Staff Attorney, Multnomah 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 two Staff Attorneys for our Multnomah Civil Commitments Program who thrive in a team environment and have the drive and determination to advocate for people with mental illness and their rights.
The Staff Attorney performs direct legal representation and advocacy services for individuals with disabilities, including enforcing the state and federal laws and providing information and advice for self advocacy. This position is primarily responsible for representing individuals in civil commitment proceedings upon appointment by the court.
What you can expect to accomplish:
Provides direct legal representation and advocacy to clients in a timely and ethical manner when appointed by the Court.
Provides consultation, technical assistance, and legal education services and training to program staff, consumer/client groups and other appropriate groups and individuals.
Developes cases by interviewing individuals, requesting and reviewing records. Researches additional information necessary to further develop case.
Participates in case reviews and formulates advocacy plan in conjunction with team.
Investigates complaints of reported incidents of abuse and neglect of clients.
Maintain current knowledge of relevant laws, services and modes of service delivery relevant to clients. Conducts legal research.
Assists in development, implementation and evaluation of program goals and priorities.
Participates in agency outreach and monitoring. Maintains a working knowledge of all DRO services and program areas.
Assist in development and production of agency publications including client ‘Know Your Rights’ guides.
Participates in development and implementation of advocacy strategies on behalf of individuals and groupd directed at systems reform.
Provides analysis of and develop responses to proposed rules, regulations and legislation affecting clients.
What we are looking for
A juris doctorate from an accredited law school.
Active membership in Oregon State Bar or willingness to either seek reciprocity or to take the Oregon State Bar at the next available opportunity.
Up to five years' experience in administrative law, alternative dispute resolution, or representing individuals with disabilities in legal issues releated to employment, government services or housing.
Demonstrated advocacy and/or social services experience.
Broad knowledge of quality services for people with disabilities.
Experience in civil rights, disability law and/or public interest law.
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers and the general public.
Demonstrated ability to provide people with disabilities the opportunity for self- determination and empowerment.
Ability to use trauma informed intervention skills to advocate persistently.
Demonstrated aptitude and interest in working collaboratively, particularly with state agencies.
Strong communication skills using patience and negotiating ability.
Job requires specialized computer skills. Must be adept at using various applications including database, spreadsheet, report writing, project management, graphics, word processing, presentation creation/editing, communicate by e-mail, use scheduling software, Google Apps, Microsoft Office Suite and PC Operating Systems. Effectively uses computer to research.
What we offer (besides a rewarding job!):
35 hour workweek is full time at DRO
Flexible cafeteria benefit plan to use for employer sponsored Medical and Dental insurance
14 paid holidays, including floating holidays
Generous vacation time and paid sick leave
Employer funded retirement account
Cafeteria/flexible spending accounts
Employer paid life insurance, long-term disability insurance, and short-term disability insurance
Employer paid 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 from home. DRO’s main office is in Portland, Oregon.
Pay Equity
To ensure pay equity among our staff, DRO pays employees strictly based on years of relevant experience. For this position, zero to five years of experience can expect a base salary between $55,000.00- $58,050.00, six to ten years between $58,650.00- $61,650.00, 11 to 15 years between $62,550.00-66,250.00, 16 to 20 years between $67,250.00 and 71,250.00, and 21 to 30 years between $72,250 and $80,550.00.
Interested?
We can’t wait to hear from you! For consideration, please apply online at https://www.droregon.org/employment-application. We are accepting applications on a rolling basis.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access
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
