Advocate at Disability Rights Texas

Houston, Texas, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

23 Jul, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

24 Apr, 26

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Advocacy, Case management, Social security benefits, Disability rights, Interviewing, Investigation, Negotiation, Mediation, Problem-solving, Outreach, Training, Communication, Documentation, Time management, Ethical decision-making, Interpersonal skills

Industry

Legal Services

Description

Though many nonprofit organizations have experienced unexpected changes in the past year, Disability Rights Texas remains steady in its commitment to protecting and advancing the rights of Texans with disabilities. As we move forward, we are encouraged by renewed stability and are actively expanding our team, with several positions opening across the state. Disability Rights Texas (DRTx) is happy to announce that we are currently recruiting for a Team Advocate position for our Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) Program. About the Position The Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) Advocate provides advocacy services to individuals with disabilities who are Social Security beneficiaries, with a focus on supporting employment and removing barriers to work. This role is responsible for evaluating requests for assistance, determining eligibility in accordance with organizational priorities, and delivering non-litigation advocacy services in coordination with the supervising attorney. The Advocate manages a caseload that may include complex client issues, conducts interviews and investigations, develops and implements case strategies, and provides advocacy through negotiation, problem-solving, administrative complaint filing and referral. The role also includes developing and delivering outreach and training to individuals, families, and service providers to increase awareness of rights, employment supports, and available services. This includes participating in different activities in order to present information regarding the organization’s services and programs. This position requires the ability to exercise sound judgment, analyze complex situations, and communicate effectively with diverse audiences while maintaining compliance with applicable laws, policies, and program requirements. The Advocate shall provide information and referrals to beneficiaries about work incentives, employment, overpayments, as well as addressing issues that may arise while working with employer networks under the Ticket to Work Program. This position handles highly confidential and private information and government security clearance is required. Persons employed in this position must be cleared through a thorough and invasive background investigation conducted by the United States Government Office of Personnel Management. This investigation includes fingerprinting, review of personal information including physical and mental health information and conditions, criminal records, personal finances, and history on employment, personal relationships, marital status, familial relationships, and international travel. Work Environment & Functional Requirements This position involves frequent use of computers, telephones, and virtual communication platforms to conduct casework, communicate with clients and stakeholders, and document case activities. The role requires sustained engagement in communication with clients and stakeholders, which may occur for extended or consecutive periods depending on workload and case needs. Duties may be performed in a seated, standing, or alternative position. The role includes managing multiple priorities, addressing complex client issues, and working within established deadlines. Travel within Texas may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Essential Functions 1. Conduct client interviews, gather relevant information, and assess eligibility for services in alignment with organizational priorities. 2. Investigate complaints, analyze facts, and identify legal advocacy issues. 3. Develop and implement case strategies for short- and long-term advocacy cases in coordination with the supervising attorney. 4. Manage an assigned caseload, including documentation, follow-up, and case progression. 5. Communicate effectively with clients, staff, and stakeholders regarding case status and advocacy efforts. 6. Prepare written advocacy materials, including complaints, reports, and case summaries. 7. Provide advocacy services, including negotiation, mediation, and problem resolution to support employment outcomes for beneficiaries. 8. Maintain accurate, timely, and complete case records in compliance with organizational and legal standards. 9. Apply relevant laws, regulations, and program requirements related to disability rights and Social Security benefits. 10. Provide information, referrals, and resources as assigned. 11. Develop and deliver outreach presentations, training sessions, and educational materials. 12. Utilize case management systems and technology tools to support service delivery. 13. Prioritize workload and manage multiple responsibilities to meet deadlines and program expectations. 14. Travel as needed to provide services and support program activities, and to attend required training if needed. 15. Participate in team meetings, training, and organizational initiatives as required. Additional Duties Perform other job-related duties as assigned, consistent with the scope and level of the position. Required Qualifications 1. Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Rehabilitation Counseling, Disability Studies, Social Services, or a related field and two (2) years of relevant experience working with individuals with disabilities; or four (4) years of equivalent experience 2. Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state laws and programs affecting individuals with disabilities, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, vocational rehabilitation, and Social Security benefits, or the ability to acquire such knowledge within a reasonable period of time 3. Ability to develop and implement case strategies by analyzing complex problems and identifying effective solutions 4. Ability to communicate effectively in writing, verbally, and through negotiation with diverse audiences, with or without reasonable accommodation 5. Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and perform effectively in a dynamic work environment 6. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment 7. Strong organizational, case management, and time management skills 8. Ability to maintain confidentiality and safeguard sensitive information 9. Demonstrated professionalism, sound judgment, and ethical decision-making 10. Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills Preferred Qualifications 1. Bilingual proficiency in Spanish (written and spoken), or demonstrated experience effectively serving Spanish-speaking individuals through direct communication or use of interpretation resources. Join Disability Rights Texas and Ignite Your Passion for Disability Rights Advocacy! At DRTx we believe in supporting our employees by offering generous leave allocations including personal leave days, vacation hours, and sick leave, ensuring your well-being and work-life balance from day one. We also offer a paid winter break – because everyone deserves time to recharge and reconnect. DRTx also offers flexible schedules, a generous 401k plan where DRTx contributes 7% of your annual salary (whether you contribute to your plan or not), and health care plans with little to no cost (if choosing employee only coverage). By working at DRTx, you will have the stage to amplify your advocacy for individuals with disabilities. Join an organization that allows you the opportunity to work alongside people who share your passion. We're proud of our employees, clients, partners, and communities, and we welcome you to be part of our journey towards positive change. Are you ready to make a difference? Apply now and let's shape a brighter future together! E-Verify Participation Disability Rights Texas uses E-Verify to verify the work authorization of all new hires. Non-Solicitation Statement Disability Rights Texas (“DRTx”) does not accept any liability for fees for resumes from recruiters or employment agencies (“Agency”), without a binding, written recruitment agreement between DRTx and Agency describing the services and specific job openings (“Agreement”). DRTx may consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume and explicitly reserves the right to hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the Agency, unless an Agreement is in place. Any email or verbal contacts with any person within DRTx is inadequate to create a binding agreement. Agencies without an Agreement are requested not to contact any hiring managers of DRTx with recruiting inquiries or resumes.

Responsibilities

The Advocate provides advocacy services to Social Security beneficiaries with disabilities, focusing on employment support and barrier removal. They manage a caseload, conduct investigations, develop case strategies, and perform outreach to educate stakeholders on rights and services.