Employment Opportunities
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Civil Rights Team Senior Attorney
Civil Rights Team Staff Attorney
Special Education Rights Clinic Staff Attorney
Monitor Representative Payee Project
Organizational Background
For nearly 35 years, Equip for Equality has been advancing the human and civil rights of people with disabilities across Illinois. Among our many accomplishments, Equip for Equality has made Chicago public transportation more accessible, helped tens of thousands of people with disabilities move from institutions into the community, increased inclusive education and educational outcomes for students with disabilities, and enhanced safety and quality of care in a variety of settings. We have offices throughout Illinois.
Equip for Equality has three Programs: the Civil Rights Team, the Special Education Clinic, and the Abuse Investigation Unit. EFE has a dedicated staff of 59 attorneys, social workers, and administrative staff working every day to advance our mission. As we work to improve society’s inclusion of individuals with disabilities, we also strive to be an inclusive, diverse, and welcoming workplace.
Civil Rights Team Senior Attorney
The Senior Attorney position is within the Civil Rights Team, which handles a wide range of legal issues impacting people with disabilities. These issues include: removing barriers to public accommodations and government services and programs; criminal justice; community integration to support individuals to live in the most integrated community setting; employment discrimination; transportation; the right to be free from abuse and neglect; individuals’ legal rights in institutions and community settings; and self-determination and personal decision-making in the context of guardianship and other forms of substituted decision-making.
JOB SUMMARY
- Oral and written advocacy and negotiations
- Direct representation in administrative hearings and in state and federal court
- Systemic litigation and advocacy
- Legal rights training to people with disabilities and other stakeholderss
This position reports to the Managing Attorney of the Civil Rights Team.
REQUIREMENTS AND PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
- A law degree and license
- Minimum of 10 years legal experience
- Federal court experience, preferably including class action litigation experience
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Experience with and/or commitment to working with low income and diverse client populations
- Periodic travel to meet with clients and attend legal proceedings
- Demonstrated commitment to civil rights
- Personal and/or professional experience with people with disabilities
- Spanish language fluency is a plus
- This position will be located in the Chicago office
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit resume and cover letter as soon as possible as there is an immediate opening. Include salary expectations in cover letter. Salary is commensurate with experience and EFE offers excellent benefits.
Send resume and cover letter electronically:
Cecille Escartin
Equip for Equality
Cecille@equipforequality.org
Or apply online: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/All/dfa718e9-85e4-4af1-916f-3dd01486da3f/Equip-for-Equality
Resumes without cover letters will not be considered.Because Equip for Equality is a community-serving organization and safety is of the utmost importance, Equip for Equality requires a background check for employees and others who volunteer or perform services for us depending on the role. The background check is run for employees once a conditional offer of employment has been extended. Background checks are conducted in accordance with all applicable laws, EFE’s policy, and paid for by EFE. A disclosed record may not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment.
Do you need a reasonable accommodation for our application process?
Equip for Equality is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the application process, please contact Myra Dunbar Braggs at hiring@equipforequality (312) 895-7333 and let her know the nature of your request and your contact information. Disability related information that is disclosed via the application process will be kept confidential.
Civil Rights Team Staff Attorney Focusing on Re-Entry of People With Disabilities From Correctional Facilities
The Staff Attorney position is within the Civil Rights Team, which handles a wide range of legal issues impacting people with disabilities. These issues include: removing barriers to public accommodations and government services and programs; criminal justice; community integration to support individuals to live in the most integrated community setting; employment discrimination; transportation; the right to be free from abuse and neglect; individuals’ legal rights in institutions and community settings; and self-determination and personal decision-making in the context of guardianship and other forms of substituted decision-making.
JOB SUMMARY
The attorney will focus on assisting people with disabilities returning to society from correctional facilities by providing civil legal services to support their re-entry. Responsibilities include:
- Outreach to correctional facilities and transitional housing to identify and assist people with disabilities returning to the community
- Conducting interviews and providing written and telephone advice to people with disabilities, family members and providers
- Oral and written advocacy and negotiations
- Direct representation in administrative hearings and in state and federal court for civil legal issues arising for people with disabilities returning to the community on a variety of issues including housing, employment and healthcare
- Identifying systemic barriers to the successful re-entry by people with disabilities and advocacy to address those barriers
- Training on the legal rights of people with disabilities
This position reports to the Managing Attorney of the Civil Rights Team.
REQUIREMENTS AND PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
- A law degree and license
- Minimum of 3 years legal experience on general civil legal issues
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Experience with and/or commitment to working with low income and diverse client populations
- Travel required throughout the State, including to correctional facilities (adjusted as necessary due to COVID-19 restrictions)
- Demonstrated commitment to civil rights
- Personal or professional experience with people with disabilities
- Spanish language fluency is a plus
- This position can be located in the Chicago or Springfield office
- Equip for Equality encourages qualified candidates of all backgrounds and identities to apply for this position.
