people with disabilities and understanding of challenges facing persons with disabilities.
4. Patience and ability to communicate with people of diverse backgrounds.
5. Ability to analyze issues quickly and think strategically under the supervision of Managing Attorney.
6. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
7. Demonstrated interest and commitment to civil rights or public interest work.
8. Ability to understand, positively impact, and serve people.
9. Ability to advocate persistently and assertively in a professional manner.
10. Ability to provide direction and support within a team framework.
11. Ability to complete individual case work timely and coordinate multiple projects.
12. Ability to consistently meet deadlines in cases and projects.
13. High level of commitment to service excellence, and a high degree of integrity, ethics, and judgment.
14. Excellent interpersonal, relationship-building, and collaboration skills to be able to work effectively with others inside and outside of the organization.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Knowledge of the P&A system.
2. Knowledge of the state VR system.
3. Working knowledge and understanding of related state and federal regulations.

Communication Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret agency policies and procedures, professional journals, technical procedures, and federal and state regulations. Ability to write reports, correspondence, case notes, and procedure manuals, using plain language when necessary. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from clients, service agencies, and the public. Must be able to provide the opportunity for self-determination and empowerment to clients with disabilities. Communicate using patience and negotiating skills. Works collaboratively in a team environment.

Working and Traveling Conditions: The DRAZ offers a hybrid telework schedule where the Advocate/Attorney may work at home and in the office. The Advocate/Attorney will perform work in an office, remotely, and at times in the community to conduct presentations, at facilities serving individuals with disabilities and VR offices. The Advocate/Attorney will be expected to occasionally travel within and outside the state, as necessary. The Advocate/Attorney will be expected to occasionally work during evenings or weekends, as necessary, to accommodate presentations, training, or travel.

Compensation: DRAZ offers a competitive salary, excellent benefits program, and a diverse, inclusive, and accessible work environment. View a summary of DRAZ’s employment benefits at Careers & Intern Opportunities | Disability Rights Arizona .

How to Apply: Send resume, cover letter, and a list of a minimum of three professional references to: J.J. Rico, Chief Executive Officer Disability Rights Arizona 4539 E. Ft. Lowell Road. Tucson, AZ 85712.

Disclaimer: The purpose of this position description is to serve as a general summary and overview of the major duties and responsibilities of the job. It is not intended to represent the entirety of the job nor is it intended to be all-inclusive. Management reserves the right to modify or rescind this position description at any time, with or without prior notice.