Who is Disability Rights Wisconsin?
Disability Rights Wisconsin is the state’s Protection and Advocacy system, charged with protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities and keeping them free from abuse and neglect. Employing a variety of means, our advocates and attorneys use individual casework and systems advocacy to achieve positive changes in the lives of people with disabilities and their families. We are seeking employees who value this work. In turn, we treat our employees well, offering a supportive environment, talented colleagues, excellent benefits, and generous leave.
Disability Rights Wisconsin arose out of a disability civil rights movement demanding that the abuse of people with disabilities end and that people with disabilities be included in life, school, workplaces, and communities. Our core values include Diversity, Dignity, Independence, Accessibility, Inclusion, Human Rights, and Liberation.
A diversity-based approach to disability rights recognizes the intersectional nature of oppression experienced by people with disabilities from marginalized and underserved communities. We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment at Disability Rights Wisconsin.
Job Summary
Disability Rights Wisconsin’s Ombudsman and External Advocacy Program (OEAP) is a team of two subprograms that provide advocacy and ombudsman services to those enrolled in certain Medicaid programs in Wisconsin. This position is part of the Supplemental Security Income Managed Care External Advocacy Project (SSI-MC EAP) and provides assistance to SSI HMO enrollees statewide. The staff attorney works independently under the supervision of the Managing Attorney and Supervising Attorney(s).
The staff attorney supports and provides legal guidance to the advocates as they collect case information, investigate complaints, and provide information, guidance, self-advocacy support, consultation, and referrals. The staff attorney works collaboratively, through negotiation and mediation, to resolve enrollee problems and provide assistance and/or direct representation on complaints, grievances, appeals, and state fair hearings. The staff attorney is cross-trained in Family Care and the IRIS Ombudsman Program (FCIOP) to support the supervising attorneys in that program. The staff attorney provides outreach and training on SSI-MC-related topics to various stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
1. Case Work – 75%
· Provide intake and casework oversight. Be available for unscheduled consultation. Ensure the call log and cases maintain steady progress, the case strategy is appropriate, and clients receive regular communication from advocates. Ensure cases close in a timely manner. Keep organized records of reviews.
· Meet regularly and work collaboratively with FCIOP attorneys to discuss intake, advocates cases, case strategy, and potential appeals and/or fair hearings, identify trends and advocate training needs.
· Provide legal research and legal backup as appropriate, including but not limited to assistance to advocates or clients in the appeal/fair hearing process.
· Draft appropriate legal briefs, memoranda, and correspondence
2. Provide guidance and negotiate – 20%
· Coordinate with the FCIOP attorneys regarding administrative hearing work. This will include:
· providing fair hearing technical assistance and legal backup to advocates and ombudsmen when needed.
· providing direct representation.
· assisting advocates in strategizing and preparing documentation for appeals and fair hearings.
· assisting advocates in providing technical assistance to clients who are representing themselves.
3. Written support and representation – 5%
· Utilize data tools to maintain accurate records of case progress.
· Technical assistance and representation at administrative hearings.
· Documentation for grievances and appeals.
4. General Responsibilities
· Adhere to all Disability Rights Wisconsin policies and procedures, including but not limited to work hours, timesheets, file maintenance, confidentiality, and security.
· Participate in Disability Rights Wisconsin activities such as all-staff meetings and committees.
· May be other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Required:
· Law degree and member of (or eligible for admission to) the Wisconsin Bar within the next 60 days.
· Demonstrated ability, skill, or experience with individual cases, which could include handling investigation, negotiation, mediation skills, representation and case file maintenance.
· Experience working with people of culturally diverse backgrounds.
· Proven ability to communicate effectively with clients and/or internal and external entities, including excellent listening, verbal, and professional written communication skills.
· Computer skills include email, word processing, and use of the internet, and using Microsoft Edge, Teams, SharePoint, and Outlook.
· Ability to work independently, and as part of a team, and manage your own workload, which includes prioritizing work and multitasking multiple cases simultaneously.
Preferred:
· Experience or direct contact with persons with a disability or social justice movements, either in a paid or unpaid capacity.
· Knowledge and skill in areas of law directly relevant to programs (SSI HMO, Family Care, Partnership, and IRIS) or relevant to individuals in Wisconsin’s disability-related services/legal rights, residential, prevention of abuse and neglect systems, including community-based mental health programs and adult protective services.
· Experience working with advocates and providing legal and case management support.
· Ability to write or speak Spanish, Hmong, or American Sign Language, as well as English, is desired.
· Paid or volunteer experience dealing directly with clients or customers on the phone.
· Personal or professional advocacy experience, which may include providing outreach, training, and/or technical assistance.
Application Instructions: Required for this position a:
· resume or work experience history or both, that details your qualifications and experience as they relate to the qualifications needed for this position.
· cover letter, or email or letter of interest.
Application Deadline: Position will remain open until filled.
Note: You can request alternate formats of this position announcement. You may submit your application materials in alternate formats if needed.
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