Careers

POSITION OPENING – Advocate – Rep Payee Program

Little Rock, Arkansas 

The Advocate position will be assigned to work on agency’s Social Security Representative Payee Project funded by a grant from the Social Security Administration, in addition to other advocacy work as assigned. Social Security’s Representative Payment Program provides financial management of Social Security and SSI payments for Social Security beneficiaries who are incapable of managing their own Social Security or SSI payments. The Social Security Representative Payee Program at Disability Rights Arkansas (DRA) is charged with conducting onsite reviews in response to allegations or concerns about the performance or the suitability of representative payees. Additionally, the program will refer beneficiaries to other programs or services DRA considers appropriate. The primary role of the Advocate is conducting site reviews, monitoring for abuse, neglect, and exploitation, providing technical assistance to both representative payees and beneficiaries, and following specific guidelines and protocols as set forth by the Social Security Administration. The Advocate will travel to many locations across Arkansas.

Responsibilities  

1. Complies with Social Security Administration and DRA protocols for reviews and work to be conducted as part of project.
2. Conducts site visits to interview representative payees and beneficiaries, review confidential and private records, document observations, and collect evidence and information as necessary.
3. Review worksites and housing facilities of Social Security beneficiaries for possible health and safety violations.
4. Review and analyze financial records to assess violations or potential incidents of mismanagement of beneficiary funds.
5. Prepare comprehensive reports detailing the investigation, findings and recommendations
6. Develops corrective action plans to assist representative payees in conforming to requirements specified by the Social Security Administration Commissioner.
7. Conducts community outreach and education.
8. Provides information and assistance to agency clients in adherence with agency standards on an ongoing basis.
9. Provides input in the planning and evaluation of the work of the agency as needed.
10. Travel throughout Arkansas on a regular basis.
11. This is a full-time position. Ability to work after hours and on weekends as needed.

This job posting is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person assigned to this job. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties that may be performed by a person so classified. DRA reserves the right to change or amend responsibilities, job qualifications and required skills as needed. 

Qualifications 

1. Bachelor’s degree in social service or law-related discipline, or equivalent.
2. A minimum of four (4) years previous investigations experience with demonstrated success working with persons with disabilities and maintaining confidential information.
3. Strong and effective writing, verbal, and negotiating communications skills including the ability to do so in a concise manner, even when doing so regarding complex issues to a variety of people.
4. Government clearance by the United States Government Office of Personnel Management is required for this position.
5. Ability to maintain confidentiality and be discreet with highly-sensitive and confidential information.
6. Understand and perform basic accounting functions as part of conducting financial reviews of the representative payees; such functions include tracking income and expenses, reviewing bank statements and other financial documents.
7. Detail oriented and well organized.
8. Demonstrated ability to handle multiple priorities and demands.
9. Ability to work independently with appropriate supervision.
10. High energy, positive attitude, flexibility, and ability to work collaboratively.
11. Proficient typing and computer skills.
12. Ability to travel throughout Arkansas on a regular basis, including occasional overnight stays.

DRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in any aspect of employment with regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran’s status or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. Individuals who increase the diversity of our team are encouraged to apply. 

We offer a compensation package that is competitive with other non-profits. DRA offers excellent benefits which include paid health, dental, vision, life and disability as well as generous paid time off and retirement plan with an employer match. 

To Apply: Attach resume, three references, and writing sample to online application. To request a paper copy of the application, email us at hr@disabilityrightsar.org. Printed copies can be scanned and emailed, faxed to 501-296-1779, or sent via US mail to Disability Rights Arkansas, 400 West Capitol, Suite 1200, Little Rock, AR  72201.

Closing Date: Position will remain open until filled 

100% of funding for this notice was provided by federal grants from the U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services/ Administration on Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services, U.S. Department of Education/Rehabilitation Services Administration, and the Social Security Administration.