Supervising Clients’ Right Advocate

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: talent@disabilityrightsca.org . Please note: resume and cover letter are required. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

LOCATION:

Remote - Must live in the State of California

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: 

Exempt; Regular; Full-time

SALARY RANGE: (add band and step range)

$98,382 - $144,062 year (Band 13)

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% 401k match, 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 time and eighteen paid holidays (including the last week in December),  a language differential up to $250/month and more.  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 January 2, 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.

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 Supervising Clients’ Rights Advocate 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

The Supervising Clients’ Rights Advocate is equivalent to an Associate Managing Attorney position and works under the direct supervision of the Managing Attorney, Associate Director, or Director and in collaboration with other OCRA attorneys and advocates. They are a member of the OCRA management team. They provide ongoing supervision, consultation, and technical assistance to attorneys and advocates in their duties to assist and/or directly represent persons with developmental disabilities in pursuing administrative and legal remedies. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential functions are the job responsibilities an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. Supervising Clients’ Rights Advocate essential functions include:

Supervision – 70%

· Supervise attorneys and advocates, including workload management, training, mentoring, and monitoring staff.

· Lead a work team with emphasis on assisting the team in developing and implementing strategies to accomplish team goals.

· Ensure that all work complies with program requirements and meets procedural and quality standards, including proper handling of personally identifiable information.

· Conduct at least weekly teleconferences with attorneys and advocates regarding intakes and casework.

· Respond to inquiries and complaints concerning clients’ rights advocacy services.

· Train attorneys, advocates, consumers, and others in substantive disability rights law emphasizing the rights of persons with developmental disabilities.

Support – 20%

• Collaborate with management team      colleagues to lead and/or assist in OCRA projects and work, including      leading hiring teams.

· Coordinate with colleagues to maximize resources and promote quality client services.

· Conduct quality assurance reviews of casework on a regular periodic basis.

• Compile quarterly reports by supervisees      in support of OCRA’s contractual reporting obligations.
• Serve as a liaison between regional center      management, community groups, and OCRA.

Community-based advocacy – 10%

· Perform outreach and support and monitor supervisee outreach efforts to traditionally underserved communities.

· Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES 

The position directly supervises on average 8-13 attorneys and/or advocates and reports to a Managing Attorney, Associate Director, or Director. Responsibilities include hiring, training, evaluating, rewarding, and recognizing employees, managing workflow and workload, short-range and long-range planning, problem solving, and complaint resolution.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

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

· Juris Doctor degree (J.D.) or equivalent and membership in the California State Bar, or eligible to practice under the Registered Legal Aid Attorney Program.

· Three or more years’ experience advocating for the rights of people with disabilities, people of color, or low-income clients.

· Two or more years’ experience in employee supervision and management. 

· A working knowledge of the legal, civil, and service rights of people with disabilities in California.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

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

· Able to communicate fluently and write effectively in Spanish or an Asian language.

· Expertise in one or more substantive areas of law of importance to intellectually and developmentally disabled Californians.

· Demonstrated experience in representing clients at administrative hearings or in litigation.

· One or more years’ experience remote supervision.

· One or more years’ experience providing training on various topics to a diverse range of people including people from multi-ethnic communities.

· 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.

BILINGUAL ABILITY:

n/a

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to travel routinely, up to 25% of the time, for activities such as stakeholder meetings, supervisory visits, team 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 communicating with others.

· Must be able to transport oneself to work-related meetings, hearings, facilities, and settings where clients live.