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 our Institutional Rights and Civil Liberties Team. This position will be based in our Austin office located at 2222 W Braker Ln, Austin TX 78758.

About the Position

The Team Advocate is responsible for providing advocacy services to individuals with disabilities, including investigating complaints, monitoring facilities, determining eligibility for services, and delivering non-litigation case support. This role works under the direction of an attorney.

The Team Advocate conducts client interviews, monitors facilities, reviews records, and supports clients through advocacy and negotiation processes. The Team Advocate also drafts letters, complaints and case notes. In addition, this position contributes to outreach and education efforts relevant to the Issue Team’s priorities.

Work Environment & Functional Requirements

This position involves regular use of computers, telephones, and other communication tools to perform job duties, including documentation, communication, and coordination of services.

Duties may be performed in a seated, standing, or alternative position. The role includes managing multiple priorities, meeting deadlines, and interacting with individuals who may be experiencing complex or challenging circumstances.

Travel within Texas may be required based on program needs (approximately up to 40%).

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

Essential Functions

1. Conduct client interviews and gather relevant information to assess eligibility, case priority, and service needs.
2. Monitor facilities.
3. Investigate complaints and analyze facts to identify legal and advocacy issues.
4. Develop and implement case strategies in collaboration with supervising attorneys.
5. Manage an assigned caseload, including documentation, follow-up, and case coordination.
6. Maintain contact with clients in accordance with client policies and procedures.
7. Communicate effectively with clients, staff, and external stakeholders regarding case status and advocacy efforts.
8. Maintain accurate, timely, and thorough documentation in case management systems.
9. Provide advocacy support, including negotiation, mediation, and coordination of services under the supervision of an attorney
10. Deliver information, referrals, and short-term assistance to individuals not receiving extended services under the supervision of an attorney
11. Develop and deliver outreach and training presentations to individuals, families, and community partners in accordance with the Issue Team’s priorities.
12. Apply relevant laws, regulations, policies, and program requirements in service delivery under the supervision of an attorney.
13. Prioritize workload and manage multiple responsibilities to meet deadlines and service expectations.
14. Collaborate with team members and other departments to support effective service delivery.
15. Participate in ongoing training and professional development to maintain knowledge of disability rights and related issues.
16. Competently draft letters, complaints and case notes.

Additional Duties

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

Required Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• 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
• Four (4) years of equivalent related experience.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of laws, regulations, and programs affecting individuals with disabilities, or the ability to acquire such knowledge within a reasonable period of time.
• Ability to analyze information, identify issues, and support development of effective solutions.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences using a variety of communication methods, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and follow-through.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and case management systems.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.

Other Requirements:

• Spanish bilingual proficiency (written and spoken), as required for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Experience working in advocacy, legal services, or disability-related programs.
2. Experience delivering presentations or conducting community outreach.
3. Familiarity with public systems and laws impacting individuals with disabilities relevant for the issue team

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.