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Disability Rights Advocate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... Advocacy System and the Client Assistance Program for New York State is seeking an individual with a passion for achieving justice for individuals with disabilities. With a focus on civil rights and ...

As a national disability-led and cross-disability rights organization, AAPD advocates for full civil rights for over 70 million Americans with disabilities. We do this by promoting equal opportunity ...

Equitable and Inclusive Hiring at Disability Rights California (DRC) At Disability Rights ... In order to be effective advocates for all people with disabilities, we must address discrimination ...

... Advocacy System and the Client Assistance Program for New York State is seeking an individual with a passion for achieving justice for individuals with disabilities. With a focus on civil rights and ...

... Advocacy System and the Client Assistance Program for New York State is seeking an individual with a passion for achieving justice for individuals with disabilities. With a focus on civil rights and ...

Director

Albany, NY · On-site

... Advocacy System and the Client Assistance Program for New York State is seeking an individual with a passion for achieving justice for individuals with disabilities. With a focus on civil rights and ...

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Disability Rights Advocate information

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$32.5K

$60.6K

$85.5K

How much do disability rights advocate jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for disability rights advocate in the United States is $60,627.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,000.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Disability Rights Advocates?

Disability Rights Advocates are professionals who work to protect and advance the rights of people with disabilities. They help individuals understand their legal rights, challenge discrimination, and ensure access to necessary services and accommodations. Disability Rights Advocates may work for non-profit organizations, government agencies, or independently, and often engage in policy reform, legal representation, public education, and community outreach. Their goal is to promote equality and inclusion for people with disabilities in all aspects of society.

What are some common challenges Disability Rights Advocates face when collaborating with organizations and policymakers?

Disability Rights Advocates often encounter challenges such as navigating complex legal frameworks, addressing misconceptions about disabilities, and overcoming resistance to policy changes. Building strong partnerships with organizations and policymakers requires effective communication, persistence, and a thorough understanding of accessibility laws. Advocates must also balance the needs of individuals with disabilities while working within resource or budget constraints, making collaboration a nuanced and ongoing process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Disability Rights Advocate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Disability Rights Advocate, you need a solid understanding of disability laws, advocacy strategies, and accessibility standards, typically supported by a relevant degree or experience in social work, law, or public policy. Familiarity with legal research tools, case management systems, and accessibility technologies is often required. Outstanding communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills help advocates build trust and effectively represent individuals with disabilities. These abilities are vital for promoting equal rights, navigating complex legal systems, and driving meaningful policy change.

What is the difference between Disability Rights Advocate vs Disability Support Specialist?

AspectDisability Rights AdvocateDisability Support Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in social work, law, or related field; certifications varyOften requires a high school diploma or associate degree; certifications in caregiving or support services may be preferred
Work EnvironmentAdvocates work in legal settings, nonprofits, or community organizations, focusing on policy and rightsSupport specialists work directly with individuals in healthcare, residential, or community settings
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, legal aid organizations, government agenciesHealthcare providers, residential facilities, community agencies

Disability Rights Advocates focus on policy, legal rights, and systemic change, while Disability Support Specialists provide direct assistance to individuals with disabilities. Both roles are vital but differ in scope and work environment.

More about Disability Rights Advocate jobs
What cities are hiring for Disability Rights Advocate jobs? Cities with the most Disability Rights Advocate job openings:
What states have the most Disability Rights Advocate jobs? States with the most job openings for Disability Rights Advocate jobs include:
Infographic showing various Disability Rights Advocate job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,627 per year, or $29.1 per hour.
Staff Attorney - Senior + Disability Rights Project

Staff Attorney - Senior + Disability Rights Project

Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach

San Francisco, CA

$75K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

About Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach

API Legal Outreach is the largest social justice legal organization focused on the Asian/Pacific Islander, Latinx, and immigrant communities of the Greater Bay Area and the Central Valley. A growing community-based organization founded in 1975, our mission is to provide culturally competent and linguistically appropriate direct services to the most marginalized segments of our community including low-income women, seniors, immigrants, and youth. With offices in Oakland and San Francisco, our work is focused in the areas of Gender-based Violence, Immigration and Immigrant Rights, Disability Rights, Senior Law and Elder Abuse, Anti-Human Trafficking, Youth Violence Prevention, Anti API Hate Violence, the preservation of affordable housing and small businesses, and other social justice issues.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Supervising Attorney, the Staff Attorney will assist in providing legal representation to low-income adults 60 years of age or older and adults with disabilities in all areas of civil law, elder law, elder abuse and disability rights. This role is based primarily in our San Francisco office, with additional responsibilities linked to our East Bay office. The role requires a strong commitment to social justice, with frequent interactions with a wide range of stakeholders. The ideal candidate will be dedicated to serving underserved Asian and Pacific Islander communities and BIPOC communities in the Greater Bay Area.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Work in other priority areas such as immigration, public benefits, domestic violence, sexual assault, housing, and estates
  • Conduct community education and outreach.
  • Staff clinics at sites accessible to consumers.
  • Provide technical assistance and training to community and public agencies.
  • Represent the organization at community, legal, funding, and other meetings and functions.


Minimum Qualifications

  • At least two (2) years of experience in serving or representing low-income and non-English speaking older clients and or those with disabilities.
  • Demonstrated commitment to social justice through work for disadvantaged communities of color, strong research and fact gathering skills
  • Strong advocacy and courtroom skills representing LEP clients.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills, experience in journalism or writing other forms of descriptive essays,
  • Highly motivated, detail oriented self-starter able to work independently and as part of a team
  • Proficiency with PC and database systems (Word, Excel, Abacus, and/or Salesforce)
  • Ability to work independently; self-starter; detail oriented; to work well in a team-oriented, multicultural work environment.
  • Must be a member in good standing of the California Bar; provisional bar candidates considered.
  • Reside within 75 miles of API Legal Outreach office.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Bilingual/bicultural skills (Spanish, Cantonese, or other API language)

Compensation and Benefits:

  • Pre-tax 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching funds
  • 14 paid holidays, including floating holiday
  • PTO, sick leave
  • 100% employer-paid options for medical, dental, and vision plans
  • pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts

To Apply:

Please click on the links below to apply and send your cover letter and resume with three professional references. In the subject line, please write Staff Attorney - Senior and Disability Rights Project. In your cover letter, please address the following questions: Why did you apply to APILO? How does the mission inspire you? How does your background and experience support APILO's work?

Equal Employment Opportunity:
API Legal Outreach is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME