Legal Director

PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES FOUNDATION (PWDF) is a small nonprofit in San Francisco that focuses on equal access for clients with psychiatric, developmental or neurological disabilities. Approximately 70% of cases are SSI and SSDI disability hearings and appeals. Rest is disability rights (discrimination). See www.pwdf.org. Applicants should look at website before applying in order to understand the scope of our work and submit a more meaningful cover letter.

Compensation:

$100,000 to $150,000 base salary for full-time (35 hours per week), DOE. Part-time (80%) will be considered; applicants who are interested in part-time should state so in cover letter. Salary for part-time will be pro-rated. Benefits include health and dental insurance, vacation hours, commuter checks, etc., after 90 days. 6 months probation. Holidays from start.

Duties:

• General Supervisory Attorney responsible for supervision and/or advice to for staff attorneys and Adv. Program Manager. Must produce results within 12 months to continue in position.
• Oversee disability rights issues, including for representation in federal court; Social Security/SSI disability, employment, education, health care, housing, and related subjects.
• Oversee legal aspects of seminars, trainings, e-newsletter, training videos, and guest speaking.
• Remain updated with respect to both law and psychiatry, e.g., read monthly published studies in APA monthly publication.
• Oversee preparation of advocacy reports for Board meetings.
• Represent PWDF; e.g., vendor contracts and HR matters.
• Communicate and coordinate with other organizations serving our target population.
• Must be able to attend and fulfill duties for occasional liaison meetings, which may be called without due notice.
• Monitor income and expenses as necessary; prepare reports relating to advocacy side of Agency.
• Current affairs and research requirement; responsible for keeping abreast of mental health and disability issues, e.g., keeping up to date in relevant health care articles and governmental agencies’ reports.
• Other duties as requested.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will be results-oriented, highly organized, and will possess the ability to work and communicate in diverse communities. Must be reliable, flexible and able to work within deadlines e.g., work with bookkeeper, program managers, attorneys and paralegals/. Proficient computer skills required, including, Word, Excel, PowerPoint. Most importantly, candidates must be committed to providing advocacy for people with primarily but not exclusively mental and/or developmental disabilities (DD) and/or neurological impairments and must be willing to work enthusiastically toward achieving PWDF’s mission. See www.pwdf.org

Additional qualifications:

Required:

1. Licensed California attorney. Minimum of 10 years’ relevant experience; e.g., civil rights nonprofit experience and litigation in federal court.
2. Exceptional communication skills, ability to write clearly, including attention to detail.
3. Management experience and a record of achievement in leading teams of people.

Preferred but not all required:

Experience in Social Security/SSI disability is very helpful, employment, health care, housing, Medicare, Med-Cal, post-secondary education.

This position is in San Francisco. No relocation assistance is available. Please do not apply if you do not already live within commuting distance.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Email cover letter stating why you are interested in this position, resume, and writing sample not edited by another to Steven Bruce, Legal Director, at info@pwdf.org.