Human Rights Advocate Internship Jobs in California

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

LOCATION:

 2618 K Street, Bakersfield (KERN REGIONAL CENTER), eligible for hybrid schedule with minimum 2 days/week in office 

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: 

Non-exempt; Regular; Full-time (37.5 hrs)

SALARY RANGE: 

$50,000 - $58,922 annually  / $25.64 hr - $30.22 hr (Band 3)  

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 May 1, 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 Assistant Clients' Rights Advocate (ACRA) 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 ACRA assists and advocates for people with developmental disabilities who are regional center clients, including people who reside in state developmental centers and community facilities. The ACRA is primarily responsible for clerical and administrative support for the office, which provides information, advice, and representation on a wide range of legal topics impacting people who receive regional center services. Examples are special education, Social Security, IHSS, healthcare and insurance, and living in the community.

The ACRA works under the direct supervision of a clients' rights advocate and in collaboration with other OCRA advocates and attorneys in their advocacy and outreach efforts.

This position is in a location convenient to the regional center and is eligible for a hybrid schedule working both remotely and in-office. The office is currently located at 2618 K Street in Bakersfield, California. An ACRA in good standing may work remotely up to three days per week.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential functions are the job responsibilities an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation.  ACRA essential functions include:

Support and Advocacy - 85%

Work in-person in DRC's Bakersfield office a minimum of two days per week, in collaboration with OCRA's Kern Regional Center team.

Greet callers and provide initial response to requests for help.

Coordinate meetings and conference calls.

Process incoming and outgoing mail.

Apply screening guidelines to identify problems and determine appropriateness of advocacy services. 

Provide information and referral to individuals who do not qualify for representation or services.

Process requests for materials and publications.

Assist in client and caller interviews.

Use electronic case management software to create case files, including recording required demographic data, and to maintain accurate and timely case information.

Collect data and generate reports.

Assemble evidence packets for use in administrative hearings and other proceedings.

Outreach / Training - 15%

Develop and update community referral information.

Strengthen and build relationships with local community-based organizations.

Assist in scheduling, organizing, and conducting training activities, and developing and producing educational materials.

Assist in the development and implementation of an outreach plan, including targeted outreach to traditionally underserved communities.

Other Duties

Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

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

High school diploma or general education degree (GED); plus 1 - 2 years related experience or training.

Able to communicate fluently and write effectively in Spanish, including the ability to interpret and translate.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

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

Associate degree in a related field from a two-year college or technical school, OR Bachelor's degree in a related field from a four-year college or university, OR equivalent combination of experience and training.

Knowledge of statewide resources available to people with developmental disabilities.

Experience reviewing medical or educational records.

Contacts with disability organizations and/or within disability communities.

Experience with or extensive contacts in ethnic or language distinct communities.

Experience providing training to a diverse range of people.

Life experience as a person with a disability or direct experience as a caregiver of a person with a disability.

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

Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialization. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options. Can write clear, detailed texts on a variety of subjects related to his/her field of interest, synthesizing, and evaluating information and arguments.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Occasional travel required. Ability to travel occasionally for activities such as out-of-town meetings, team meetings, training, or outreach activities up to 10% of the time. 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 sitting and communicating with others.

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