Overview
This full-time position involves advocating for the rights of people with developmental disabilities who are clients of regional centers in California. The role is remote but requires residence in one of the following California counties: Santa Barbara, Ventura, Kern, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, San Diego, or Imperial. The position includes occasional travel (up to 10%) for client meetings, training, outreach, and other work-related activities.
Responsibilities
Advocacy (70%)
- Provide information, advice, and representation on legal issues affecting people with developmental disabilities receiving regional center services.
- Research and apply relevant laws to individual cases.
- Represent clients at administrative hearings related to education, public benefits, and regional center eligibility and services.
- Engage in impact advocacy to address systemic barriers.
- Develop partnerships with public agencies and community organizations to support clients.
- Investigate and report on complaints regarding rights violations.
Supervision (15%)
- May supervise one advocate, including hiring, training, performance appraisal, and conflict resolution.
- If not supervising, time is allocated to additional advocacy work.
Outreach and Training (15%)
- Develop and implement outreach plans, including self-advocacy training for regional center clients.
- Build relationships with community-based organizations.
- Conduct outreach, education, and training for clients, families, and community groups.
Other Duties
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
- At least two years of experience in one or more of the following:
- Advocating for people with developmental disabilities.
- Working in regional center services, special education, or Social Security.
- Working with vulnerable populations or communities.
- Ability to conduct legal research and analysis.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills to explain complex legal issues.
- Experience working with or sensitivity to people with disabilities.
- Experience working with or sensitivity to ethnically or linguistically diverse communities.
Licenses/Certificates
- For the higher-level position (CRA 2), admission to the California State Bar or registration under the Registered Legal Aid Attorney program is required. CRA 1 employees who become licensed are eligible for immediate promotion.
Desirable Qualifications
- Fluency and effective writing skills in Spanish or an Asian language, including interpretation and translation abilities.
- Three or more years of advocacy experience for people with developmental disabilities.
- Knowledge of statewide resources for people with developmental disabilities.
- Experience reviewing medical or educational records.
- Training and practice in alternative dispute resolution.
- Supervisory experience.
- Established contacts within disability organizations and ethnic or language distinct communities.
- Experience providing training to diverse audiences.
- Personal experience as a person with a disability or as a caregiver.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and case management software.
- Ability to work effectively with diverse organizations and individuals while maintaining confidentiality.
Compensation and Benefits
- Salary range:
- CRA 1 (Band 8): $62,469 – $91,242 annually
- CRA 2 (Band 9): $70,858 – $98,816 annually
- Salary offers are based on education and relevant experience compared to current employees.
- Benefits include:
- 8% 401(k) match
- Loan Repayment Assistance Program (up to $300/month depending on salary and debt)
- Language differential up to $250/month
- Health insurance (HMO and PPO options), dental, vision
- Basic life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance
- Flexible spending accounts (medical, dependent care, commuter)
- Generous vacation, sick/self-care time, and 18 paid holidays (including the last week of December)
- Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
Application Details
- Resume and cover letter are required; incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Applications are accepted until the position is filled, with priority given to those received by May 1, 2026.
- Reasonable accommodations are available throughout the hiring process, including ASL interpretation, alternative interview formats, extended interview time, and more.
Working Conditions
- Work is performed in office, home, and various community settings including courthouses and institutional facilities.
- Frequent communication via online platforms.
- Ability to travel to meetings, hearings, and client locations is required.
Equal Opportunity
Applicants who are people with disabilities, people of color, individuals from all protected classes, and formerly incarcerated people are encouraged to apply. The organization is committed to equitable, accessible, and inclusive hiring practices.