Chief Policy Officer

Buffalo. WNY Independent Living. Chief Policy Officer. $44,000 - $6,000/year.

Closing Date: April 27th, 2026

General Job Description

Assist the community in the Western New York area to increase physical and programmatic

accessibility to local events, locations, and services, and educate them about accessibility

issues for persons with disabilities.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide technical assistance and logistical support to local businesses and public
  
  

entities on making premises, events, and services accessible to people with

disabilities.

• Develop and provide training to local businesses, community members, and staff on
  
  

accessibility issues, including requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act

and other Federal, State, and local laws.

• Perform evaluations for accessibility with local businesses, housing complexes, and
  
  

government facilities, including polling places, and report results to the Chief Policy

Officer

• Oversee and ensure ongoing compliance with the Disability Awareness Training
  
  

Memorandum of Understanding.

• Enlist local businesses, housing complexes, and government facilities to participate in
  
  

fee-for-service evaluations and/or training provided by WNYIL

• Monitor standards for accessibility on the local, state, and national levels, including
  
  

building code and housing accessibility requirements.

• Represent WNYIL on community boards, committees, and task forces that will further
  
  

systems advocacy goals in the areas of accessibility for people with disabilities, or as

directed by the Chief Policy Officer.

• Collaborate with the appropriate WNYIL Board and Council committees on
  
  

accessibility-related matters.

• Assist with and participate in WNYILs Legislative Breakfasts, Meet the Candidates
  
  

Days, Trainings on disability rights laws, Town Meetings, and appropriate community

organizing activities on issues for persons with disabilities.

• Assist the Chief Policy Officer and ILNC Systems Advocate in meeting State Systems
  
  

Advocacy Network requirements.

• Report results and activities through the appropriate identified agency channels.
• Attend Agencys in-service training and staff meetings as well as any other Agency-related
  
  

activities as instructed.

• Participate in maintaining a neat, clean, and safe work environment.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the supervisor.
  
  

EDUCATION & TRAINING

High School Diploma or equivalent

OR

Associate Degree in Human Services field

OR

Bachelors Degree in Human Services field.

Professional and life-experience may be considered in lieu of, in full or part of academic

credentials.

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE (if Required)

Within one (1) year of being hired, the candidate must complete WNYIL approved training on the Americans with Disabilities Act.

High school diploma or equivalency requires six (6) years of work experience with people with disabilities.

Associates Degree requires four (4) years of work experience with people with disabilities.

Bac helors Degree requires two (2) years of work experience with people with disabilities.

Skills & Abilities

• Business Development skills highly desired
• Must have reliable transportation and automobile insurance in order to travel independently throughout the Western NY Region, with occasional in and out of state travel.
• Must have first-hand lived experience with a disability and be willing to share personal experiences when needed.
• Ability to work independently at all WNYIL locations and within the community.
• A desire to advocate for the rights of others is essential.
• Public Speaking and Presentation skills are essential.
  
  

Cover Letter And Resume Required To

Human Resources Dept.

WNY Independent Living, Inc.

3108 Main St.

Buffalo, N.Y. 14214

employment@wnyil.