1716 San Antonio St. Austin, TX 78701
Phone (512) 478-3366
Fax (512) 478-3370
Coalition of Texans with Disabilities Developmental Disabilities Policy Fellow Job Description
Job Title: Developmental Disabilities Policy Fellow Reports To: Director of Advocacy
FLSA Status: Exempt
New or Existing: New, Full-time Starting Salary: $2,917- $3,167/mth
(Based on annual salary of $35,000 – $38,000) + benefits
Duration: This position is grant funded will run from Sept. 1, 2017 through Aug. 31, 2018. Second year contingent on continued grant funding.
About CTD
The Coalition of Texans with Disabilities (CTD) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with a mission to ensure that people with disabilities may live, learn, work, play and participate fully in their community of choice. For more information, please visit the website.
Overview
The Developmental Disabilities Policy Fellow is a unique opportunity for the right individual interested in making the state a better place for people with developmental disabilities.
Under the direction and mentorship of CTD’s Public Policy Specialist, the Fellow will engage in a variety of professional developmental activities, acquire a sound knowledge of public policy, and work hands- on in one of Texas’ oldest and largest cross-disability advocacy organizations. The individual will have significant professional responsibilities and will contribute meaningfully to our mission, while developing the skills and experience needed to work effectively at the state and community levels.
Duties
Build a deep understanding of policy regarding Texans with developmental disabilities. Become adept at working with and training self-advocates with developmental disabilities with diverse backgrounds and their families. Develop the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities to become an effective member of the developmental disability and cross-disability communities.
- Actively participate in professional development opportunities, including external trainings and the Hogg Foundation Policy Academy
- Assist/conduct trainings with self-advocates, families and allies on advocacy and public policy
- Actively participate in self-advocate and family ad hoc policy groups, perform duties as assigned
- Support CTD Team members in state advisory groups
- Work closely with CTD advocacy team, self-advocates and partners on issues related to developmental disabilities (DD), prior the legislative session
- Create materials to educate the public and policymakers on policy issues
- Communicate with funders as outlined in funding agreements, including written reports
- Actively participate in self-advocate conferences
- Write reports as assigned and give oral reports at staff meetings and CTD Board meetings
- Coordinate with funder’s staff on attending meetings of the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities as requested
- Assist self-advocates to engage with policymakers
- Support CTD conference and rally days
- Arrange for travel and other meeting accommodations for staff and advisory members
- Comply with CTD’s policies and procedures
- Acquire a thorough understanding on what constitutes the lobbyist registration requirements of the Texas Ethics Commission and commit to not engaging in those activities
- Occasional regional travel
- Analyze data and track legislation
Qualifications
- Commitment to the principles of full inclusion of people with disabilities, self-advocacy and self- determination
- Recent graduate (within 24 months) of a post-graduate program in law, social work, public policy or related program OR a self-advocate, parent or sibling of a person with a disability with demonstrated post-graduate level skills and knowledge in public policy advocacy
- Excellent written and communication skills
- Excellent interpersonal, time management, problem solving and organizational skills
- Strong research skills
- Ability to collaborate with others in a team situation
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
- Detailed oriented
- Must commit to working full-time in Austin, Texas for the duration of the project
- Career interest in public policy work
Compensation
$2,917- $3,167/mth (Based on annual salary of $35,000 – $38,000) + benefits
CTD offers excellent benefits, including health insurance, dental insurance, vision, 3% match for personal IRA accounts, free-onsite parking, generous paid vacation, and holidays.
Submittal Instructions
Email a cover letter, resume, and two references to Project Director Chris Masey
at cmasey@txdisabilities.org, subject line “CTD Policy Fellow Position.” The cover letter should describe your interest in the position and include a detailed explanation of how your experience meets the minimum qualifications and prepares you for the responsibilities outlined in the job description. No phone calls please.
This posting will remain open until the position is filled. CTD hiring practices include:
- compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (P.L. 88-352);
- compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-336)
- taking affirmative action to employ, and advance in employment, qualified individuals with disabilities on the same terms and conditions required with respect to the employment of such individuals by the provisions of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973;
- following Equal Opportunity Employment (EEOC) guidelines.
Persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.