DISABILITY RIGHTS OREGON
ADVOCATE POSITION OPENING
Disability Rights Oregon (DRO), Oregon's Protection and Advocacy System for individuals with disabilities, has an opening for a client Advocate. This is an important opportunity to help promote and defend the civil rights of individuals with disabilities.
The Advocate performs direct advocacy services for individuals with disabilities, including providing information and advice for self-advocacy. This position focuses on clients served through DRO’s PAIMI (Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) programs, and may also include clients in other DRO programs. Work is routinely performed at the DRO office, at the campuses of the Oregon State Hospital, and at community facility locations throughout Oregon. The position is located in Portland with frequent travel to Salem, Junction City, and other areas of the state.
DRO is a non-profit law office providing legal advocacy services statewide to Oregonians with disabilities. Services include: legal advice and representation, intake and referral, outreach, training and public policy advocacy. DRO has 24 staff members including attorneys, advocates, intake specialists, administrators and support personnel. Core program funding comes from annualized federal grants.
This position works with DRO attorneys and advocates to:
· Conduct outreach to psychiatric facilities and other institutions;
· Investigate complaints of abuse and neglect and rights violations;
· Represent individuals to resolve complaints of rights violations;
· Provide information and training regarding consumer rights and responsibilities;
· Represent DRO at meetings and on committees.
Minimum qualifications:
· Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology or related field (Master’s degree preferred)
· Broad knowledge of quality services for people with disabilities
· Ability to relate effectively and respectfully to individuals with disabilities
· Experience working with individuals with mental illness
· Knowledge of the Oregon’s mental health and other disability service systems
· Demonstrated investigation and dispute resolution ability
· Ability to assist individuals who are in crisis
· Excellent written and verbal communications skills
· Commitment to the principles of community integration for individuals with disabilities
· Ability to pass criminal background check
· Valid Oregon driver’s license and reliable transportation
Minorities and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
COMPENSATION AND HOURS
This is a full-time position (35 hours per week.) DRO’s salary range for this position is $27,000 to $47,500. Starting salary will be based on number of years of relevant experience.
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit a letter of interest, a copy of your resume and a completed application. The application form can be found at: droregon.org/who-we-are/employment/. Review of applications will begin on Monday April 6, 2015 and the position may be filled at any time. For priority consideration, please apply by then. Applications must be received by email no later than 5:00pm on Monday April 20, 2015 at: . If you need to submit your application in an alternate format or have difficulty accessing the application form, please contact us at or 503-243-2081.