Staff Attorney
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 mission. 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 a Staff Attorney for our Multnomah County Civil Commitment Program—someone who thrives in a team environment and is driven to advocate for individuals who are civilly committed or at risk of civil commitment.
The Staff Attorney will work as part of the Multnomah County Civil Commitment Program, providing direct legal representation and advocacy for individuals who are facing civil commitment in Multnomah County, Oregon. This includes representation in court, protecting their legal rights, ensuring due process, and offering information and guidance to support self-advocacy.
What you can expect to accomplish:
Provide direct legal representation and advocacy to clients in a timely and ethical manner incases selected in accordance with team priorities, goals, and objectives.
Represent clients in court proceedings.
Provide consultation, technical assistance, and legal education services and training to program staff, consumer/client groups and other appropriate groups and individuals.
Conduct intake and interviews with clients to determine eligibility for DRO advocacy services.
Identify issues and provide information and referrals as necessary.
Develop cases by interviewing individuals, requesting, and reviewing records. Research additional information necessary to further develop case.
Participate in case reviews and formulates advocacy plan in conjunction with team.
Investigate complaints of reported incidents of abuse and neglect of clients.
Maintain client confidentiality.
Maintain detailed knowledge of policies, laws, and services relevant to clients. Share knowledge with team.
Conduct legal research in relation to each individual case.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with service providers and consumer groups.
Assist in development, implementation and evaluation of program goals and priorities.
Maintain orderly and informative client files.
Participate in appropriate training to enhance skills as directed.
Attend and participate in team meetings and staff meetings as requested.
Participate in agency outreach and monitoring. Maintains a working knowledge of all DRO services and program areas.
Assist in the development and production of agency publications including client ‘Know Your Rights’ guides.
Participate in development and implementation of advocacy strategies on behalf of individuals and groups directed at systems reform.
Upon assignment, provide analysis of and develop responses to proposed rules, regulations, and legislation affecting clients.
Participate in county, state and national groups for civil commitment practice and reform.
Maintain punctual, regular and predictable attendance.
Work collaboratively in a team environment with a spirit of cooperation.
Respectfully take direction from supervisor, Legal Director, and other managers. Perform other duties as required.
What we are looking for
Education and Experience
A juris doctorate from an accredited law school.
Demonstrated advocacy and/or social services experience.
Broad knowledge of quality services for people with disabilities.
Two+ years of experience in civil rights, disability law, and/or other public interest law.
Certificates/Licenses and Registrations
Ability to obtain and maintain required Suitability and Security Clearance from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management and the Social Security Administration.
Active membership in Oregon State Bar or qualified to obtain membership through reciprocity or to take the Oregon State Bar Exam.
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 association dues and professional development opportunities
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.
Interested?
We can’t wait to hear from you! For consideration, please complete our online application. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
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
