The Georgia Advocacy Office

 

Staff Attorney Position

 

            The Georgia Advocacy Office (“GAO”) is a federally funded, private non-profit organization that is the designated protection and advocacy system for people with disabilities for the State of Georgia.  Protection and advocacy (P&A) systems are mandated under federal law to protect people with disabilities from abuse and neglect and to advocate for the human and legal rights of people with disabilities. GAO employs a broad range of advocacy strategies from supporting self-advocacy to legal advocacy to fulfill this mandate. 

 

            The staff attorney will engage in individual and systemic advocacy on behalf of individuals with disabilities who are subject to abuse or neglect, or who are institutionalized or at risk of institutionalization.  The ideal candidate will have demonstrated a deep sense of identification with people with disabilities and will have experience and expertise in a variety of areas such as abuse and neglect, institutionalization, home and community based services and supports, civil commitment, and guardianship.  Additionally, the candidate will have a demonstrated history of trial advocacy experience and skill.  This position reports to the Director of Legal Advocacy.

 

Major Tasks and Responsibilities

 

1.      Provision of advocacy services, including:

a.       Provide individual advocacy to people with disabilities.  This advocacy will include meeting with people, identifying issues and developing appropriate advocacy strategies and encouraging self-advocacy, when appropriate;

b.      Provide technical assistance, consultation and training on a variety of topics;

c.       Provide direct legal representation of individuals in legal proceedings and litigation in federal and state courts and agencies;

d.      Pursue legal remedies to preserve P&A access authority;

e.       Participate in task forces, coalitions, and committees;

f.       Make public presentations;

g.      Maintain accurate, confidential files documenting advocacy services provided;

h.      Assist in preparing reports to funding sources;

2.      Investigate abuse and neglect in institutional and community-based settings.

  1. Support organizational projects and initiatives that foster self-determination and self-advocacy, and that support ordinary citizens to stand by and with people with disabilities.

 

Minimum Qualifications

 

1.         Sense of identification with people with disabilities and a demonstrated commitment to the rights of people with disabilities.

 

2.      Licensed Attorney admitted to the bar of the State of Georgia.  Minimum of three years of practice experience; must have substantial litigation experience in federal or state courts including motion practice, depositions and other discovery, use of expert witnesses, and preparation of pre-trial orders.

 

3.      Working familiarity with federal and state disability-related statutes and regulations.

 

4.      Supervisory experience or potential to be an effective supervisor.

 

5.      Ability to travel throughout the State of Georgia.

 

6.      Ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups of people.

 

7.      Pass a background check.

 

Preferred Qualifications

 

  1. Background in social role valorization and related training.

 

  1. Knowledge of federal statutes governing protection and advocacy systems, the Medicaid Act, civil commitment and guardianship.

 

  1. Experience advocating with and for persons with disabilities.

 

  1. Experience with non-legal forms of advocacy, both individual and systemic.

 

  1. Experience providing training to diverse groups of people.

 

  1. Good communication skills.

 

  1. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Outlook, Excel, web-based report creation, generic database management.

 

  1. Reliable transportation, insurance and valid driver’s license or access to transportation.

 

Please submit a cover letter and resume by Monday, September 15, 2008 to:

 

Attorney Search

Georgia Advocacy Office

150 E. Ponce de Leon Avenue

Suite 430

Decatur, Georgia 30030

 

*****FAXED APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED*****

 

Georgia Advocacy Office is an equal opportunity employer committed to having a diverse workforce.   Persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.