Who is Disability Rights Wisconsin?

Disability Rights Wisconsin is the state’s Protection and Advocacy system, charged with protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities and keeping them free from abuse and neglect. Employing a variety of means, our advocates and attorneys use individual casework and systems advocacy to achieve positive changes in the lives of people with disabilities and their families. We are seeking employees who value this work. In turn we treat our employees well, offering a supportive environment, talented colleagues, excellent benefits, and generous leave.

Disability Rights Wisconsin arose out of a disability civil rights movement demanding that the abuse of people with disabilities end and that people with disabilities be included in life, school, workplaces, and communities. Our core values include Diversity, Dignity, Independence, Accessibility, Inclusion, Human Rights, and Liberation.

A diversity-based approach to disability rights recognizes the intersectional nature of oppression experienced by people with disabilities from marginalized and underserved communities. We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment at Disability Rights Wisconsin.

Staff Attorney

Job Information

Full Time Equivalent: 1.0 FTE (40 Hours per week), Exempt

Reports to: FCIOP and SSI-MC EAP Managing Attorney

Rate: Min. $58,140 annually

Note: Compensation at Disability Rights Wisconsin is based on a tiered calculation scale that considers and adds on to the pay scale:

• prior relevant employment experience;
• candidate attributes applicable to social justice and disability advocacy work;
• grant coordination experience if applicable;
• supervision experience if applicable.

Location: This is a Milwaukee Office position. Hybrid work is available. Applicants must be a Wisconsin resident.

Job Hours: Work to be completed during core office hours; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

How to Apply

Application Instructions: Required for this position a:

• resume or work experience history or both, that details your qualifications and experience as they relate to the qualifications needed for this position.
• cover letter, or email or letter of interest.

Application Deadline: End of day on August 8, 2025. Position will remain open until filled.

Note: You can request alternate formats of this position announcement. You may submit your application materials in alternate formats if needed.

Job Summary

Disability Rights Wisconsin’s Ombudsman and External Advocacy Program (OEAP) is a team of two subprograms that provide advocacy and ombudsman services to those enrolled in certain Medicaid programs in Wisconsin. This position is part of the Supplemental Security Income Managed Care External Advocacy Project (SSI-MC EAP) and provides assistance to SSI HMO enrollees statewide. The staff attorney works independently under the supervision of the Managing Attorney and Supervising Attorney(s).

The staff attorney supports and provides legal guidance to the advocates as they collect case information, investigate complaints, and provide information, guidance, self-advocacy support, consultation, and referrals. The staff attorney works collaboratively, through negotiation and mediation, to resolve enrollee problems and provide assistance and/or direct representation on complaints, grievances, appeals, and state fair hearings. The staff attorney is cross-trained in Family Care and the IRIS Ombudsman Program (FCIOP) to support the supervising attorneys in that program. The staff attorney provides outreach and training on SSI-MC-related topics to various stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

1. Case Work – 75%

• Provide intake and casework oversight. Be available for unscheduled consultation. Ensure the call log and cases maintain steady progress, the case strategy is appropriate, and clients receive regular communication from advocates. Ensure cases close in a timely manner. Keep organized records of reviews.
• Meet regularly and work collaboratively with FCIOP attorneys to discuss intake, advocates cases, case strategy, and potential appeals and/or fair hearings, identify trends and advocate training needs.
• Provide legal research and legal backup as appropriate, including but not limited to assistance to advocates or clients in the appeal/fair hearing process.
• Draft appropriate legal briefs, memoranda, and correspondence

2. Provide guidance and negotiate – 20%

• Coordinate with the FCIOP attorneys regarding administrative hearing work. This will include:

§ providing fair hearing technical assistance and legal backup to advocates and ombudsmen when needed.

§ providing direct representation.

§ assisting advocates in strategizing and preparing documentation for appeals and fair hearings.

§ assisting advocates in providing technical assistance to clients who are representing themselves.

