This position serves as legal counsel for the Developmental Disabilities program (PADD) for the Georgia Advocacy Office (GAO). The GAO is the protection and advocacy system for individuals with developmental disabilities designated by the Governor of the State of Georgia pursuant to 42 U.S.C. §15041 et seq. The priorities of the PADD program are (1) to protect individuals with developmental disabilities from, and to pursue a remedy for, incidents of abuse and/or neglect; (2) to respond to allegations of discrimination and legal rights violations of individuals with developmental disabilities in Georgia; and (3) to recruit and engage ordinary citizens as advocates for individuals with developmental disabilities in Georgia.

1. Counsel and advocate on behalf of people with developmental disabilities; determine available courses of action and develop advocacy with individual and/or family to challenge and remedy discriminatory practices as well as advance system change efforts.
2. Investigate and evaluate complaints or requests for representation from people with developmental disabilities, family members and friends or other concerned parties.
3. Consult with professionals of various disciplines such as attorneys, physicians, psychologists, therapists, educators and others to identify legal options and barriers for individuals.
4. Pursue legal remedies which may include filing legal claims on behalf of individuals in federal or state courts and administrative agencies.
5. Organize and present evidence as required in legal actions; directly represent individuals in all phases of negotiation, mediation and litigation; draft stipulations and agreements to implement settlements.
6. Monitor federal, state, and municipal governmental entities and private organizations for compliance with federal and state laws protecting the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities.
7. As required, participate on task forces and coalitions formed to effect changes in "systems" which are discriminatory; meet with legislators, agency executives and members of various interest groups to advance interest of people with developmental disabilities; participate in agency task groups to develop policies, positions and reports; make public presentations to groups; perform related duties.
8. Maintain accurate, confidential files documenting advocacy services provided; prepare reports in a timely manner summarizing activities and fulfilling all federal and state requirements.
9. Respond within two days of receipt to situations deemed by the intake process to be matters warranting further investigation, i.e. Needs Further Study (NFS’s).
10. Monitor GAO’s access to federal, state, municipal and private facilities as provided by federal law; prosecute legal claims to preserve GAO’s federal access authority.
11. Perform related tasks consistent with skills, abilities, and general responsibilities as may be assigned by the program or legal director.

1. Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations relating to civil rights and human service programs, specifically as they correlate with advocating for individuals with developmental disabilities.
2. Sound reasoning and writing skills, which will allow the employee to effectively analyze complex issues, make decisions about the proper course of action to take and to advocate effectively and persuasively for and with an individual with developmental disabilities.
3. Oral and written communication skills which will allow the employee to effectively and professionally communicate with individuals over the telephone, in writing and in person, including but not limited to, individuals with developmental disabilities, employers, attorneys, governmental agencies, benefits planning programs, assistance programs, and outreach programs, employment networks, advocacy organizations, and other service providers/entities.
4. Interpersonal skills that will allow the employee to maintain productive working relationships with all staff members and to work in an interdisciplinary team with other professionals.
5. Oral presentation skills which will allow the employee to successfully present in both litigation as well as educational settings.
6. Organizational skills which will allow the employee to manage and successfully complete multiple priorities and tasks, and allow the employee to meet self-imposed and externally set deadlines.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Sense of identification with people with disabilities for whom the program is intended.
2. Licensed Attorney admitted to the bar of the State of Georgia. Minimum of three years of practice experience; must have 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 statutes.
4. Knowledge and strong commitment to the improvement of quality of life and protection of rights for people with disabilities in the state of Georgia.
5. Reliable transportation, insurance and valid driver’s license.
6. Pass background check and, if requested, drug testing.

1. Background in social role valorization and related training.
2. Knowledge of federal statutes governing protection and advocacy systems.
3. Specialized knowledge in a disability-related field.
4. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Access, Outlook, Excel, web-based report creation, generic database management.

1. Ability to travel independently throughout the state as required.
2. Ability to conduct training sessions as required which include presentations in front of groups for several hours duration.
3. Ability to sit for long periods processing information.
4. Ability to communicate over the telephone handling information and referral phone calls.

1. Reports to the Director of Legal Advocacy and the PADD Director.
2. Interacts with the rest of the staff of The GAO as an integral member of the Advocacy team.