Case Advocate II - 522467 - The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL
About the Job
Pay Grade/Pay Range: Minimum: $48,600 - Midpoint: $60,800 (Salaried E7)
Department/Organization: 218142 - AL Disability Advocacy Prog (ADAP)
Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:45pm
Job Summary: The Case Advocate II conducts all phases of advocacy for individuals and classes of persons with disabilities for whom legal rights have been denied. Completes intake work, case investigations, representation, negotiation, administrative remedies, and providing information and referral services throughout the State of Alabama. Presents to consumers and the public concerning the rights of persons with disabilities and current legal issues affecting individuals with disabilities. Works collaboratively with Clinical Students and Law Clerks, Senior Advocates, and Attorneys.
Additional Department Summary: The Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program (ADAP) is the federally-funded protection and advocacy (P&A) system for the state of Alabama. We provide free legal services and advocacy to persons with disabilities in Alabama to protect and promote their civil rights. For more than forty years, ADAP has advanced the rights of Alabamians with disabilities in such areas as community integration, education, employment, self-determination, access to healthcare, and safety. We are Alabama’s only statewide, cross-disability, legal advocacy organization. We envision a society where persons with disabilities are valued, exercise self-determination through meaningful choices, and have equality of opportunity. Our work takes many forms: litigation, legal representation, advocacy services, investigations, monitoring, community outreach and training, short-term information and referral services, and educating policymakers. ADAP is a member of a nationwide network of P&A agencies connected through the National Disability Rights Network.
Educate clients with disabilities about their rights and counsels them on actions they might consider taking to resolve their concerns. Coach and supports clients in self-advocacy. Disseminate information and materials related to the disability rights issue raised by clients. Negotiate on behalf of clients to achieve identified outcomes. Conduct investigations. Monitor activities to protect individuals with disabilities from abuse and/or neglect. Provide public education, training, and outreach. Work with consumer and advocacy organizations, community and state agencies, and other groups for the purpose of promoting ADAP's priorities and objectives.
Requires travel throughout the state. Some of the travel will be overnight. Use of personal car for business travel may be necessary at times. May be eligible for remote work with the permission of the agency's executive director and in compliance with UA's remote work policies.
Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and two (2) years of attorney, educator, paralegal, and/or advocate experience; OR master's degree and some attorney, educator, paralegal, and/or advocate experience.
Additional Required Department Minimum Qualifications: Must have valid U.S. driver's license. Must be at least 19 years of age at time of hire and have an acceptable Motor Vehicle Report that is in compliance with University policies. Applicants under the age of 21 will have some driving restrictions. If you need any type of accommodation to participate in any portion of the University's employment process, please email the Human Resources Department at hrsvctr@ua.edu or contact us by phone at (205) 348-7732.
Skills and Knowledge: Strong commitment to ADAP’s vision of a society where persons with disabilities are valued, exercise self-determination through meaningful choices, and have equality of opportunity. Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills to devise advocacy strategies in complex situations. Extensive knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, and procedures regarding the rights of persons with disabilities and Alabama’s service delivery systems for persons with disabilities. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Sound professional judgment, interpersonal and negotiation skills to build coalitions, develop agreements, and promote productive relationships with adverse parties. Excellent organization skills to handle an advocacy caseload and technical assistance responsibilities. Ability to mentor less experienced staff and to supervise students. Computer skills to include word processing, research, and organization of tasks. Experience working with individuals with disabilities. Ability to work independently while being supervised and supported by managers and other team members. Ability to analyze and synthesize information from a variety of sources. Ability to juggle multiple projects at the same time.
Preferred Qualifications: Strong commitment to ADAP’s vision of a society where persons with disabilities are valued, exercise self-determination through meaningful choices, and have equality of opportunity. Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills to devise advocacy strategies in complex situations. Extensive knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, and procedures regarding the rights of persons with disabilities and Alabama’s service delivery systems for persons with disabilities. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Sound professional judgment, interpersonal and negotiation skills to build coalitions, develop agreements, and promote productive relationships with adverse parties. Excellent organization skills to handle an advocacy caseload and technical assistance responsibilities. Ability to mentor less experienced staff and to supervise students. Computer skills to include word processing, research, and organization of tasks. Experience working with individuals with disabilities. Ability to work independently while being supervised and supported by managers and other team members. Ability to analyze and synthesize information from a variety of sources. Ability to juggle multiple projects at the same time.
Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.
Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, genetic or family medical history information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected basis, and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. Follow the link below to find out more. "EEO is the Law" Poster