Client Assistance Program Advocate

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS _AGENCY_ – Massachusetts Office on Disability _FUNCTIONAL TITLE_– Client Assistance Program Advocate _PAY TITLE_ – Program Coordinator I (Bargaining Unit 6 NAGE) _ANNUAL SALARY_- $61,195.94 – $63,050.78 with Full Benefits * * _Key Perks_ · Engage in meaningful work that supports the rights of people with disabilities · Thoughtful work/life balance – 37.5 hour work week · Hybrid work schedule · Generous Paid Time-off including 12 observed holidays · Great health and dental plans _Overview_ The Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD) provides information, guidance, and training on disability-related civil rights and architectural access. We help people understand their rights and obligations under disability laws and how they apply to different situations so they can self-advocate and comply with the law. The Client Assistance Program (CAP) is a federal grant-funded program within MOD that provides information and advocacy to people receiving vocational rehabilitation from Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) or Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) or independent living services from Independent Living Centers. This position is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in disability advocacy or vocational rehabilitation to learn about vocational rehabilitation and independent living services for people with disabilities and to hone their advocacy skills while working on a small, tight-knit team. GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Provides information, technical guidance, advocacy, and representation regarding the rights of individuals with disabilities under the federal and state regulations for vocational rehabilitation and independent living services. Analyzes and resolves specific problems and complaints regarding these services through both informal advocacy and formal representation. Conducts education and training on disability related employment rights. Plans and participates in community outreach about vocational rehabilitation and independent living services. This position works under the Client Assistance Program (CAP) grant. DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Assist clients or applicants of vocational rehabilitation and independent living services ("VR/IL services") in defining problems and potential strategies and recourse for resolving them under the applicable regulations; 2. Determine and provide the most appropriate method of advocacy to address specific barriers to service and/or improve service delivery for clients or applicants of VR/IL services. Examples of advocacy may include, but are not limited to, making calls on behalf of an individual, performing research, attending meetings with an individual, presenting the position of an individual and/or the agency orally or in writing, providing technical assistance, accompanying and/or representing clients in Administrative Reviews, Mediations and/or Fair Hearings; 3. Provide oral and written technical assistance to clients or applicants of VR/IL services, public and private service providers, and program administrators of their responsibilities under federal and state vocational rehabilitation and independent living regulations, laws, and Executive Orders; 4. Provide oral and written technical assistance on Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to clients or applicants of vocational rehabilitation and independent living services, public and private service providers, and program administrators; 5. Analyze and apply relevant regulations and laws to specific fact scenarios in vocational rehabilitation, independent living, and various phases of employment processes; 6. Draft case summaries and evaluations, position statements, and daily case notes; 7. Plan and participate in outreach activities throughout the state to promote the CAP program, vocational rehabilitation, independent living, and disability related employment rights; 8. Support CAP Director's service on various bodies that promote the vocational rehabilitation and independent living rights of individuals with disabilities; 9. Maintain accurate computer records of the above, prepare statistical reports and undertake special projects at the request of the CAP Director. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED AT HIRE (List knowledge, skills, abilities) * Strong analytical skills and the ability to apply regulations to facts; * Ability to communicate concisely, accurately, and clearly in person, by telephone and in writing; * Experience in problem solving and client advocacy, including experience analyzing and applying laws and regulatory guidance to complex, case specific fact scenarios; * Ability to adapt communication to different audiences in order to provide clear and concise content that is easily understood and applied; * Strong writing skills; * Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, clients, service providers, municipal, federal, state officials and public and private program administrators; * Ability to develop and conduct trainings; * Knowledge of benefits and services available to persons with disabilities under federal, state, and local laws, especially vocational rehabilitation and independent living services and Title I of the ADA; * Ability to work independently and as part of a team; * Ability to work with computers, including Microsoft Office 365; * Ability to travel (approximately 15%). The application must include: 1. A cover letter; 2. A resume; 3. A writing sample of no more than three pages. Failure to include all items listed above may result in disqualification of the application. /Multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply./ First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional, administrative or managerial experience in business administration, business management or public administration the major duties of which involved program management, program administration, program coordination, program planning and/or program analysis, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below. Substitutions: I. A Bachelor's or higher degree with a major in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for the required experience.* II. A Bachelor's or higher degree with a major other than in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required experience.* Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed. *An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. *Job: Administrative Services *Organization: Massachusetts Office On Disability *Title: *Client Assistance Program Advocate Location: Massachusetts-Boston-1 Ashburton Place Requisition ID: 2400073V