Department: Benefits Team
Location: Milwaukee
Reports to: Supervising Attorney
Deadline: February 24 by 5:00 PM for consideration in first round of interviews, but will remain open until filled
Exempt FTE: 100%
Salary: $45,000 to $70,000 DOE
APPLICATION:
When you submit the application materials, please be aware that in order for your application to be considered complete, you must submit both a 1-2 page cover letter and a resumé.
For priority consideration apply by 2/24/2020 by 5:00 PM online at:
www.disabilityrightswi.org/about/careers/.
Position will remain open until filled.
DIVERSITY:
DRW is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to a diverse work force. Members of minority groups and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Alternate formats of this Position Announcement are available upon request. Materials may be submitted in alternate formats if necessary.
Job Summary:
The Program Attorney for the Disability Benefit Specialist (DBS) Program will be part of the Benefits Team at Disability Rights Wisconsin that has primary responsibility for providing technical assistance and training to DBSs located in Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) on benefits matters relevant to people with disabilities. The position is located in Milwaukee.
What is DRW?
Disability Rights Wisconsin grew out of a civil rights movement demanding that the abuse of people with disabilities end. It envisions a Wisconsin in which 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. Our attorneys and advocates challenge systems and society to achieve positive changes in the lives of people with disabilities and their families. One of DRW’s core values is diversity, by which we recognize the intersectional nature of disability-based and other identity-based oppressions and work specifically to address injustices at these intersections.
Key Responsibilities:
1) Provide technical assistance, caseload management, and caseload oversight to DBSs (55%)
a) Provide timely and accurate information, case consultation, and technical assistance to DBSs as necessary for them to assist their clients with benefits and related matters.
b) Demonstrate ability to assess specific issues, identify relevant facts, conduct research, and provide guidance regarding development for DBS cases.
c) Maintain professional and appropriate relationships with DBSs, their supervisors, and ADRCs.
d) Maintain knowledge of relevant benefit programs.
e) In coordination with the Department of Health Services (DHS) Program Manager, conduct orientations for new DBSs.
f) As defined by contract with the DHS, provide caseload oversight, caseload management, and an annual file review for the DBSs in assigned counties.
2) Train DBSs (25%)
a. Using effective teaching methods for adult learners, provide high quality initial and on-going trainings to the DBSs on relevant topics.
b. Develop and maintain materials to be used by DBSs to perform their job duties.
3) Legal (10%)
a) Effectively represent individual clients, whose cases have been accepted pursuant to the DRW DBS case acceptance policies, in hearings, administrative appeals, and court.
b) Adhere to good legal practice.
4) Programmatic (10%)
a. Prepare in a timely fashion all reports associated with the DBS Program and DRW.
b. Follow DRW policies, including but not limited to: client communications, records maintenance and retention, and opening and closing cases.
c. Participate in meetings, committees, work groups, hiring, and more in furtherance of DRW or DBS program goals.
5) Other (<1%)
a) Other duties as may be necessary to achieve the objectives of the DBS program; and
b) Some statewide travel required.
Minimum Qualifications:
1. Juris Doctorate and licensed to practice law in Wisconsin or ability to become licensed within six months.
2. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
3. Effective interface with diverse groups, including but not limited to experience working with persons with disabilities.
4. Basic computer skills including email, word processing, and use of the internet.
5. Travel statewide required.
Preferred Qualifications:
1. Effective supervisory skills.
2. Experience teaching or training both large and small groups or the ability to quickly learn effective adult teaching methods.
3. Experience with or demonstrated ability to quickly learn complex benefit matters.
Salary Range: $45,000-$70,000, DOE
