Disability Rights Attorney Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES FOUNDATION (PWDF) is a small nonprofit agency located in San Francisco that focuses on equal access for individuals with mental and/or developmental disabilities. Applicants should look at website before applying in order to understand the scope of our work and submit a more meaningful cover letter.

Compensation: $110,000 to $130,000 base salary for full-time (35 hours per week), DOE. Benefits include health and dental insurance, vacation hours, commuter checks, etc., after 90 days. PWDF is looking into adding long-term disability insurance benefits. 6 months probation. This is an on-site position. Part-time or hybrid will be considered; applicants who are interested in part-time or hybrid should state so in cover letter. Salary for part-time will be pro-rated.

Duties: The MA will report to the Legal Director (LD).
(1) General Supervisory Attorney responsible for supervision and/or advice to staff attorneys and program manager. Must produce results within 12 months to continue in position.
(2) Oversee disability rights issues, including for representation in federal court; social security/SSI disability, employment, education, health care, housing, and related subjects.
(3) Oversee legal aspects of seminars, trainings, e-newsletter, training videos, and guest speaking.
(4) Remain updated with respect to both law and psychiatry, e.g., read monthly published studies in APA monthly publication.
(5) Oversee preparation of advocacy reports for Board meetings.
(6) Represent PWDF; e.g., vendor contracts and HR matters.
(7) Communicate and coordinate with other organizations serving our target population.
(8) Must be able to attend and fulfill duties for occasional liaison meetings, which may be called without due notice.
(9) Monitor income and expenses as necessary; prepare reports relating to advocacy side of Agency.

Qualifications: The ideal candidate will be results-oriented, highly organized, and will possess the ability to work and communicate in diverse communities. Must be reliable, flexible and able to work within administrative deadlines e.g., work with bookkeeper, program managers, attorneys and paralegals/legal assistants. Proficient computer skills required, including, Word, Excel, PowerPoint. Most importantly, candidates must be committed to providing advocacy for people with primarily but not exclusively mental and/or developmental disabilities (DD) and must be willing to work enthusiastically toward achieving PWDF’s Mission.

Additional helpful qualifications:
Required:
1. Licensed California attorney, minimum of 10 years relevant experience; e.g., civil rights nonprofit experience and litigation in federal court.
2. Exceptional communication skills, ability to write clearly including accuracy for detail.
3. Management experience and a record of achievement in leading teams of people.
4. Preferred but not all required: Experience in Social Security/SSI disability is very helpful, employment, health care, housing, Medicare, Medi-Cal, post-secondary education.

Responsibilities:

Program Management Leadership and Support: plan for periodic review and modification of programs to meet the continuously changing needs of beneficiaries, and to meet the organization’s goal of fiscal responsibility. Continue to develop collaborative programs with other agencies, and ensure the highest levels of quality and customer service by inspiring staff to perform at their peak. Current affairs and research requirement; responsible for keeping abreast of mental health and disability issues, e.g., keeping up to date in relevant health care articles and governmental agencies’ reports.

Fiscal Management: Ensure that the organization’s growth is supported internally in key areas: technology, human resources, and attorney fees.

Administrative Management: Maintain culture that fosters cooperation, open and frequent communications, and teamwork. Develop and foster an environment that maximizes employee growth and retention.

Human Resources: Recruit, train, manage, and evaluate staff to ensure that resources are maximized and that organizational systems are effective.

Other duties as requested.

This is at a non-profit organization. Principals only. Recruiters please do not contact this job poster.

Please do not apply if you do not already live within commuting distance. To apply, email cover letter, resume and writing sample.

See www.pwdf.org