Advocate, PABSS Program

Disability Rights Texas; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous leave allocations

Paid winter break

401k with employer contributions

Health care plans with low cost

Job summary

Disability Rights Texas seeks a Team Advocate for the PABSS Program in Austin, TX. The Advocate will provide non-litigation advocacy to Social Security beneficiaries, focusing on employment supports and removing barriers to work, while coordinating with supervising attorneys.

The role involves handling complex cases, conducting interviews, developing strategies, and delivering outreach to individuals, families, and service providers. Travel within Texas may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Rehabilitation Counseling, Disability Studies, Social Services, or a related field and two years of relevant experience; or four years of equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of federal/state laws and programs affecting individuals with disabilities (ADA, Rehabilitation Act, vocational rehab, Social Security benefits).
• Ability to develop and implement case strategies by analyzing complex problems and identifying effective solutions.
• Strong written and verbal communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and safeguard sensitive information.
• Demonstrated professionalism, sound judgment, and ethical decision-making.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct client interviews, gather information, and assess eligibility for services.
• Investigate complaints, analyze facts, and identify advocacy issues.
• Develop and implement case strategies with supervising attorney.
• Manage an assigned caseload with documentation and follow-up.
• Communicate case status with clients, staff, and stakeholders.
• Prepare written advocacy materials, including complaints and reports.
• Provide advocacy services including negotiation and mediation for employment outcomes.
• Maintain accurate case records in compliance with standards.
• Apply laws and program requirements related to disability rights and Social Security benefits.
• Provide information, referrals, and resources; develop outreach and training materials.
• Utilize case management systems to support service delivery.
• Travel within Texas as needed to provide services and attend trainings.

Skills

Advocacy

Case management

Communication

Time management

Organizational skills

Confidentiality

Professionalism

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work/related field

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Advocate, PABSS Program

CAPE - PABSS & Employment Probationary Full-Time Austin, Austin, TX, US

4 days ago Requisition ID: 1155

Disability Rights Texas (DRTx) is happy to announce that we are currently recruiting for a Team Advocateposition for our Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) Program.

About the Position

The Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) Advocate provides advocacy services to individuals with disabilities who are Social Security beneficiaries, with a focus on supporting employment and removing barriers to work. This role is responsible for evaluating requests for assistance, determining eligibility in accordance with organizational priorities, and delivering non-litigation advocacy services in coordination with the supervising attorney.

The Advocate manages a caseload that may include complex client issues, conducts interviews and investigations, develops and implements case strategies, and provides advocacy through negotiation, problem-solving, administrative complaint filing and referral. The role also includes developing and delivering outreach and training to individuals, families, and service providers to increase awareness of rights, employment supports, and available services. This includes participating in different activities in order to present information regarding the organization’s services and programs.

This position requires the ability to exercise sound judgment, analyze complex situations, and communicate effectively with diverse audiences while maintaining compliance with applicable laws, policies, and program requirements. The Advocate shall provide information and referrals to beneficiaries about work incentives, employment, overpayments, as well as addressing issues that may arise while working with employer networks under the Ticket to Work Program.

This position handles highly confidential and private information and government security clearance is required. Persons employed in this position must be cleared through a thorough and invasive background investigation conducted by the United States Government Office of Personnel Management. This investigation includes fingerprinting, review of personal information including physical and mental health information and conditions, criminal records, personal finances, and history on employment, personal relationships, marital status, familial relationships, and international travel.

Work Environment & Functional Requirements

This position involves frequent use of computers, telephones, and virtual communication platforms to conduct casework, communicate with clients and stakeholders, and document case activities.

The role requires sustained engagement in communication with clients and stakeholders, which may occur for extended or consecutive periods depending on workload and case needs.

Duties may be performed in a seated, standing, or alternative position. The role includes managing multiple priorities, addressing complex client issues, and working within established deadlines.

Travel within Texas may be required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Essential Functions

• Conduct client interviews, gather relevant information, and assess eligibility for services in alignment with organizational priorities.
• Investigate complaints, analyze facts, and identify legal advocacy issues.
• Develop and implement case strategies for short- and long-term advocacy cases in coordination with the supervising attorney.
• Manage an assigned caseload, including documentation, follow-up, and case progression.
• Communicate effectively with clients, staff, and stakeholders regarding case status and advocacy efforts.
• Prepare written advocacy materials, including complaints, reports, and case summaries.
• Provide advocacy services, including negotiation, mediation, and problem resolution to support employment outcomes for beneficiaries.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and complete case records in compliance with organizational and legal standards.
• Apply relevant laws, regulations, and program requirements related to disability rights and Social Security benefits.
• Provide information, referrals, and resources as assigned.
• Develop and deliver outreach presentations, training sessions, and educational materials.
• Utilize case management systems and technology tools to support service delivery.
• Prioritize workload and manage multiple responsibilities to meet deadlines and program expectations.
• Travel as needed to provide services and support program activities, and to attend required training if needed.
• Participate in team meetings, training, and organizational initiatives as required.

Additional Duties

Perform other job-related duties as assigned, consistent with the scope and level of the position.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Rehabilitation Counseling, Disability Studies, Social Services, or a related field and two (2) years of relevant experience working with individuals with disabilities; or four (4) years of equivalent experience
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state laws and programs affecting individuals with disabilities, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, vocational rehabilitation, and Social Security benefits, or the ability to acquire such knowledge within a reasonable period of time
• Ability to develop and implement case strategies by analyzing complex problems and identifying effective solutions
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing, verbally, and through negotiation with diverse audiences, with or without reasonable accommodation
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and perform effectively in a dynamic work environment
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment
• Strong organizational, case management, and time management skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and safeguard sensitive information
• Demonstrated professionalism, sound judgment, and ethical decision-making
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish (written and spoken), or demonstrated experience effectively serving Spanish-speaking individuals through direct communication or use of interpretation resources.

Join Disability Rights Texas and Ignite Your Passion for Disability Rights Advocacy!

At DRTx we believe in supporting our employees by offering generous leave allocations including personal leave days, vacation hours, and sick leave, ensuring your well-being and work-life balance from day one. We also offer a paid winter break – because everyone deserves time to recharge and reconnect.

DRTx also offers flexible schedules, a generous 401k plan where DRTx contributes 7% of your annual salary (whether you contribute to your plan or not), and health care plans with little to no cost (if choosing employee only coverage). By working at DRTx, you will have the stage to amplify your advocacy for individuals with disabilities.

Join an organization that allows you the opportunity to work alongside people who share your passion. We're proud of our employees, clients, partners, and communities, and we welcome you to be part of our journey towards positive change.

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