July 2008

**Please post, circulate, pass on to interested persons and qualified candidates**

- POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT -

Supervising Attorney, Community and Institutions Advocacy Team

Full-time in Milwaukee Disability Rights Wisconsin Office

Disability Rights Wisconsin is the designated, federally funded, protection and advocacy agency for persons with disabilities in Wisconsin. DRW utilizes a variety of individual and systems advocacy approaches to protect people’s rights, including legal and administrative remedies, legislative and policy change, and training.

Our core values include independence, dignity, inclusion, human rights, accessibility, diversity and liberation. Our vision states that “All persons with disabilities and their families shall be empowered to exercise and enjoy the full extent of their rights and to pursue the greatest possible quality of life”. DRW offers a dynamic work environment and the opportunity to team up with creative, dedicated staff committed to social justice.

The Supervising Attorney for Community and Institutions will engage in individual and systemic advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities in institutional (including nursing homes, mental health institutions, jails and prisons) and community-based settings. The ideal candidate for this position will also have expertise on a variety of community and institutional issues such as abuse and neglect, deinstitutionalization, service adequacy and quality, and access to integrated community services, and knowledge of state and county institutional and community-based long-term support programs, services, and laws

Supervisor: Managing Attorney, Milwaukee Office Community and Institutions Team

Responsibilities:

1. Direct provision of individual and systemic advocacy:

a. Meet with clients, identify issues and develop advocacy strategies.

b. Provide information, guidance, consultation and advice in person or over the phone.

c. Guide individuals in self advocacy strategies.

d. Intervene with service providers, treatment and rehabilitation teams, county or state government officials and others as necessary to effectively represent individuals whose issues meet DRW case acceptance priorities.

e. Assist individuals in preparing and filing complaints, grievances and appeals.

f. Represent some individuals in legal proceedings, including litigation.

g. Participate in major DRW litigation.

h. Accurately complete intake and case recording forms and maintain other records of client interactions and case progress.

i. Prepare reports to advisory committees and funding sources.

j. In coordination with other DRW staff, address systemic issues that affect the rights of individuals with disabilities.

k. Attend and/or provide oral or written testimony at legislative and other hearings and committees.

l. Represent DRW on task forces, coalitions, or committees.

2. Maintain effective working relationships with individuals with disabilities and other disability and service provider organizations throughout southeastern Wisconsin and other parts of the state:

a. Work with other organizations and coalitions regarding key Community and Institutions issues, as identified in the annual plan.

b. Perform outreach activities, with an emphasis on reaching culturally diverse groups and organizations, about DRW advocacy services.

c. Provide technical assistance and training on a variety of disability-related issues and advocacy strategies to a variety of groups.

3. Supervise one or more Advocacy Specialists (non attorney advocates):

a. Provide consultation on cases, including advice, guidance and support.

b. Perform case file reviews.

c. Conduct performance evaluations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Law degree and member of Wisconsin Bar or eligible for admission within 6 months after being hired.

2 Experience/direct contact with people with disabilities.

3. Demonstrated commitment to disability rights.

4. Experience handling individual cases.

5. Supervisory experience or potential to be an effective supervisor.

6. Ability to travel in southeast Wisconsin and occasionally statewide.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Knowledge/experience with issues related to Medicaid, Family Care, civil commitment, and guardianship, jail diversion, Americans with Disabilities Act, abuse and neglect, public disability and mental health programs.

2. Experience/direct contact with persons of racial/ethnic minority background.

3. Litigation experience.

4. Experience in non-litigation approaches to systems change (e.g., legislative advocacy, grassroots organizing and policy analysis).

5. Experience providing training to a variety of groups.

6. Good communication skills.

SALARY: $ 35,000 - $55,000, depending on experience. Excellent fringe benefits.

Submit resume and cover letter with the following information: (a) whether you are currently a member of the Wisconsin Bar (if not, indicate what action must you take to be admitted to the Bar); (b) describe how your legal or other experience relates to the position qualifications and responsibilities; and (c) describe your commitment to disability rights.

Mail resume and cover letter to: Disability Rights Wisconsin, 6737 West Washington Street, Suite 3230, Milwaukee, WI 53214 to be received by 4:30 PM on Thursday, July 31, 2008. Applications received after that may be considered until the position is filled.

Disability Rights Wisconsin is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to having a diverse work force. Members of minority groups and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

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