Managing Attorney - Disability Rights Mississippi (DRMS), Jackson or Gulfport, MS

Posted: Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Disability Rights Mississippi (DRMS), the protection and advocacy system for Mississippi, is seeking an experienced, dynamic individual to serve as Managing Attorney and co-leader for its Community Integration Team. DRMS is a private non-profit agency with offices in Jackson and Gulfport.

DRMS currently employs three full-time managing attorneys and twelve advocates who provide P&A services state-wide. It also contracts with other attorneys for specific projects. It is seeking someone to provide leadership on select legal issues related to community integration of people with disabilities. Issues include: 1) discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Fair Housing Act in the areas of public services, employment and housing; 2) Medicaid benefits and services impacting people with disabilities including home and community based waiver services; 3) appropriate services and discharge planning to support individuals in less restrictive settings in the community; 4) protecting individuals with disabilities from abuse and/or neglect; and 5) advocacy for necessary assistive technology and access to voting. Work responsibilities include legal oversight of non-attorney advocate case work, individual legal cases, and systemic advocacy, including possible class action litigation.

Position Title:  Managing Attorney

Reports To:  Executive Director

FLSA Status:  Exempt

Mission:  To co-lead and coordinate the legal advocacy undertaken by the agency's Community
                 Integration Team

Essential Functions:

1. Responsible for training, evaluation and supervision of team members' individual casework.
2. Manage a caseload of active individual cases and assigned systems advocacy/litigation projects.
3. Assist in the planning and evaluation of the legal work of the agency.
4. Serve on the agency management team.
5. Perform community outreach including public speeches and presentations as requested.
6. Maintain active involvement with the Mississippi public interest bar and protection and advocacy
    systems nationwide.
7. Assist with in-service training activities.
8. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

1. Graduate of accredited law school.
2. Member of Mississippi bar.
3. Excellent written and verbal communication skills
4. Strong training skills.
5. Ability to work cooperatively with non-attorney advocates.
6. Ability to travel throughout the state.
7. Detail oriented and well organized.
8. Ability to handle multiple projects.
9. At least two years experience in the practice of public interest law, preferably including disability
    related issues, and supervisory experience preferred.

Location:  Either Jackson or Gulfport Mississippi

Compensation:  $50,000 up depending on experience; generous benefits

Deadline:  February 16, 2016 or until filled.

To Apply:  Send letter of interest and resume to:  Beverly Sheriff, [email protected], fax 601 968-0665.
                  All inquiries will be kept confidential.

 

DRMS is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities,
and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.