Employment Advocate

Posted on September 07, 2023

Closes:

Job Location: Falmouth or Augusta, with flexibility for remote work options.

Disability Rights Maine, a progressive non-profit organization whose mission is to advance justice and equality by enforcing rights and expanding opportunities for people with disabilities in Maine, has an opening for an advocate on our employment team.

Position Summary

DRM is seeking a detail-oriented individual who is committed to enforcing and enhancing the rights of people with disabilities and who possesses strong interpersonal skills to communicate with people with disabilities, government agencies, providers, and family members in a variety of settings.

The Advocate will work extensively with clients and client applicants of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Independent Living Services, and with beneficiaries of Social Security. The successful candidate with be expected to execute projects with a high degree of independence, while working within DRM’s team-oriented atmosphere.

The duties of the position include, but are not limited to:

  1. Engaging in substantial written and oral advocacy to support the expressed interest of DRM clients.
  2. Completing research and writing assignments under the constraints of strict deadlines.
  3. Maintaining clear and regular communication with clients.
  4. Investigating complaints of violations of rights and/or inappropriate services, and develop individual intervention strategies.
  5. Supporting individuals with disabilities to resolve disputes, obtain services, and enforce their rights through representation in negotiations and meetings.
  6. Maintaining case records and documentation as required by DRM policies, standards and procedures.
  7. Participating in case review meetings, program meetings, staff meetings and other meetings as assigned.
  8. Working with other program staff to inform and coordinate case strategies. Assist attorneys to prepare for litigation by interviewing witnesses, reviewing complex records and documents, gathering evidence, and conducting legal and non-legal research.
  9. Conducting outreach, training, and other public education efforts about employment services and supports, and the availability of DRM programs.
  10. Assisting in development and production of DRM publications.
  11. Representing the interest of people with disabilities on various boards and commissions.
  12. Providing information and referral to beneficiaries of Social Security regarding work incentives, employment rights, and overpayments.
  13. Advancing systemic change to remove barriers to employment for people with disabilities.

Qualifications

  1. Bachelor’s degree, two years of advocacy or other relevant experience.
  2. Experience engaging in written and oral advocacy.
  3. The ability to master regulations and policy.
  4. Ability to multitask, prioritize conflicting assignments, and work under challenging conditions while meeting required deadlines.
  5. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written.
  6. The ability to develop and pursue innovative high impact advocacy strategies.
  7. Experience in public speaking and developing effective presentations.
  8. Sensitivity to cultural, socioeconomic and communication diversity.
  9. A commitment to economic and social justice.

Knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, vocational rehabilitation services, and Social Security benefits is preferred. Prior experience working in a legal setting preferred.

This position handles confidential and private information and government security clearance is required. Persons employed in this position must receive clearance through a thorough and invasive background investigation conducted by the United States Government Office of Personnel Management.

Location and Compensation

Falmouth or Augusta, with flexibility for remote work options. This position includes regular travel throughout Maine.

Compensation and Benefits:

The salary range for DRM advocates is currently $40,000-$50,000 depending on experience.

Benefits include: employer funded health insurance with options for dental and vision; employer funded life insurance; employer 401(k) match of up to 4% of salary; long term disability insurance; and 14 paid holidays, paid parental leave and generous vacation and sick leave.

This position will remain open until filled.

To apply, send a cover letter and a resume to:

Chief Financial Officer
Disability Rights Maine
160 Capitol Street, Suite 4
Augusta, ME 04330
careers@drme.org

DRM is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Persons from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.