3. Written support and representation – 5%

• Utilize data tools to maintain accurate records of case progress.
• Technical assistance and representation at administrative hearings.
• Documentation for grievances and appeals.

4. General Responsibilities

• Adhere to all Disability Rights Wisconsin policies and procedures including but not limited to work hours; timesheets; file maintenance; confidentiality and security.
• Participate in Disability Rights Wisconsin activities such as all-staff meetings and committees.
• May be other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required:

• Law degree and member of (or eligible for admission to) the Wisconsin Bar within the next 60 days.
• Demonstrated ability, skill, or experience with individual cases, which could include handling investigation, negotiation, mediation skills, representation and case file maintenance.
• Experience working with people of culturally diverse backgrounds.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively with clients and/or internal and external entities, including excellent listening, verbal, and professional written communication skills.
• Computer skills include email, word processing, and use of the internet, and using Microsoft Edge, Teams, SharePoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to work independently, and as part of a team, and manage your own workload, which includes prioritizing work and multitasking multiple cases simultaneously.

Preferred:

• Experience or direct contact with persons with a disability or social justice movements, either in a paid or unpaid capacity.
• Knowledge and skill in areas of law directly relevant to programs (SSI HMO, Family Care, Partnership, and IRIS) or relevant to individuals in Wisconsin’s disability-related services/legal rights, residential, prevention of abuse and neglect systems, including community-based mental health programs and adult protective services.
• Experience working with advocates and providing legal and case management support.
• Ability to write or speak Spanish, Hmong, or American Sign Language, as well as English, is desired.
• Paid or volunteer experience dealing directly with clients or customers on the phone.
• Personal or professional advocacy experience, which may include providing outreach, training, and/or technical assistance.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods: 27 to 40 or more hours
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another: 13 hours or less
• Repetitive motions that may include the wrists, hands, and fingers:

27 to 40 or more hours

• Operating motor vehicles: 13 hours or less
• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting and standing:

27 to 40 or more hours

• Light work that includes moving objects, boxes up to 20 pounds:

13 hours or less

Travel

This position requires up to 10% travel throughout the State of Wisconsin. Travel is anticipated to average 1 to 2 days per month, which may include an overnight stay. The travel schedule is expected to vary throughout the calendar year. While travel dates are typically scheduled far in advance, the position could require travel on short notice.

Day travel will be monthly, less than 1 to 2 days a month.

Overnight travel will be monthly, less than 1 to 2 days a month.

Benefits

Disability Rights Wisconsin places an unparalleled value on the well-being of our staff. The following benefits are offered for permanent employees who work 20 or more hours per week:

• Generous employer contribution for individual and family health insurance, plus a Health Reimbursement Account for uncovered health care costs.
• Employer-provided Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Contribution
• Flex Spending Account
• Access to affordable, quality:

o Dental, Vision Coverage

o Additional Life Insurance for employee, spouse, and children

o Critical Illness Insurance

o Identity Theft

o Pet Insurance

• Public Student Loan Forgiveness:

Employment at our organization may qualify you for federal student loan forgiveness programs. We do not directly pay for, nor forgive, federal student loans. However, our status as a not-for-profit organization under Section 501 (c) (3) makes us an eligible employer. There may be other factors that determine one's qualification.

For more information, read the Federal Student Aid’s Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) page:
studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

Americans

Generous paid time off policies include:

• 10 Fixed and 4 Floating Holidays
• Sick and Personal Leave
• Vacation Pay
• Anniversary Pay
• Volunteer and Voting Time off
• Bereavement Leave

Additional benefits include the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Commuter Choice, and Sabbatical Leave.

Equal Employment Opportunity Act (EEO) and Affirmative Action (AA)

We are an equal-opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status, following Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
and the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). Our organization is committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive environment.

Date of Job Description: July 2025

The pay range for this role is:
58,140 - 72,453 USD per year(Milwaukee Office)