DRCVI Opportunities

DRCVI Opportunities

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Staff Attorney - St. Thomas

Description: Under the supervision of the Executive Director or an immediate supervisor, the staff attorney renders legal services to eligible persons and groups consistent with professional ethics and the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct. This position is based at our St. Thomas office. Candidates must be available to work on-site during regular business hours. Must be willing to travel between islands. 

Duties: Provide in-person legal assistance to eligible clients in civil matters; participate in community training and outreach events to identify clients in need of services, collaborate with community stakeholders on matters relevant to the civil rights of persons with disabilities and conduct facility monitoring visits. 

Education: Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school. 

Qualifications: Strong commitment to ensuring the civil rights of people with disabilities. Must have excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills and an ability to communicate ideas with enthusiasm to diverse audiences. The applicant must be licensed to practice law in the USVI or any other U.S. jurisdiction and must be computer literate. The successful applicant, if not already admitted to the VI Bar, must be specially admitted to practice in the USVI in accordance with Virgin Islands Supreme Court Rule 202.

Bilingual in Spanish is desired, but not a requirement. 

Job Type: Full-time position. Must be able to relocate to the job location and provide direct in-person legal assistance to clients and community groups. 

Pay: $85,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year 

Benefits: 

• 403(b) matching plan 

• Health Insurance

• Holidays & Paid leave 

• Professional development support

License/Certification:

• Bar Admission (Required)

Send your cover letter and resume to info@drcvi.org to apply. 

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Advocate - St. Thomas

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of a managing attorney or the Executive Director, the Advocate performs the following: 

• Investigates and negotiates the resolution of client problems and complaints. 

• Conduct interviews, in person, via Zoom, and/or by telephone as necessary and appropriate for clients, witnesses, representatives from government agencies and private organizations, and other individuals to collect information pertinent to the resolution of individual and systemic matters affecting the public interest. 

• Follow Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands’ (DRCVI) Board of Directors approved policies and procedures. 

• Requests and obtains records to assist with client service requests. 

• Prepares and analyzes clear, concise, accurate, and technically sound reports, including progress and final case reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. 

• Safeguard client confidential information and adhere to all policies and procedures regarding client information 

• Works cooperatively and in collaboration with supervisors, attorneys, and other advocates and staff. 

• Maintains requisite case files and records in accordance with established procedures. 

• Prepares and responds to correspondence as appropriate and necessary 

• Participates in staff and case review meetings. 

• Analyzes cases to determine case validity, appropriate action, type of resources and assistance needed; makes referrals as necessary and secures appropriate services. 

• As appropriate and necessary, provide information to and respond to requests for information from clients and other community members. 

• Reviews, researches, and keeps abreast of laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and professional materials and developments related to the work of DRCVI and other involved organizations. 

• Participate in and attend outreach events, technical assistance, and training activities. 

• Identifies and analyzes systemic issues and participates in cases and special projects related thereto. 

• Acquires thorough knowledge of DRCVI’s role, functions, and responsibilities. 

• Effectively communicate with clients, supervisors, co-workers, and community members from other local agencies and programs. 

• Assist with investigations and other activities as appropriate and necessary. 

• Participates in staff development and training activities, including staff meetings and conferences, and supervisory activities. 

• Performs office, field, and advocacy work as appropriate and necessary to carry out the DRCVI mandates. 

• Performs related duties as requested and appropriate. 

• Manage and coordinate activities for the beneficiaries of Social Security including the ticket-to-work program. 

Qualifications and Requirements: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Education and Experience: Minimal requirements for beginning level position include a bachelor’s degree in a social service field, with two (2) years of experience in community engagement and advocacy or a high school diploma or equivalent with seven (7) years’ experience in a social service, health, or disability-related field and a demonstrated interest in work involving the advocacy and protection of the rights of persons with disabilities. 

Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge and understanding of disability rights, issues, policies and laws. 

• Thorough knowledge of and skill in using the techniques and procedures useful in gathering, assembling and arranging extensive data for easy reference and use in developing cases. 

• Considerable knowledge of the procedures involved in collecting, collating, compiling and tabulating extensive statistical data. 

• Ability to cope with complex and emotional contact with clients. 

• Ability to perform complex office and field work with little supervision. 

• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. 

• Ability to interview clients, family members, representatives from government agencies, or other pertinent individuals to collect information. 

• Ability to prepare progress and final case reports 

• Ability to perform basic investigative factual research. 

• Ability to write clearly and concisely, to use necessary technical vocabulary, and to organize information in an understandable and efficient manner. 

• Ability to prepare official correspondence and outreach materials. 

• Ability to prepare clear, technically sound, accurate, and comprehensive reports, summaries, and compilations containing findings, conclusions, and/or recommendations. 

• Ability to maintain essential records and files. 

Bilingual in Spanish is desired, but not a requirement. 

Job Type: Full-time position.

Benefits: 

• 403(b) matching plan 

• Health Insurance

• Holidays & Paid leave 

• Professional development support

Send your cover letter and resume to info@drcvi.org to apply.