Advocate / Paralegal
Multnomah County Civil Commitment Program
Imagine for a moment, a world where every single person feels equal to another and every person feels a sense of belonging in their communities, places of work and among others.
At Disability Rights Oregon, this is more than just a dream. This is our life’s work. We envision a world in which people with disabilities have equal opportunity, full participation in our communities, and the ability to exercise meaningful choice. Every day, we strive to make Oregon a more welcoming place for people with disabilities.
Disability Rights Oregon is seeking an Advocate / Paralegal for our Multnomah County Civil Commitment Program who thrives in a team environment and has the drive and determination to advocate for people with mental illness and their rights.
The Advocate / Paralegal will work with the Multnomah Civil Commitment Program team and other attorneys as a paralegal to collect a wide variety of information and records, track the work of the team and cases, conduct research, and ensure that we have accurate data and meet deadlines. The Advocate works under supervision of an attorney.
What you can expect to accomplish:
Attend hearings and provide support to trial attorneys during the process.
Provide brief legal research related to the issues facing people during the civil commitment process and in other litigation conducted by legal staff.
Gather information about complaints of reported or suspected incidents of abuse and neglect of clients and work to develop an advocacy plan.
Prepare memoranda and reports related to our work.
Enter information into the client management system and assist in data collection and preparation of statistical reports as requested.
Develop and maintain current, general knowledge of policies, laws, services, and treatment issues relevant to clients.
Assist with the preparation of witnesses, prepare and serve subpoenas, and develop documents related to this evidence.
File and retrieve any necessary documents with the court; monitors and supports compliance with court-imposed deadlines.
Participate in staff meetings, regularly scheduled team meetings and in organizational events, collaborate on cross team projects, and work to enhance the visibility of the organization and further the rights of individuals with disabilities.
Participate in agency outreach and trainings.
Assist in training of DRO staff and volunteers in areas relevant to the needs and rights of individuals with disabilities.
Perform related, miscellaneous duties related to direct client services as assigned.
What we offer (besides a rewarding job!):
35 Hour Workweek
Flexible cafeteria benefit plan to use for employer-sponsored Medical and Dental insurance
14 paid holidays including floating holidays
Vacation time and paid sick leave
Employer-funded retirement account
Cafeteria/flexible spending accounts
Competitive compensation
Employer paid life insurance, long-term disability insurance, and short-term disability insurance
Malpractice insurance
Paid professional development opportunities
What we are looking for:
High School diploma or equivalent.
Two years of related experience, such as advocacy, investigations, public defense, or human services.
Experience working with individuals in acute mental health distress, crisis response settings, or related human services, or a demonstrated interest in this area.
Experience working with people with disabilities and individuals from diverse communities, including an understanding of quality disability services and a strong sensitivity to the concerns and experiences of persons with disabilities.Strong commitment to advancing the rights of persons with disabilities.
Paralegal certificate or prior paralegal experience, preferred.
Ability to pass criminal background check.
Valid Oregon Driver’s License and reliable transportation.
Advocacy and problem-solving skills.
Good interpersonal skills.
Ability to communicate and listen, including strong writing skills.
Demonstrated ability to prioritize and organize tasks.
Provide consumers the opportunity for self-determination and empowerment.
Ability to work effectively and cooperatively within a team framework.
Ability to analyze issues quickly and think strategically.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to understand, influence, and serve people.
Ability to effectively use computers and common office software, including databases, spreadsheets, word processing, presentations, email, scheduling software, Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite, PC systems, and online research tools.
Where is this position located?
This position is hybrid-eligible, with some work in the office and some work remote. DRO’s main office is in Portland, Oregon. This position requires frequent travel within Multnomah County for approximately 50% of the position. This position also requires occasional travel outside of Multnomah County for approximately 10% of the position, including potential overnights or multiple days.
Pay Equity
To ensure pay equity among our staff, DRO pays employees strictly based on years of relevant experience. For this position, two to five years of experience can expect a base salary between $37,650-$39,750, six to ten years between $40,550-$43,750, 11 to 15 years between $44,550-$48,150.
Interested?
We can’t wait to hear from you! For consideration, please complete our online application.
We encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply.
Disability Rights Oregon is committed to creating a diverse workforce to strengthen our organization and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. The individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, innovation, self-expression, and talent that our employees invest in their work helps shape the culture here at Disability Rights Oregon. We strive to have a workforce that represents the communities we serve.
We strongly encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply. All employment decisions at Disability Rights Oregon are based on job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, genetic information, age (18 and over), veteran status, uniform service member status, unemployment status, sexual orientation, gender identity (including gender-related identity and gender expression), marital status, family status, or an individual having been a victim of sexual abuse, including domestic abuse, sexual assault or stalking.
If you meet key qualifications for the job, and believe you would be the best fit, we would encourage you to apply; please use your cover letter to explain how you will accomplish parts of the job for which you have less experience. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of this position, please apply.
Bargaining Unit Position: Yes
