Advocate 1 (Bilingual- ASL, Spanish, Asian Language)

People with disabilities, people of color, people in all protected classes, and formerly incarcerated people are encouraged to apply. Make a difference! We fight for the rights of people who have disabilities.... JOIN US! 

Equitable and Inclusive Hiring at Disability Rights California (DRC)

At Disability Rights California (DRC), we are committed to creating an equitable, accessible, and inclusive experience for all applicants. Below, we’ve outlined important details to ensure you feel fully supported throughout the hiring process.

Examples of reasonable accommodations include:

• American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation
• Alternative formats for interview materials (e.g., large print, Braille, digital files)
• Interview questions are provided prior to the interview
• Extended interview time
• A quiet or distraction-free interview setting
• Adjustments to the interview format for accessibility (e.g., pinning participants,)
• Assistance with reading or note-taking during interviews

If you require an accommodation due to a disability to complete this application OR you are experiencing issues submitting your application and accompanying materials, please e-mail: talent@disabilityrightsca.org . Please note: resume and cover letter are required. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

LOCATION:

Remote (must live in California) 

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: 

Non-exempt; Regular; Full-time 

* This posting represents two open roles within our team *

SALARY RANGE: 

 $25.64 - $36.59 hourly ($50,000 yr- $71,358 yr) (Band 5)

As part of our commitment to internal equity, salary offers are determined through a structured analysis that considers each candidate’s relevant education and years of substantially similar experience for the position. We review the candidate’s resume to assess relevant experience in relation to current employees in comparable roles. This process ensures our compensation decisions are fair, consistent, and aligned with organizational equity standards.

EXCELLENT BENEFITS

• 8% Match – 401K
• Health benefits (HMO options) 
• Additional Benefits: dental, vision, basic life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts (medical, dependent care and commuter). Health Reimbursement Accounts for some HMO Plans. Pet Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, Teladoc 
• We offer ample vacation, Sick / Self Care time and holidays (including the last week in December) 
• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) - eligible employer.  

INTERNAL CANDIDATE ELIGIBILITY

• Regular employees 
• Meet the minimum requirements of the position for which they are applying  
• Employed for more than 6 months
• In good standing 

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Open until filled. Applications should be received by July 24, 2026 to be considered for the first round of interviews. Resume and cover letter are reviewed and required. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

WHO WE ARE

Disability Rights California (DRC) defends, advances, and strengthens the rights and opportunities of people with disabilities.

DRC works for a world where all disabled people have power and are treated with dignity and respect. In this world, people with disabilities are supported, valued, included in their communities, afforded the same opportunities as people without disabilities, and make their own decisions.

DRC values all forms of human diversity. We are committed to a culture of belonging where all people are welcome. In order to be effective advocates for all people with disabilities, we must address discrimination in all its forms, including the unique challenges faced by people who experience the intersection of multiple systems of discrimination.

Advocacy and Community Engagement Practice Group

The Advocacy and Community Engagement (ACE) Practice Group is a statewide team consisting of committed advocates and attorneys who work together to empower, educate, and advocate for Californians with disabilities.  We use a variety of advocacy tools, including individual representation, advocacy projects, and outreach. We provide training and self-advocacy workshops, advice and assistance on the Help hotline, coordinate and implement community-based legal clinics, provide short-term and direct advocacy on limited legal issues, and organize community members for future systemic litigation by Disability Rights California. Our staff are as diverse as the communities we seek to serve and are committed to reaching and empowering underrepresented and underserved communities.

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The Advocate shares responsibility with other ACE advocacy staff for providing information, advice, and occasionally limited, direct representation to people with disabilities, under the direct guidance of senior staff. The primary objectives are to manage requests for legal services through the phone line, website, and other avenues, and to engage in community outreach and training virtually and in the community. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

DRC provides reasonable disability accommodations to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Advocate essential functions include: 

Advocacy- 85%

- Receive and return calls from people requesting legal services. 

- Provide information and advice to clients. 

- Interview clients, write and record case summaries, and case files. 

- Review notices, records, and other documents to ascertain facts. 

- Prepare legal documents and advice letters.

- Investigate factual issues and issue spot for relevant advocacy strategy and possible courses of action.

- Research the applicable law and apply Disability Rights California’s standards and criteria to determine what level of assistance is appropriate for each client. 

- Develop and implement options and case strategies appropriate given the law and facts.

Outreach/Training- 15%

- Develop and conduct outreach education and training to clients, community groups, advocates and others.

- Strengthen and build relationships with local community-based organizations. 

Other Duties 

- Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

(Applicants MUST meet EACH of the minimum qualifications to be considered for an interview.)

- High school diploma or general education degree (GED), and at least 2 years of relevant experience to provide proficiency in client contact, data collection and oral presentation skills. 

- Able to communicate fluently and effectively using American Sign Language, Spanish, or an Asian language.

- Strong organizational skills and an ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in an efficient and timely manner.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

 (Applicants DO NOT have to meet any of the Desirable Qualifications to be considered for an interview.) 

- Associate's (AA or AS) degree in a related field or equivalent from two-year college or technical school OR Bachelor's (BA or BS) degree in a related field from four-year college OR equivalent combination of experience and/or training.

- Demonstrated ability to interview people in a variety of methods including on the phone, in person, or over email.

- Ability to synthesize information in a clear manner and to communicate information to individuals in a variety of formats, including verbally, in writing, and in other formats.

- Demonstrated ability to lead client groups, organize client events, and work with clients in innovative ways.

- Experience in presenting or training in front of varied and diverse audiences.

- Experience working with individuals who have disabilities and knowledge about disability communities.

- Experience working with individuals from ethnic or language distinct communities.

- Knowledge of laws, rights, and services as they pertain to people with disabilities, and/or direct representation of people with disabilities.

- Experience or familiarity with and/or extensive contacts in multi- ethnic or language distinct community, and LGBTQIA+ community.

- Life experience as a person with a disability or direct experience as a caregiver of a family member with a disability.

BILINGUAL ABILITY:

(Applicants MUST meet EACH of the minimum qualifications to be considered for an interview.)

- Able to communicate fluently and effectively using American Sign Language, Spanish, or an Asian language.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to travel occasionally for activities such as client meetings, trainings, or outreach activities, up to 10% of the time.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The following describes general working conditions and requirements of the job, which can be performed with or without disability related reasonable accommodations. 

- Duties are performed in office or home environments and the field, in a range of community-based settings.

- Duties require regular communications over online platforms.

- Must be able to transport oneself to work-related meetings, trainings, and community events.