Disability Rights Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

THIS IS A NON-CIVIL SERVICE POSITION
Salary Range:
$81,097.00 - $129,584.00 Annually
Hiring Salary Range:
$95,000.00 - $113,420.00 Annually
Get to Know Us
Welcome to the City of Baltimore! Experience the reward of a fulfilling career and enjoy the added element of excitement in a vibrant, diverse atmosphere. The City of Baltimore offers limitless opportunities to help drive social impact, both on the job and in the community, while serving its citizens. Join us in making Baltimore a great place to live and work. In the City of Baltimore, we hire great people and provide them with the skills and opportunities to grow toward their career aspirations. If you are looking for a career change or are interested in learning more, explore our opportunities and benefits programs. We are excited to have you as a part of the City of Baltimore Team! The city offers medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, optional life, AD&D, and FSA plans. This office also supplies wellness programs, support groups, and workshops. You can learn about our benefits here: https://humanresources.baltimorecity.gov/hr-divisions/benefits
Job Summary
The Office of Equity and Civil Rights (OECR) is a dynamic city agency dedicated to advancing equity, eliminating discrimination, and protecting the civil rights of all Baltimore residents. OECR includes multiple divisions and commissions, including the Mayor's Commission on Disabilities (MCD), which leads the City's disability equity, accessibility policy, and ADA compliance efforts. The Chief of the Mayor's Commission on Disabilities (MCD) is the City of Baltimore's chief coordinator for disability access, inclusion, policy development, and ADA guidance. This is a high-impact leadership role that requires deep expertise in disability rights law and accessibility standards, strong program and policy management skills, and the ability to collaborate across City government, community groups, and advocacy networks
Essential Functions
Leadership & Strategic Coordination

• Serve as the primary legal and policy advisor to City leadership, OECR leadership, and the Commission on disability law, ADA obligations, and emerging accessibility needs.
• Lead strategic planning for the Commission, including setting priorities, project timelines, and measurable outcomes Represent Baltimore in regional, state, and federal disability law and policy working groups.
• Provide legal interpretation and thought leadership on disability equity, inclusive design, and systemic accessibility challenges.

ADA Compliance & Technical Assistance

• Monitor City operations for compliance with ADA Title II, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and related accessibility standards.
• Provide ongoing legal and technical assistance to departments on accessible communications, facility design, reasonable accommodation, program access, and grievance procedures.
• Lead or support ADA transition planning, including identification of barriers, prioritization of corrective actions, and progress tracking.
• Develop training programs for City staff on ADA compliance, disability inclusion, and civil rights obligations.

Program Development & Policy Work

• Research, develop, and implement policies, rules, and programmatic solutions to advance disability inclusion across City government.
• Draft policy briefs, legal memoranda, recommendations, advisory opinions, and Council or Mayoral reports.
• Integrate disability equity into emergency preparedness, mobility planning, transportation services, public safety interactions, digital services, and economic inclusion efforts.
• Identify and pursue grant opportunities and partnerships to expand disability-focused initiatives

Commission Management & Community Engagement

• Coordinate all Mayor's Commission on Disabilities meetings, subcommittees, and public outreach events, ensuring accessible formats and strong participation
• Build and sustain relationships with disability service providers, advocacy organizations, higher education partners, and community advocates
• Serve as a trusted legal and policy contact for residents seeking information, resources, or assistance related to disability access
• Promote public awareness campaigns on disability rights and accessibility

Data, Reporting, & Accountability

• Develop and manage data systems that track ADA requests, systemic barriers, and program outcomes
• Produce analytic and legal reports that inform policy decisions and enhance public accountability
• Establish metrics and evaluation frameworks to measure progress on disability inclusion goals
• Manage research partnerships and special projects that strengthen disability equity city-wide

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Bachelor's degree required (public administration, disability studies, public policy, public health, social work, human services, or related field). Master's degree or JD strongly preferred.
AND
Experience: Have 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in disability rights law, ADA compliance, public policy, community advocacy, or government program management Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply ADA, Section 504, and accessibility regulations (2010 ADA Standards, PROWAG, WCAG) Experience drafting legal opinions, compliance guidance, or regulatory interpretations preferred Experience facilitating public meetings, advisory commissions, or multi-stakeholder workgroups highly desirable Advocacy experience with municipal, state, or federal entities.
OR
Equivalency Notes: Have an equivalent combination of education and experience. Non- supervisory experience or education may not be substituted for the required supervisory experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Deep understanding of disability rights law, inclusive design principles, systemic accessibility challenges
• Knowledge of accessibility auditing, compliance monitoring, or related evaluation processes.
• Ability to translate complex legal requirements into practical guidance for non-technical audiences
• Strong project management skills, including handling competing deadlines and working independently
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with individuals with diverse disabilities, backgrounds, and perspectives
• Strong legal writing and communication skills for producing policy documents, public reports, and clear guidance materials
• Commitment to the values of equity, civil rights, and community-centered public service
• Civic engagement, public policy, or community development experience.

Additional Information
Background Check
Eligible candidates under final consideration for appointment to positions identified as positions of trust will be required to complete authorization for a Criminal Background Check and/or Fingerprint screening, and must be successfully completed.
Probation
All persons, including current City employees, selected for this position must complete a 6-month mandatory probation.
Residency Requirement and Financial Disclosure
This position is subject to Article I, Section 7-10 of the Baltimore City Code, which mandates that the incumbent both reside and be a registered voter of Baltimore City at the time of appointment or sign a declaration of intent to become a City resident and registered voter within 6 months of the effective date of their appointment. Failure to comply with the declaration of intent will result in immediate termination. You will also be required to complete a Financial Disclosure pursuant to Sections 7-7, 7-8, and 7-9 of the City Ethics Law. The initial financial disclosure must be submitted within 30 days of hire.
Baltimore City Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The City of Baltimore prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodation during the hiring process should contact the Department of Human Resources directly. Requests for accommodation should not be attached to the application.
BALTIMORE CITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER