JOB INFORMATION

Agency Name: Massachusetts Office on Disability

Pay Title: Program Coordinator I

Functional Title: Access Specialist

Full-time/Part-time: Full-Time with Full Benefits Package

Bargaining Unit: NAGE 6

Shift: Day

Number of Vacancies: 1

City/Town Location: Boston

Annual Salary: $61,195.94 – $63,050.78

Agency Description:

The Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD) provides information, technical guidance, and training on disability-related civil rights and obligations, including those related to physical accessibility. The MOD Community Services Unit (CSU) provides information, technical guidance, and training specific to accessibility in the built environment.

MOD is a small, dynamic office where staff can work on exciting projects supporting the civil rights of people with disabilities in our community. The office currently works on a hybrid schedule, with staff working in the office two days per week and remotely three days.

General Statement of Duties and Responsibilities:

The Access Specialist works closely with the Assistant Director for Community Services and other team members to provide technical assistance to individuals seeking information on disability laws and architectural access codes. This involves conducting research and providing guidance through in-person site visits, telephone, email, and written correspondence. This position also organizes and conducts training sessions on disability laws to increase awareness and understanding.

MOD is looking for a highly organized and detail-oriented person with the ability to work independently and as part of a team. The Access Specialist will need excellent critical thinking skills that will allow them to be presented with a situation in real-time and consider the multiple laws and codes that might apply, provide an explanation of what applies, what it means that it applies, and how to go about asserting that it applies. The Access Specialist will need to be able to communicate professionally and efficiently with various audiences, including municipal professionals, business owners, and members of the public with and without disabilities.

Duties for the Access Specialist Position include, but are not limited to:

A. Providing technical assistance and guidance on the Americans with Disabilities Act, Massachusetts Architectural Access Board Regulations, state and federal housing laws, and other pertinent laws to state agencies, municipal officials, businesses, non-profit organizations, individuals with disabilities, and other members of the public at large.

B. Coordinating and assisting in the planning, organizing, and presenting of trainings and workshops, including the Community Access Monitor Program Training and Advanced Community Access Monitor Program.

C. Coordinating and assisting in the planning and organizing of Statewide Commissions on Disability Meetings.

D. Conducting site visits across the Commonwealth to assess architectural accessibility and provide technical guidance on compliance.

E. Other duties at the discretion of the Asst. Director for Community Services and /or Executive Director, including administrative tasks and assisting with other projects.

Qualifications Required at Hire:

• Ability to explain complex information in a way that is understandable and actionable for various audiences, including municipal officials and members of the general public

• Ability to give written and oral instructions in a precise, understandable manner in person, by telephone, and in writing

• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks

• Ability to organize and lead meetings
• Ability to craft and present workshops and presentations
• Excellent research and organizational skills
• Knowledge of and proficiency in the use of computers, including word processing, PowerPoint, and database applications. Microsoft Office Suite is preferred
• Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information
• Ability to travel extensively within the Commonwealth
• Travelling for site visits, meetings, and other appointments could range from 15-25% of the position

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of disability laws, including but not limited to the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board rules and regulations, the Americans with Disabilities Act Design Standards, Fair Housing, Title II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Public Rights of Way Accessibility Guidelines is preferred
• Experience conducting surveys to determine architectural accessibility
• Knowledge of general report writing
• Ability to understand and apply laws and regulations to disability issues

Interview Process:

• The first-round interview will take place on Zoom or Teams.

• Selected candidates will move to second-round interviews, where they will be asked to present a 10-minute PowerPoint on a topic of their choice

• We aim to send an offer by May 2024.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

Application Process:

The application must include:

1. Cover Letter addressed to Jeff Dougan, explaining your interest in and qualifications for this position

2. Current Resume;

3. Provide a writing sample of not more than two pages and answer the following question - What does accessibility in the built environment mean to you?

Failure to include all items listed above may result in disqualification of the application.

We encourage people with disabilities to apply. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process, please contact Julia O’Leary at Julia.E.Oleary@mass.gov or 857-214-1081. Please do not contact Julia with general questions about the position.

Multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.