Disability Rights Advocate

Annual Non-Exempt Salary: $37,856 ($20.80 per hour)

Purpose: The Disability Rights Advocate is responsible for providing advocacy, information, and referral services to individuals with disabilities, with a focus on promoting independence, self-determination, and access to community-based services. This role also involves coordinating advocacy efforts, supporting civil rights initiatives, and collaborating on community accessibility projects.

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. 
• Computer skills. 
• 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. 

Benefits:

• 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.   

Travel Required: Yes

 Location: Herkimer, 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.