Disability Rights Advocate

RCIL - NY; City of Utica (NY); On-site; USD 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO – vacation

Sick leave

Paid holidays

401K

Health insurance

Vision and Dental

Flexible Spending Accounts

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

RCIL in Utica, NY is seeking a Disability Rights Advocate to help individuals with disabilities live independently in the community. You will conduct intakes, provide information, referrals, and advocacy, and collaborate with agencies to promote accessibility.

Strong communication and knowledge of rights laws are essential. The role includes outreach, education on self-advocacy, and support in addressing barriers to accessibility in homes and public spaces.

Qualifications

• Two-four years working with people with disabilities.
• College degree preferred; high school diploma required.
• Knowledge of ADA, IDEA, 504, and related benefits programs.

Responsibilities

• Conduct consumer intakes and needs assessments.
• Provide services to assist individuals with disabilities to live independently.
• Provide information and referrals to community resources.
• Educate consumers on self-advocacy strategies and guide resolution efforts.
• Engage in community outreach and promote accessibility improvements.

Skills

ADA

IDEA

504

ACCES-VR

Public speaking

Customer service

Education

High School Diploma

College degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Disability Rights Advocate

LIFE NYS - ILC, Utica Professional Utica, NY, US

Salary Range: $37,856.00 To $37,856.00 Annually

35 Hour Work Week

• PTO – vacation (16-24 days a year based on longevity) Sick leave 12 days a year, and 13 paid holidays.


• Ability to work a 4-day schedule after 6 months on the job. Multiple work schedules available.


• Wellness program with the ability to earn an additional 3 PTO days a year.


• 401K with up to 10% employer investment.


• Heavily subsidized Health Insurance with co-pays.


• Vision and Dental insurance.


• Flexible Spending Accounts-Medical and Dependent Care.


• Monthly contribution towards dependent care. (to offset childcare costs)


• Company paid Life Insurance and Identity theft protection. (LifeLock)


• Employee Assistance Program.


• Family Medical Leave, Paid Family Leave, Military Leave, Bereavement Leave, Jury Duty Leave, Bone Marrow and Blood Donation Leave, Voting Time Leave, Election Leave, and Leaves for Crime Victims and Domestic Violence Victims.


• Employees may be eligible for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program to have student loans forgiven.


• Free covered parking.


• Additional benefits available.

Job Duties:

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Conduct consumer intakes and needs assessments.


• Provide service to assist and support individuals with disabilities to live independently in the community.


• Provide information and referrals to appropriate community resources.


• Work with individuals and agencies to collaborate with businesses and service providers to promote accessibility improvements.


• Educate consumers on self-advocacy strategies and guide them in resolving issues independently when possible.


• Provide Community outreach.


• Support consumers in identifying and addressing barriers to accessibility in homes and public spaces.


• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of systems, benefits, and community supports relevant to individuals with disabilities.


• Help investigate, document, and chart ADA and accessibility issues in the community along with Systems ADA coordinator

Education:

• A College Degree is preferred; a High School Diploma or equivalent is required. Related experience may be considered in lieu of higher education.

Experience:

• Two-four years working with people with disabilities.


• Experience working with either aging populations/senior services, or youth services/educational advocacy.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• ADA, IDEA, 504, ACCES-VR, CVMH, SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, Snap, Heap, Welfare reform, Benefit programs, legislative process and issues impacting seniors and people with disabilities.


• Knowledge of Independent Living Philosophy.


• Mediation, negotiation, planning, community networking, innovation, collaboration, oral and written communication, flexibility, organization, public speaking, excellent customer service, working with diverse population, outlook and Microsoft programs.

Location: Utica, NY

RCIL is a civil rights organization that offers individuals with disabilities a wide range of independent living and advocacy services through the numerous programs we manage.

RCIL is an equal opportunity employer and it is the policy of RCIL not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status.