Disability Rights Staff Attorney

Job Type : Full-time, exempt position in Des Moines, Iowa
Supervision: Legal Director

Job Responsibilities:

1. Provides legal service to clients with disabilities including advice, negotiation, representation in administrative hearings, litigation in state and federal court, administrative and policy advocacy.

2. Participates in litigation with support from the Legal Director, on statewide impact activity including institutional and group litigation and policy advocacy beneficial to people with disabilities.

3. Conduct investigations and monitoring in conjunction with other attorneys and advocate(s), as needed.

4. Engages and conducts outreach activities that increase the capacity of individuals with disabilities to be self-advocates.

5. Educate policy makers on disability-related issues.

6. Write organized and concise public reports, reports to other oversight and enforcement agencies, and internal reports regarding findings, conclusions and recommendations resulting from investigations or monitoring activities.

7. Conduct and prepare training on the rights of individuals with disabilities and on the protection and advocacy services available from DRI.

8. Represent DRI on councils, commissions, work groups and stakeholder groups, as assigned by supervisor.

9. Work in conjunction with other DRI staff on planning and developing agency priorities, goals, and objectives.

10. Work in conjunction with other DRI staff in preparing annual program and performance reports, as assigned.

11. Travel throughout the state of Iowa as needed to conduct investigations, monitoring and provide advocacy.

12. Maintain thorough and complete records, including DAD (case management database) and client files.

13. Use Microsoft Office software suite.

Applications Process:

Please send cover letter, resume, writing sample and three professional references to DRI Legal Director, Cyndy Miller, at .... No telephone calls please.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. J.D. degree from an accredited law school.

2. Admitted to, or eligible for admission to, the Iowa State Bar, the United States District Courts for District of Iowa, and U.S. Court of Appeals for
the 8th Circuit.

3. 1-3 years of experience as a legal intern, law clerk or licensed attorney.

4. Strong and effective writing, verbal and negotiating communication skills, including the ability to do so in a concise manner, even when doing so regarding complex issues.

5. Strong organizational skills.

6. Experience in public speaking and developing effective presentations.

7. Excellent interpersonal, relationship-building and collaboration skills to be able to work with others inside and outside of the organization.

8. Ability to analyze complex problems and develop creative solutions.

9. Ability to conceptualize and develop initial and ongoing case strategies.

10. Ability to remain impartial when conducting investigations.

11. Ability to stay calm and relaxed when working with individuals who may be in a crisis.

12. Ability to be flexible to changing work assignments and processes.

13. Ability to maintain confidentiality.

14. Ability to conduct self in a professional manner.

15. Ability to maintain thorough and complete records, including DAD and client files.

16. Ability to work independently with appropriate supervision.

Desirable Qualifications:

1. Passion for advocacy and utilizing litigation to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities.

2. Experience in disability law, including but not limited to Medicaid, special education, The Americans with Disabilities Act and/or other federal or state laws impacting people with disabilities.

3. Demonstrate understanding of disability rights values in daily work (self-determination, person-centered services, informed consent, equal opportunity, independence, and inclusion.)