Unit Manager

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:

Hybrid (Within California) 90% Telecommute / 10% Office

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:

Exempt; Regular; Full time.

SALARY RANGE:

$67,477 – $98,817 annually (Band 9)

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

This position requires a high level of responsibility and includes management, supervision, and direct service to individuals with disabilities. The Unit Manager will oversee the training, functions, and operations of PULSE including supervising 4 or more Peer Liaisons and 1 Administrative Assistant.

The Unit Manager works to meet all goals and benchmarks of the unit. PULSE assists DDS conservatees to understand conservatorship processes and proceedings, the powers a conservator has, how a conservator’s powers limit the conservatee’s ability to make some decisions, the powers the conservatee maintains, decisions a conservatee can make independently through Supported Decision Making, and recognizing the need for and providing appropriate referrals for advocacy.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

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

Leadership – 60%

• Managing the day-to-day operations of PULSE including data management and contract compliance.
• Supervising all Peer Liaisons and ensuring service to conservatees according to required frequency and timelines. Ensuring that the appropriate information is provided and documentation completed.
• Ensuring appropriate mandated abuse reporting and follow-up in compliance with statutory and contractual obligations.
• Assigning and monitoring caseloads to Peer Liaisons; leading regular meetings with Peer Liaisons and PULSE unit team.
• Coordinating staff training on topics such as confidentiality, mandated reporting, conservatorships and alternatives, Supported Decision Making, generic services, and Regional Center services.

Education – 20%

• Along with the Peer Liaisons, educating conservatees about the conservatorship process and helping them find additional services or supports to increase independence and decision-making. Making appropriate referrals and completing reports of each visit.
• Performing outreach and supporting outreach efforts to traditionally underserved communities.

Administration – 20%

• Ensuring accuracy of data and documentation.
• Analyzing data and documentation to determine PULSE impact and outcomes.
• Conducting data quality assurance reviews and ensure accurate reporting of contract deliverables.
• Assisting with responding to PULSE grievances.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Unit Manager will oversee the training, functions, and operations of PULSE including supervising 4 or more Peer Liaisons and 1 Administrative Assistant. Responsibilities would include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

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

• 
  Six years of relevant work experience as either an:

o Advocate working with people with disabilities in social services, human services, public interest, or health care environments;

o Advocate in the practice of public interest law; or

o Educator involved in social services, human services, public interest, or health care environments.

• Two or more years of relevant work experience in employee supervision and management.
• Demonstrated ability to work with and mentor colleagues, including developing their substantive knowledge and skills.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, such as project management or team leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare effective outreach and/or training materials and presentations for community groups, regional center clients and/or others. This includes either the development of creative outreach or training presentations or writing substantive outreach or training materials.
• Demonstrated ability to handle complex tasks and develop collaborative and cooperative working relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex problems and develop creative solutions.
• Knowledge of conservatorships and alternatives, Regional Center/Lanterman Act services, public benefits, and Supported Decision Making.
• Effective oral and written communication skills sufficient to explain technical information to a conservatee in terms they understand based on individual learning styles.
• Proficiency with Windows-based computer applications including Microsoft Office and case management software.
• A willingness and ability to travel throughout California to meet conservatees, Peer Liaisons, regional centers or residential providers.
• A strong sense of professional responsibility and ethics.
• Ability to meet deadlines and perform multiple tasks while maintaining attention to detail.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

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

• Ability to read, write and speak a second language, or ability to communicate using American Sign Language, with sufficient fluency to communicate clearly and conduct trainings.
• 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.

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 routinely, up to 25% of the time, for activities such as conservatee visits, stakeholder meetings, supervisory visits, 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 frequently require communicating with others in-person and over online platforms.
• Must be able to transport oneself to work-related meetings, hearings, facilities, and settings where clients live.