Administrative Assistant 1 (Bilingual-English/Spanish)

Equitable and Inclusive Hiring at Disability Rights California (DRC)

At Disability Rights California (DRC), we are committed to creating an equitable, accessible, and inclusive experience for all applicants. Below, we’ve outlined important details to ensure you feel fully supported throughout the hiring process.

Examples of reasonable accommodations include:

• American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation
• Alternative formats for interview materials (e.g., large print, Braille, digital files)
• Interview questions provided prior to the interview
• Extended interview time
• A quiet or distraction-free interview setting
• Adjustments to the interview format for accessibility (e.g., pinning participants,)
• Assistance with reading or note-taking during interviews

If you require an accommodation due to a disability to complete this application OR you are experiencing issues submitting your application and accompanying materials, please e-mail: talent@disabilityrightsca.org . Please note resume and cover letter are required. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

People with disabilities, people of color, people in all protected classes, and formerly incarcerated people are encouraged to apply. Make a difference! We fight for the rights of people that have disabilities.... JOIN US!

LOCATION:

San Diego, Santa Ana, Los Angeles, Culver City, Norwalk, Santa Barbara, Bakersfield, Fresno, Stockton, Sacramento, or Berkeley

Eligible for hybrid schedule with minimum of 2 days/week in office.

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:

Non-exempt; Regular; Full time (37.5 hrs).

SALARY RANGE:

$25.64 to $27.51 per hour (Band 2)

We base salary offers on program budget, experience and an internal equity analysis. Therefore, our offers are firm.

EXCELLENT BENEFITS

Including 8% 401k Match, a language differential up to $250/mo. Health (HMO and PPO options), dental, vision, basic life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance and flexible spending accounts (medical, dependent care and commuter). Additionally, we offer ample vacation, sick/self care leave and eighteen paid holidays (including the last week in December) and more….. We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) - eligible employer.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Open until filled. Applications should be received by February 21, 2025 to be considered for the first round of interviews. Resume and cover letter are reviewed and required. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

WHO WE ARE

Disability Rights California (DRC) defends, advances, and strengthens the rights and opportunities of people with disabilities.

DRC works for a world where all disabled people have power and are treated with dignity and respect. In this world, people with disabilities are supported, valued, included in their communities, afforded the same opportunities as people without disabilities, and make their own decisions.

DRC values all forms of human diversity. We are committed to a culture of belonging where all people are welcome. In order to be effective advocates for all people with disabilities, we must address discrimination in all its forms, including the unique challenges faced by people who experience the intersection of multiple systems of discrimination.

OFFICE OF CLIENTS’ RIGHTS ADVOCACY

DRC has a contract with the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), State of California, to provide Clients’ Rights Advocacy services for clients of each of the 21 regional centers located statewide. The Office of Clients’ Rights Advocacy (OCRA) provides those services. The Peers Understanding Learning Supporting and Educating (PULSE) Unit within OCRA is funded by DDS for the purpose of providing information to regional center clients conserved by DDS. We are a team of zealous advocates and disability generalists who are building a culture of teamwork and working for a world where all disabled people have power, are treated with dignity and respect, and make their own decisions.

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The Administrative Assistant I provides administrative support to the PULSE unit in OCRA. This position is responsible for a high-volume of work in a fast-paced environment. The Supervisor will be either the PULSE Unit Manager or OCRA’s Associate Director.

A regular schedule of some in-office work is mandatory. The position is eligible for a hybrid schedule, working both remotely and in-office. There are multiple home office locations available, including San Diego, Santa Ana, Los Angeles, Culver City, Norwalk, Santa Barbara, Bakersfield, Fresno, Stockton, Sacramento, or Berkeley. The position may require occasional travel to various locations in California.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential functions are the job responsibilities an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. Administrative Assistant I essential functions include:

Technical – 40%

• Manage administrative processes.
• Establish and maintain electronic filing systems.
• Prepare printed materials such as reports, correspondence, binders, forms, and charts.
• Process purchase orders and accounting and administrative forms.
• Ensure documents are accessible for individuals who use screen reader programs or other assistive technology, including by editing and conducting accessibility audits.

Support – 40%

• Conduct inventory and order office supplies.
• Coordinate in-person and video meetings and conference calls and assist with facilitation as needed.
• Make travel arrangements including air, hotel, and ground transportation and complete internal forms necessary to formalize arrangements.
• Process incoming and outgoing mail and deliveries accurately and dependably.
• With direction, serve as a liaison between units, support services, and building maintenance.
• Work from an OCRA office at least twice per week and provide onsite support to staff as needed.

Customer Service – 20%

• Greet conservatees and respond to all forms of communication, directing callers to the appropriate staff or resource.
• Provide reasonable accommodation assistance to staff with disabilities.

Other Duties

• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

(Applicants MUST meet EACH of the minimum qualifications to be considered for an interview.)

High school diploma or general education degree (GED); plus 1-2 years related experience and/or training; plus

• One year of progressively responsible administrative or secretarial experience.
• Demonstrated ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English, including correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure.
• Able to communicate fluently and write effectively in Spanish, including the ability to interpret and translate.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office software, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Effective telephone skills, including the ability to handle challenging situations patiently and tactfully.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions, to work well under pressure and deadlines, and to prioritize and handle multiple tasks, with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work collaboratively on a team and to be flexible with changing situations.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

(Applicants DO NOT have to meet any of the Desirable Qualifications to be considered for an interview.)

• Associate's (AA) degree in a related field from two-year college or technical school; or equivalent combination of experience and/or training.
• Knowledge of and experience with new and emerging software and technology.
• Specialized coursework or training in secretarial or business administration.
• A working knowledge of the legal, civil, and service rights of people with disabilities in California.
• Experience working with or sensitivity to individuals with disabilities and/or individuals from ethnic or language distinct communities.
• Demonstrated experience and ability to work effectively with a variety of organizations and individuals with diverse perspectives, including people with disabilities, administrators, advocacy groups, and the public, and to maintain confidentiality in all matters.
• Life experience as a person with a disability OR direct experience as a caregiver of a family member with a disability.

BILINGUAL ABILITY:

Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialization. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options. Can write clear, detailed texts on a variety of subjects related to his/her field of interest, synthesizing, and evaluating information and arguments.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to travel occasionally, up to 20% of the time, for activities such as conservatee visits, stakeholder meetings, team meetings, education, training, or outreach activities. More travel may be required to meet program or contract requirements.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The following describes general working conditions and requirements of the job, which can be performed with or without disability-related reasonable accommodations.

• Duties are performed in office and home environments and the field in a wide range of settings, including private residences, courthouses, congregate care or other institutional settings, and community agencies.
• Duties require regular communications over online platforms.
• Must be able to transport oneself to work-related meetings, hearings, facilities, and settings where clients live.