Supervising Attorney
Guardianship/Conservatorship 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 Supervising Attorney for our Guardianship/Conservatorship Program who thrives in a team environment and has the drive and determination to advocate for the rights of people in guardianship proceedings in Oregon.
The Supervising Attorney leads the Statewide Guardianship representation program, including directing advocacy conducted by three full-time staff (one Staff Attorney, an Advocate, and an Intake Advocate). This program is primarily responsible for representing individuals in guardianship proceedings upon appointment by the court.
What you can expect to accomplish:
Provide direct legal representation and advocacy to clients in a timely and ethical manner when appointed by the Court.
Provide consultation, technical assistance, and legal education services and training to program staff, consumer/client groups and other appropriate groups and individuals.
Coordinate the analysis of and response to proposed rules, regulations and legislations affecting clients facing guardianship.
Develops cases by interviewing individuals, requesting, and reviewing records. Researches additional information necessary to further develop case.
Conduct case reviews and annual evaluations for supervised staff. Lead hiring and training for supervised staff.
Maintain current knowledge of relevant laws, services and modes of service delivery relevant to clients. Conduct legal research.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with team members, service providers, consumer groups, opposing counsel, court staff and other stakeholders.
Direct the Guardianship team at Disability Rights Oregon in extending and enhancing services.
Oversee the development, implementation and achievement of the Guardianship goals in collaborations with specific staff.
Investigate systemic problems facing clients.
Supervise and provide direction, mentoring, and support to less experienced attorneys, advocates, law clerks and volunteers.
Participate in agency outreach and monitoring. Maintain a working knowledge of all DRO services and program areas.
Assist in information gathering including timely case management, case closures, and production of reports to funders.
Collaborate with the Legal Director, Deputy Legal Director, Managing Attorney, and other managers to ensure agency resources are being used effectively and cross program goals are advanced efficiently.
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 starting at 12 days in your first year (and going up to 16 days in your second year with continuous increases capping at 30 days per year)
15 days paid sick leave per year
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 dues and professional development opportunities
What we are looking for:
A juris doctorate from an accredited law school.
Active membership in Oregon State Bar or ability to obtain membership through reciprocity or taking the Oregon State Bar Exam at the next available opportunity.
Five to 10 years’ experience in administrative law, alternative dispute resolution, or representing individuals with disabilities in legal issues.
Experience supervising staff, preferred.
Demonstrated litigation experience.
Broad knowledge of quality services for people with disabilities or people facing guardianship.
Experience in guardianship law, civil rights law, disability law, and/or other 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.
Where is this position located?
This position is hybrid-eligible, within the State of Oregon. This position requires frequent travel within Oregon and in-person appearance in Court.
Pay Equity
To ensure pay equity among our staff, DRO pays employees strictly based years of relevant experience. For this position, the salary for an employee with five to ten years is between $65,50-$69,150, 11 to 15 years between $70,050-$73,750, 16 to 20 years between $74,750-$78,750, 21 to 25 years between $79,750-$84,150.
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
