Disability Advocacy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This position manages the Protection & Advocacy for Assistive Technology (PAAT), the Protection & Advocacy for Voting Access (PAVA) and the Protection & Advocacy for Individual Rights (PAIR) Programs. The Director will oversee the coordination and administration of all aspects of the state-wide PAIR/PAAT/PAVA programs including planning, organizing, staffing, leading, and controlling program activities, and providing guidance on legal practice/strategy. This position reports to the Legal Director.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

The PAIR/PAAT/PAVA Director performs a wide range of duties, including the following:

• Ensure that activities focus on and accomplish the Priorities and Goals of each program;
• Develop and implement a litigation strategy to meet the objectives of each program;
• Develop new initiatives to support the strategic direction of the organization;
• Develop and implement long-term goals and objectives to achieve the successful outcome of each program;
• Develop an evaluation framework to assess the strengths of each program and to identify areas for improvement;
• Plan the delivery of each program and its activities in accordance with the mission and the goals of the organization, consistent with the terms and conditions of the applicable federal Grant Award Notices;
• Ongoing review of all open PAIR/PAAT/PAVA files to ensure compliance with all relevant legal and professional standards;
• Quality assurance review of all closed PAIR/PAAT/PAVA files to ensure each program operates within the policies and procedures of the organization;
• Ensure that the proper PAIR/PAAT/PAVA reports are completed, including required information in Disability Advocacy Database (DAD);
• Ensure that the PAIR/PAAT/PAVA programs are addressing individual and systemic problems;
• Ensure appropriate outreach to every county in the State;
• Carry a caseload of PAIR/PAVA/PAAT cases and/or co-counsel cases as needed;
• Ensure that each program (in consultation with the Executive Management) recruit, interview and select well-qualified program staff;
• Implement the human resources policies, procedures and practices of the organization;
• Monitor the program activities on a regular basis and conduct an annual evaluation according to each program evaluation framework;
• Report evaluation findings to the Executive Management and recommend changes to enhance each program, as appropriate;
• Prepare the annual Performance Program Reports (PPR);
• Lead and participate in committees, task forces, and other organization-wide groups as assigned, as well as conduct training and outreach activities;
• May be asked to provide multilingual client support; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Member in good standing of the New York State Bar;
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience;
• Management experience highly desired, including the ability to manage remotely;
• Knowledge of the P&A system highly desired;
• Excellent communication skills;
• Ability to work efficiently, independently and collaboratively;
• Demonstrated interest and commitment to public interest law;
• Experience in working with and for people with disabilities;
• Administrative hearing and litigation experience;
• Experience with law reform or other complex litigation highly desirable;
• Individual advocacy experience;
• Multilingual skills preferred;
• New York State Driver’s license preferred;
• Must be a New York State resident; and
• Work and reside in New York State consistent with DRNY’s policies.

Working Conditions

The Director usually performs work remotely or in an office environment, but the mission of the organization may sometimes take the Director to non-standard workplaces. The Director will be expected to travel within and outside the state as necessary.

The annualized salary range for the Director position is between $120,000 and $175,000.

DRNY offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees. This includes employer-paid premiums for health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. Full-time employees also receive generous paid time off benefits and are eligible for our SEP IRA and 403 (b) retirement plans.

To view more about our organization, check out our YouTube videos highlighting DRNY’s mission in advocating for the civil rights of individuals with disabilities. Please visit our DRNY YouTube Channel and review our DRNY Press Releases.