National Legal Aid & Defender Association Is Hiring An Assistant Clients' Right Advocate 1

Join Our Team to Make a Difference for People with Disabilities! 🌟

Disability Rights California (DRC) is dedicated to defending and advancing the rights of people with disabilities. We warmly encourage individuals from all backgrounds—including people with disabilities, people of color, those in protected classes, and formerly incarcerated individuals—to apply and contribute their voices. Together, we can create a more equitable, inclusive world!

Equitable and Inclusive Hiring at Disability Rights California (DRC)

At DRC, we prioritize creating a welcoming, accessible, and supportive application process. Below are some examples of reasonable accommodations we provide to ensure all candidates feel fully supported:

• American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation
• Alternative formats for interview materials (e.g., large print, Braille, digital files)
• Prior access to interview questions
• Extended interview time
• Quiet or distraction-free interview settings
• Adjustments to interview formats for accessibility (e.g., pinning participants)
• Assistance with reading or note-taking during interviews

If you need an accommodation to complete your application or experience issues submitting materials, please email us at talent@disabilityrightsca.org.

Note: A resume and cover letter are required. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Position Details

Location: 12501 Imperial Highway, Norwalk, California (HARBOR REGIONAL CENTER)

This role offers a hybrid schedule with a minimum of 2 days/week in the office.

Employment Type & Compensation

• Status: Non-exempt, full-time (37.5 hrs/week)
• Salary Range: $50,000 - $61,875 annually (Band 3D)

Our structured salary review considers relevant education and experience, ensuring fair and equitable compensation aligned with organizational standards.

Benefits We Offer 🎉

• Generous 8% 401k Match
• Comprehensive Health Insurance options (HMO, PPO for out-of-area employees)
• Dental and vision coverage
• Basic life and long-term disability insurance
• Flexible spending accounts (medical, dependent care, commuter)
• Paid vacation, wellness time, and eighteen paid holidays (including the last week of December)
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility

Application Timeline 📅

Open until filled. To be considered for the first round of interviews, please submit your application by January 2, 2026. All applications must include a resume and cover letter — incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Who We Are

Disability Rights California (DRC) is committed to fostering a world where all individuals with disabilities are empowered, valued, and supported to make their own decisions. We stand for dignity, inclusion, and respect for all.

Our organization embraces diversity in all its forms and strives to cultivate a culture of belonging where everyone feels welcome. We recognize the intersectionality of discrimination and work tirelessly to address these challenges to better serve our community.

Office of Clients’ Rights Advocacy

DRC has a contractual partnership with the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to provide Clients’ Rights Advocacy across all 21 regional centers statewide. The Assistant Clients’ Rights Advocate (ACRA) role is a vital part of this effort, uniting passionate advocates dedicated to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.

Purpose of the Job

The ACRA supports people with developmental disabilities who are regional center clients—including those in state developmental centers and community facilities. The role involves clerical and administrative support for issues related to legal rights, healthcare, education, and community living, working under close supervision alongside attorneys and advocates.

The position is conveniently located at our Norwalk office and offers a hybrid work schedule, with remote work up to three days per week.

Job Responsibilities

Support and Advocacy (85%)

• Greet callers and respond to requests for assistance, in person and remotely
• Coordinate meetings, conferences, and legal document processing
• Screen and route inquiries to appropriate services
• Assist clients with interviews and information collection
• Maintain case files using electronic software, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
• Gather data and generate reports to track case progress
• Prepare evidence packets for hearings and legal proceedings

Outreach & Training (15%)

• Develop and update community referral information
• Build relationships with local organizations
• Assist in coordinating and conducting training sessions
• Create and implement outreach strategies, especially targeting underserved communities

Other Duties

Perform additional tasks as assigned to support the team and organizational goals.