Advocate

Job Description

Job Description

Though many nonprofit organizations have experienced unexpected changes in the past year, Disability Rights Texas remains steady in its commitment to protecting and advancing the rights of Texans with disabilities. As we move forward, we are encouraged by renewed stability and are actively expanding our team, with several positions opening across the state.

Disability Rights Texas (DRTx) is happy to announce that we are currently recruiting for a Team Advocate position for the Community Justice Workers of Texas (CJW) Project. This position will be based out of our Houston office located at 100 Glenborough Dr, Suite 600, Houston, TX 77067.

About the Position

The Community Justice Worker (CJW) Team Advocate supports the implementation and expansion of the Community Justice Workers of Texas Project, which is designed to increase access to justice for low-income individuals with disabilities, particularly in rural and underserved communities across Texas.

Working under the direction of the CJW Supervising Attorney, this role supports outreach and partnership development, assists in training and mentoring Community Justice Workers (CJWs), and provides advocacy services to clients. The CJW Team Advocate collaborates with community partner organizations, assists with case-related work, and contributes to the development of sustainable service delivery models that expand access to legal and advocacy services.

Work Environment & Functional Requirements

This position involves regular use of computers, telephones, and other communication tools to support outreach, casework, and collaboration. Duties may be performed in a seated, standing, or alternative position.

The role includes managing multiple priorities, meeting deadlines, and interacting with individuals and community partners in complex or sensitive situations.

Travel within Texas is required (approximately 40%), with or without reasonable accommodation.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Essential Functions

1. Develop and implement outreach strategies to engage community partner organizations in rural and underserved areas.

2. Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with community partners, advocacy groups, and stakeholders to support program goals.

3. Support the recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing engagement of Community Justice Workers (CJWs).

4. Provide guidance and support to CJWs in delivering services, including responding to questions and assisting with case-related issues.

5. Conduct client interviews, gather relevant information, and assist in assessing eligibility and service needs.

6. Investigate complaints, review records, and support the development and implementation of case strategies in collaboration with supervising attorneys.

7. Provide advocacy support, including negotiation, problem-solving, and coordination of services.

8. Maintain accurate, timely, and thorough documentation in case management systems and related records.

9. Create and assist in delivering training and educational materials for CJWs and community partner organizations.

10. Communicate effectively with clients, CJWs, staff, and external stakeholders regarding services and case-related matters.

11. Apply relevant laws, regulations, policies, and program requirements in service delivery.

12. Manage workload and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines and program expectations.

13. Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to support effective service delivery and program development.

14. Participate in ongoing training and professional development to maintain knowledge of disability rights and related issues.

Additional Duties

Perform other job-related duties as assigned, consistent with the scope and level of the position.

Required Qualifications

Education and Experience

1. Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Education, Psychology, Rehabilitation Counseling, Disability Studies, Social Services, or a related field and two (2) years of relevant experience working with individuals with disabilities; or

2. Six (6) years of equivalent related experience.

Knowledge and Skills

3. Knowledge of laws, regulations, and programs affecting individuals with disabilities, or the ability to acquire such knowledge within a reasonable period of time.

4. Ability to analyze information, identify issues, and support development of effective solutions.

5. Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences using a variety of communication methods, with or without reasonable accommodation.

6. Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic work environment.

7. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.

8. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and follow-through.

9. Ability to build and maintain relationships with community partners and stakeholders.

Technical Skills

10. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and case management systems.

Other Requirements

11. Spanish bilingual proficiency (written and spoken), as required for this position based on program needs.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Experience working in advocacy, legal services, or community-based programs.

2. Experience developing or delivering training or presentations.

3. Familiarity with rural or underserved communities and related service delivery challenges.

4. Experience working with community-based organizations or coalition-building efforts.

Join Disability Rights Texas and Ignite Your Passion for Disability Rights Advocacy!

At DRTx we believe in supporting our employees by offering generous leave allocations including personal leave days, vacation hours, and sick leave, ensuring your well-being and work-life balance from day one. We also offer a paid winter break – because everyone deserves time to recharge and reconnect.

DRTx also offers flexible schedules, a generous 401k plan where DRTx contributes 7% of your annual salary (whether you contribute to your plan or not), and health care plans with little to no cost (if choosing employee only coverage). By working at DRTx, you will have the stage to amplify your advocacy for individuals with disabilities.

Join an organization that allows you the opportunity to work alongside people who share your passion. We're proud of our employees, clients, partners, and communities, and we welcome you to be part of our journey towards positive change.

Are you ready to make a difference? Apply now and let's shape a brighter future together!

E-Verify Participation

Disability Rights Texas uses E-Verify to verify the work authorization of all new hires.

Non-Solicitation Statement

Disability Rights Texas (“DRTx”) does not accept any liability for fees for resumes from recruiters or employment agencies (“Agency”), without a binding, written recruitment agreement between DRTx and Agency describing the services and specific job openings (“Agreement”). DRTx may consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume and explicitly reserves the right to hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the Agency, unless an Agreement is in place. Any email or verbal contacts with any person within DRTx is inadequate to create a binding agreement. Agencies without an Agreement are requested not to contact any hiring managers of DRTx with recruiting inquiries or resumes.