AGENCY DESCRIPTION
Disability Rights Connecticut, Inc. (“DRCT”) is a new, independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the rights of persons with disabilities in Connecticut and was established to be the successor protection and advocacy system in Connecticut. The Office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities was abolished by Connecticut law on June 30, 2017. DRCT’s mission is to advocate, educate, investigate and pursue legal, administrative, and other appropriate remedies to advance and protect the civil rights of citizens with disabilities to participate equally and fully in all facets of community life in Connecticut. DRCT is a statewide organization authorized by federal law and funded by the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, the Rehabilitation Act, and Social Security Act and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Advocate handles requests for assistance received by Disability Rights Connecticut (DRCT) and works with the other DRCT team members to address all requests, screen for eligibility, open cases when appropriate and providing information and referral. This individual also shares responsibility with other legal and advocacy staff for providing information, technical assistance, outreach and training, and legally based advocacy to individuals with disabilities including those with cognitive, mental, sensory and physical disabilities. He/she will work under the direct supervision of the Legal Director.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree.
• At least two years of experience working with people with disabilities.
• Strong and effective writing and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Experience in public speaking and developing effective presentations.
• Excellent interpersonal, relationship-building and collaboration skills to be able to work well with others inside and outside DRCT.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Phone: (800) 842-7303 (toll-free in CT), (860) 297-4300 (voice), (860) 679-1546 (voice)
• Ability to analyze complex problems, develop creative solutions and communicate both effectively.
• Ability to conceptualize and develop initial and ongoing case strategies.
• Ability to maintain thorough and complete records.
• Ability to work independently with appropriate supervision.
• Excellent computer, keyboarding and database skills.
Other desirable qualifications for this position include:
• Bilingual in Spanish and/or ASL.
• Experience with or sensitivity to individuals from various racial, ethnic or language-distinct communities.
• Knowledge of laws, rights and services as they pertain to individuals with disabilities.
DISCLAIMER
This position description serves as a general summary and overview of the major duties and responsibilities of the job. It is not intended to represent the entirety of the job nor is it intended to be all-inclusive. Management reserves the right to modify, or rescind, this position description at any time, with or without prior notice.
APPLICATION PROCESS
• Applications must include:
(a) Cover letter indicating your professional and personal motivation for the job, how you meet the minimum qualifications and why you would be a good candidate.
(b) Current resume
(c) Names and contact information of three references.
• Materials should be submitted in Microsoft Word or PDF format by 4:00 PM on September 29, 2017 to Disability Rights Connecticut by mail at 270 Farmington Ave, Suite 181, MC 6222, Farmington, Connecticut 06030 or by emailing Nancy Alisberg, Legal Director at [email protected].
DRCT is a fair employment practices/equal opportunity/disability accessible employer committed to maintaining a diverse workplace. We value diversity of culture, disability and other life experiences and are an equal opportunity employer by choice. Qualified candidates from diverse personal, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to apply. DRCT also supports the intent of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Connecticut Fair Employment Practices Act and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree.
• At least two years of experience working with people with disabilities.
• Strong and effective writing and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Experience in public speaking and developing effective presentations.
• Excellent interpersonal, relationship-building and collaboration skills to be able to work well with others inside and outside DRCT.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Phone: (800) 842-7303 (toll-free in CT), (860) 297-4300 (voice), (860) 679-1546 (voice)
• Ability to analyze complex problems, develop creative solutions and communicate both effectively.
• Ability to conceptualize and develop initial and ongoing case strategies.
• Ability to maintain thorough and complete records.
• Ability to work independently with appropriate supervision.
• Excellent computer, keyboarding and database skills.
Other desirable qualifications for this position include:
• Bilingual in Spanish and/or ASL.
• Experience with or sensitivity to individuals from various racial, ethnic or language-distinct communities.
• Knowledge of laws, rights and services as they pertain to individuals with disabilities.
Applications must include:
(a) Cover letter indicating your professional and personal motivation for the job, how you meet the minimum qualifications and why you would be a good candidate.
(b) Current resume
(c) Names and contact information of three references.
• Materials should be submitted in Microsoft Word or PDF format by 4:00 PM on September 29, 2017 to Disability Rights Connecticut by mail at 270 Farmington Ave, Suite 181, MC 6222, Farmington, Connecticut 06030 or by emailing Nancy Alisberg, Legal Director at [email protected].