Assistant Clients' Rights Advocate 1 (Bilingual-English/Spanish)

Disability Rights California (DRC) is a renowned nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to defending, advancing, and strengthening the rights and opportunities of people with disabilities. Founded to ensure that individuals with disabilities are treated with dignity and respect, DRC works relentlessly to create an inclusive society where people with disabilities have the power, resources, and support to live independently and participate fully in their communities. The organization values diversity and is committed to fostering a culture of belonging, addressing all forms of discrimination, including those faced by individuals at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities. DRC’s commitment to equity is reflected not only in their advocacy work but also in their inclusive hiring practices, encouraging applications from people with disabilities, people of color, individuals from protected classes, and formerly incarcerated people.

DRC operates across California, providing essential services through contracts with state agencies such as the Department of Developmental Services. One of DRC's core initiatives is the Office of Clients' Rights Advocacy (OCRA), which delivers support and representation to clients of regional centers statewide. The organization offers comprehensive legal and advocacy services addressing issues including special education, social security benefits, healthcare access, and community living rights.

The Assistant Clients' Rights Advocate (ACRA) position is located in the Bakersfield office at the Kern Regional Center and offers a hybrid work schedule, allowing remote work up to three days a week while requiring a minimum of two days in-office presence. This full-time, non-exempt role pays an annual salary ranging from $50,000 to $58,922, reflective of candidates’ education and relevant experience, and aligns with DRC’s commitment to internal equity. Compensation decisions are carefully structured to be fair and consistent based on comparable employee roles and qualifications.

The ACRA role is an integral part of the advocacy team, providing crucial clerical and administrative support for legal services aimed at protecting the rights of people with developmental disabilities. The position involves direct interaction with clients and community members, intake and screening of cases, maintaining accurate case files and documentation, coordinating communications, processing correspondence, and supporting outreach initiatives. Working under the supervision of a Clients' Rights Advocate, the ACRA collaborates with attorneys and other advocates to ensure clients receive timely and effective assistance.

Applicants for the ACRA position must have at least a high school diploma or GED, with 1-2 years of relevant experience or training. Bilingual Spanish language skills, including fluency in oral and written communication, are highly desired to support diverse client needs. The role demands proficiency with Microsoft Office and case management software, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and a demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations confidentially and sensitively.

DRC fosters an equitable and accessible hiring process, offering reasonable accommodations such as American Sign Language interpretation, alternate interview document formats, extended interview times, and distraction-free settings. The organization’s comprehensive benefits package includes an 8% 401(k) match, health coverage options, dental and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, paid vacation, sick and self-care time, and public service loan forgiveness eligibility. This role promises an engaging career with a meaningful mission to affect positive change in the lives of Californians with disabilities, supported by a collaborative team and an inclusive workplace environment.