Disability Tax Advocate (Part-Time)

Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society; Kelowna; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society is seeking a part-time Disability Tax Advocate to support applicants for federal disability benefits and related programs in the Central Okanagan region.

The role combines client advocacy, application support, and outreach work in partnership with Disability Alliance BC. You will assist individuals with preparing Disability Tax Credit applications, gather documents, and provide trauma-informed, culturally safe guidance across Indigenous communities.

Qualifications

• Ability to explain complex medical, tax, and benefits information clearly.
• Experience in trauma-informed, client-centered advocacy for people with disabilities.
• Commitment to Indigenous communities and culturally safe service provision.

Responsibilities

• Respond to inquiries and assist with Disability Tax Credit applications and renewals.
• Meet clients respectfully and assist with document gathering and case records.
• Provide advocacy and coordination with medical professionals and service providers.
• Guide clients through submission, follow-ups, reconsiderations, and appeals.
• Develop outreach with Indigenous communities and provide accessible education sessions.
• Maintain confidential files and collaborate with program partners.

Skills

Written and verbal communication

Trauma-informed approach

Empathy and cultural humility

Advocacy and client support

Time-management

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Adobe

Job description

Position Title: Disability Tax Advocate (Part-Time)
Program: Tax AID DABC / Disability Advocacy Program
Reports To: Executive Director
Hours: 21 hours per week (3 days per week)
Compensation: $23.00 per hour

Nature of the Position

The Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society is an Indigenous-led non-profit organization providing support, housing, advocacy, and connection to urban Indigenous people in the Central Okanagan. In partnership with Disability Alliance BC, the Society delivers the Tax AID DABC Disability Advocacy Program to improve access to federal disability benefits for underserved people across British Columbia’s Interior. The Disability Tax Advocate provides respectful, trauma-informed, person-centred assistance to people living with disabilities with the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and related benefits, including the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), Child Disability Benefit, and disability-related supplements. The position combines individual advocacy, application support, public education, and outreach with Indigenous communities and community service organizations throughout the region.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Disability Tax Advocate will perform duties including, but not limited to:

Client Advocacy and Application Support

• Respond to in-person, telephone, and email inquiries from individuals, families, and community organizations by providing clear information, guidance, and support regarding federal disability benefits.
• Meet with clients in a respectful, collaborative, and trauma-informed manner; identify their priorities and support needs; and assist with preparing and drafting Disability Tax Credit applications and renewals.
• Help clients gather, organize, and understand supporting documents while maintaining accurate and confidential case records.
• With the client’s direction and consent, provide advocacy and practical support when they communicate with medical professionals and other service providers.
• Guide clients through application submission, follow-up requests, reconsiderations, and appeal processes following a denial.
• Provide information and referrals related to the RDSP, Child Disability Benefit, disability-related tax measures, and other relevant services within the advocate’s scope.

Outreach, Education, and Program Administration

• Develop and maintain collaborative outreach relationships with Indigenous communities, Friendship Centres, health and social service providers, and other community organizations across the Interior.
• Plan and participate in outreach activities, including regional travel, to improve access to disability benefit information and advocacy services.
• Facilitate accessible educational sessions for community organization staff, clients, and community members to increase awareness of disability benefit programs.
• Maintain timely, organized, and confidential client files, correspondence, statistics, and program records in accordance with organizational and funder requirements.
• Work collaboratively with Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society staff and Disability Alliance BC program partners, participating in training, case consultation, and program planning as required.
• Perform related administrative duties and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex medical, tax, and benefits information in clear, accessible language.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate respectfully, build trust, honour client choice and autonomy, and provide responsive support to people living with disabilities.
• Empathy, patience, approachability, cultural humility, and the ability to maintain clear and respectful professional boundaries.
• Strong interviewing, advocacy, documentation, organization, and time-management skills.
• Ability to interpret information across medical, tax, and community-service contexts and identify when referral or additional expertise is required.
• Self-initiative and creative problem-solving skills to establish and maintain outreach partnerships.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while remaining adaptable, collaborative, and eager to learn.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate, organized, and confidential work.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe software.

Requirements

• Knowledge of, or demonstrated interest in, urban Indigenous communities, culturally safe service delivery, and the Friendship Centre movement.
• Satisfactory Drivers Abstract, Valid Class 5 driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle for outreach and regional travel.
• Relevant education or experience in advocacy, community services, disability services, social services, tax assistance, or a related field.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice or experience working alongside people living with disabilities, people experiencing income insecurity, or people navigating other systemic barriers is considered an asset.
• Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only individuals selected for interviews will be contacted.