Disability Advocacy Specialist

Job Description

RESPONSIBLE FOR:   Coordinating training, technical assistance and resource development for the Protection and Advocacy (P&A) network on outreach, self advocacy and self determination training, as well as information and referral (I&R).

1. Provide direct technical assistance to P&A advocates, information and referral staff and the Advisory Council to the Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI) program through e-mail and telephone on issues regarding information and referral strategies, peer self advocacy training, community education of individuals with disabilities, cultural and disability competency, as well as outreach initiatives.

2. Develop, coordinate and conduct trainings to meet the identified needs of the non-legal advocacy staff within the P&A network including creation and maintenance of resources for a wide variety of issues, for referral to other agencies and basic information on disability rights laws, staff training and development, outreach to unserved and underserved communities and peer self advocacy training.

3. Identify best practices in I&R service techniques (phone, web, print, face-to-face), peer self advocacy, community education of individuals with disabilities and outreach.

4. Broker expertise among the P&As and with outside experts to promote sharing of resources and quality of services across the network.

5. Develop and coordinate the production and updating of resource material on relevant issues.

6. Provide staff support for two advisory committees of P&A agency staff devoted to making recommendations to NDRN on training, technical assistance and resources for areas of focus.

7. Expand and implement comprehensive approach to NDRN’s continuing education program for advocates, known as the Passport to Advocacy Learning.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Degree in human services area and at least three years program experience in human services of related non-profit, with a special focus on outreach or peer self advocacy activities.

2. Demonstrated commitment to the self determination and self advocacy of citizens with disabilities and efforts to make possible the realization of that potential.

3. Demonstrated extensive experience in outreach and advocacy initiatives to a broad range of disability, racial and ethnic communities.

4. Demonstrated administrative skills.

5. Demonstrated interpersonal skills, including, but not limited to, sensitivity to other people and the ability to work with others on a cooperative basis.

6. Excellent demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal English as well as with a variety of computer applications.  Spanish would be a plus.

7. Willingness to travel, work evenings and weekends when necessary.

The National Disability Rights Network is an equal opportunity employer.  We encourage individuals with disabilities to apply.

Applications deadline: August 16th, 2010.  Please send cover letter, resume to:  David Card at david.card@ndrn.org.  Applications may also be mailed.

Additional Info

• Intended Start Date:
  01/01/1800
• Employment Type:
  Full Time
• Compensation:
  Not Specified
• Salary Range:
  

• Minimum Education:
  College Degree
• Experience Level:
  3+ Years
• Travel Requirement:
  Up to 25%

Company Info

• Name
  National Disability Rights Network
• Company Website
  http://ndrn.org/
• Industry
  
• Awards and Accolades
  

• Number of Employees
  Not Specified
• Type of Company
  Not Specified
• Stock Ticker
  

Contact Info

• Contact Name
  David Card
• Phone Number
  
• Contact Email
  david.card@ndrn.org
• Contact Preference
  Email