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit resume and cover letter as soon as possible as there is an immediate opening. Include salary expectations in cover letter. Salary is commensurate with experience and EFE offers excellent benefits.
Send resume and cover letter electronically:
Cecille Escartin
Equip for Equality
Cecille@equipforequality.org
Or apply online: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/All/dfa718e9-85e4-4af1-916f-3dd01486da3f/Equip-for-Equality
Resumes without cover letters will not be considered.Because Equip for Equality is a community-serving organization and safety is of the utmost importance, Equip for Equality requires a background check for employees and others who volunteer or perform services for us depending on the role. The background check is run for employees once a conditional offer of employment has been extended. Background checks are conducted in accordance with all applicable laws, EFE’s policy, and paid for by EFE. A disclosed record may not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment.
Do you need a reasonable accommodation for our application process?
Equip for Equality is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the application process, please contact Myra Dunbar Braggs at hiring@equipforequality (312) 895-7333 and let her know the nature of your request and your contact information. Disability related information that is disclosed via the application process will be kept confidential.
Civil Rights Team Paralegal
The Paralegal position is within the Civil Rights Team, which handles a wide range of legal issues impacting people with disabilities. These issues include: removing barriers to public accommodations and government services and programs; criminal justice; community integration to support individuals to live in the most integrated community setting; employment discrimination; transportation; the right to be free from abuse and neglect; individuals’ legal rights in institutions and community settings; and self-determination and personal decision-making in the context of guardianship and other forms of substituted decision-making.
JOB SUMMARY
As an integral member of the Civil Rights Team the paralegal works in three general areas. First, conducting client interviews regarding abuse, neglect, and self-determination. Second, assisting with our class action cases and advocacy on behalf of prisoners with disabilities. Third, project-based work for the litigation team.
REQUIREMENTS AND PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
- Paralegal certificate and or previous paralegal work is a plus
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Experience with Excel and data analysis
- Experience with and/or commitment to working with low income and diverse client populations
- Personal and/or professional experience with people with disabilities
- Spanish language fluency is a plus
Equip for Equality encourages qualified candidates of all backgrounds and identities to apply for this position.
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit resume and cover letter as soon as possible as there is an immediate opening. Include salary expectations in cover letter. Salary is commensurate with experience and EFE offers excellent benefits.
Send resume and cover letter electronically:
Cecille Escartin
Equip for Equality
Cecille@equipforequality.org
Or apply online: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/All/dfa718e9-85e4-4af1-916f-3dd01486da3f/Equip-for-Equality
Resumes without cover letters will not be considered.Because Equip for Equality is a community-serving organization and safety is of the utmost importance, Equip for Equality requires a background check for employees and others who volunteer or perform services for us depending on the role. The background check is run for employees once a conditional offer of employment has been extended. Background checks are conducted in accordance with all applicable laws, EFE’s policy, and paid for by EFE. A disclosed record may not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment.
Do you need a reasonable accommodation for our application process?
Equip for Equality is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the application process, please contact Myra Dunbar Braggs at hiring@equipforequality (312) 895-7333 and let her know the nature of your request and your contact information. Disability related information that is disclosed via the application process will be kept confidential.
Special Education Rights Clinic Staff Attorney
The Staff Attorney position is within the Special Education Clinic. The Special Education Clinic provides services to students of all disabilities and their families in securing vital special educational placements, supports and services. This Staff Attorney position involves expanding upon a current partnership with Cook and Winnebago counties to represent court-involved students with disabilities on special education issues, as well as initiating a partnership in East St. Louis.
JOB SUMMARY
The attorney will participate in all aspects of the Clinic’s work including:
- providing brief written and telephone advice
- oral and written advocacy
- training court personnel on special education law
- direct representation at IEP meetings, mediations, and expulsion hearings for court-involved students with disabilities
- direct representation in due process hearings or federal court
- Systemic litigation and advocacy
This position reports to the Vice President of the Special Education Clinic. Training will be provided on special education law, client interviewing, and our internal case management system. Opportunities will be provided to work with pro bono attorneys and law student interns as well as other professional development opportunities.
Our goal is to empower Parents and families to be advocates while ensuring the rights of students with disabilities.
REQUIREMENTS AND PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
- A law degree and license
- A driver’s license
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Experience with and/or commitment to working with low income and diverse client populations
- Travel required to Winnebago County and potentially periodic travel to East St. Louis
- Commitment to civil rights
- Personal or professional experience with people with disabilities or court-involved students
- Spanish language fluency is a plus
- This position is located in the Chicago office
Equip for Equality encourages qualified candidates of all backgrounds and identities to apply for this position.
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit resume and cover letter as soon as possible as there is an immediate opening. Include salary expectations in cover letter. Salary is commensurate with experience and EFE offers excellent benefits.
Send resume and cover letter to:
Lupe Zaucedo, Special Education Clinic, Administrative Assistant
Equip for Equality
20 N. Michigan Ave., Ste. 300
Chicago, IL 60602
Lupe@equipforequality.org
Phone: 312-895-7320
Or apply online: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/All/dfa718e9-85e4-4af1-916f-3dd01486da3f/Equip-for-Equality
Resumes without cover letters will not be considered.
Because Equip for Equality is a community-serving organization and safety is of the utmost importance, Equip for Equality requires a background check for employees and others who volunteer or perform services for us depending on the role. The background check is run for employees once a conditional offer of employment has been extended. Background checks are conducted in accordance with all applicable laws, EFE’s policy, and paid for by EFE. A disclosed record may not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment.
Do you need a reasonable accommodation for our application process?
Equip for Equality is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the application process, please contact Myra Dunbar Braggs at hiring@equipforequality (312) 895-7333 and let her know the nature of your request and your contact information. Disability related information that is disclosed via the application process will be kept confidential.
Monitor Representative Payee Project – Abuse Investigation Unit (Rep Payee Chicago Staff Position)
The Abuse Investigation Unit is seeking an experienced clinical professional to engage in oversight and review of representative payees under the “Strengthening Protections for Social Security Beneficiaries Act of 2017” which was enacted to ensure safety and protection of the rights of people with disabilities in Illinois who are beneficiaries.
The selected candidate must have a BA degree in a social service field, and at least 3 years of professional experience working with people with disabilities in medical, mental health, developmental disability, rehabilitation or social work fields and a strong commitment to their civil rights. The position involves on-site reviews to ensure the suitability of representative payees and includes interviewing beneficiaries and others, documenting observations, examining financial records, gathering information for possible financial mismanagement, and identifying health and safety violations. The position also includes educating Representative Payees to ensure that they fully understand their duties and responsibilities. The positions will be located in our Chicago office. Local and overnight travel and a valid driver’s license are required.
HOW TO APPLY
Equip for Equality encourages qualified candidates of all backgrounds and identities to apply for this position.
Please submit a resume and cover letter by June 22, 2020. Include salary expectations in cover letter. Salary is commensurate with experience and EFE offers excellent benefits a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, paid time off, flexible spending accounts, and a 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer match.
Please send your resume and cover letter to:
Myra Dunbar Braggs
Human Resources Manager
Equip for Equality
20 N. Michigan, Suite 300
Chicago, IL 60602
Fax: 312-541-7544
hiring@equipforequality.org.
Or apply online at: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/All/dfa718e9-85e4-4af1-916f-3dd01486da3f/Equip-for-Equality
Resumes without cover letters will not be considered.
Because Equip for Equality is a community-serving organization and safety is of the utmost importance, Equip for Equality requires a background check for employees and others who volunteer or perform services for us depending on the role. The background check is run for employees once a conditional offer of employment has been extended. Background checks are conducted in accordance with all applicable laws, EFE’s policy, and paid for by EFE. A disclosed record may not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment.
Do you need a reasonable accommodation for our application process? Equip for Equality is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable hiring@equipforequality.org or (312) 895-7333 and let her know the nature of your request and your contact information. Disability-related information that is disclosed via the application process will be kept confidential.
We have volunteer opportunities!
Did you know you can volunteer or have an unpaid internship with EFE? Students and professionals can volunteer by providing general office help or through internships with our technology department, human resources and other areas of our state-wide non-profit organization. (If you’re an attorney, law student or law school graduate, please read about our Pro Bono Attorney and Law Student Initiative which offers an opportunity to help with our disability rights cases and obtain hands-on legal advocacy experience. You can also learn about Public Interest career opportunities at Illinois Legal Aid OnLine.) For information about our volunteer and unpaid internship opportunities for non-attorneys, please contact Myra Dunbar Braggs (see contact information below).
Learn about our Voting Access Chicago project and help us make Chicago’s polling places ADA accessible for people with disabilities and older adults. For volunteer opportunities, please contact Bebe Novich.
Background Checks
Because Equip for Equality is a community-serving organization and safety is of the utmost importance, Equip for Equality requires a background check for employees and others who volunteer or perform services for us depending on the role. The background check is run for employees once a conditional offer of employment has been extended. Background checks are conducted in accordance with all applicable laws, EFE’s policy, and paid for by EFE. A disclosed record may not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment.
We are an equal opportunity employer.
We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to disability, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. View the Department of Labor’s “EEO is The Law” poster for more information about how employers must comply with Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws.
Do you need a reasonable accommodation for our application process?
Equip for Equality is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the application process, please contact Myra Dunbar Braggs at myra@equipforequality.org or (312) 895-7333 and let her know the nature of your request and your contact information. Disability related information disclosed via the application process will be kept confidential.
Myra Dunbar Braggs, Human Resources Manager
Equip for Equality
20 N. Michigan, Suite 300
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: 312-895-7333
Fax: 312-541-2378
- Learn about our Pro Bono Attorney and Law Student Initiative, which provides volunteer opportunities for attorneys, law students and law school graduates.
- Read about some of our case work involving employment discrimination, guardianship, abuse and neglect or special education.
- Sign up for our newsletter.
Last updated: July 10, 2020