Disability Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Marlene Meyerson Jewish Community Center Manhattan is looking for an organized and intuitive Disability Resources Specialist to join the team! The Disability Resources Specialist serves as the Jack and Shirley Silver Center for Diverse Abilities (CDA) primary disability benefits and resource navigation specialist, providing individualized guidance and support to individuals with disabilities and their families as they navigate public benefits and disability service systems. This position helps individuals and families understand available supports, navigate complex systems, overcome barriers to access, and make informed decisions about the services and resources that best meet their needs.

The Disability Resources Specialist's primary focus is supporting participants and families connected to the MMJCCM / CDA and, as capacity allows, individuals referred through community partners. The ideal candidate is comfortable working independently, building trusting relationships, researching complex questions, and adapting to the evolving needs of the community.

The Marlene Meyerson Jewish Community Center of Manhattan

Together with our community, the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan creates a welcoming and vibrant environment where individuals from all walks of life come together to connect, grow, and learn. Rooted in Jewish values, it is a cornerstone of the Upper West Side that provides something for every stage of life through a multifaceted array of offerings, spanning comprehensive children's and family programs, cutting-edge health and wellness, thought-provoking arts and culture, and vital social services. It imagines Jewish life that is inclusive and diverse, creating a supportive space for people of all backgrounds to engage, nurture their well-being, and find a deep sense of belonging.

WHO YOU ARE

You are passionate about disability rights, neurodiversity, and expanding access to services for individuals with disabilities and their families. You are a systems thinker who enjoys solving problems, researching answers, and translating complex government programs into clear, practical guidance. You are comfortable working both independently and as part of a team. Most importantly, you are committed to helping individuals and families navigate systems with confidence, compassion, and respect.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide individualized navigation and guidance to individuals with disabilities and their families regarding OPWDD eligibility, Self-Direction, SSI/SSDI, Medicaid, Medicare, housing resources, work incentives, Supported Decision-Making, guardianship, and related public benefits.
• Meet with individuals and families virtually, by phone, or in person to understand their goals, identify barriers, answer questions, and develop personalized action plans.
• Provide both short-term consultation and ongoing support based on each individual's needs.
• Educate families about Self-Direction and connect them with brokers, Fiscal Intermediaries (FIs), attorneys, and other trusted community partners as appropriate.
• Research complex benefits questions and remain current on changes to disability service systems, public benefits, and community resources.
• Build relationships with referral sources and community partners to increase awareness of the CDA's free Benefits Access service and expand access for individuals and families.
• Maintain accurate documentation of services, referrals, and outcomes while identifying trends that can help strengthen the service and inform future community needs.
• Work independently while collaborating closely with the CDA team to identify emerging needs and opportunities to enhance support for individuals with disabilities and their families.
• Contribute to the development of resource guides, educational materials, webinars, workshops, and community presentations based on community needs and the Coordinator's expertise.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in Social Work, Public Administration, Rehabilitation Counseling, Special Education, or a related field preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of New York State disability service systems, including OPWDD eligibility, Self-Direction, SSI/SSDI, Medicaid, Medicare, and other public benefit programs.
• Experience helping individuals and families navigate complex public benefit systems.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple families and priorities independently.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable using technology to document services, manage referrals, and communicate with families.

PREFERRED QUALIFICIATIONS

• Familiarity with transition planning, housing resources, work incentives, guardianship, Supported Decision-Making, and related disability resources.
• Experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
• Knowledge of the New York disability services landscape and community-based resources.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Supportive, mission-driven work environment
• Opportunities for professional development and mentorship
• Access to all the JCC's cultural, learning, arts, and film programs
• Investment in professional development and leadership skills
• Free fitness membership for the pool and health club

WORK LOCATION

• Hybrid remote, with the ability to meet with individuals and families and attend meetings at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan as needed. Our office is located on the Upper West Side.

SCHEDULE

• Flexible part-time position. We welcome qualified candidates with limited availability, as well as those interested in a larger ongoing commitment. Hours will be determined based on community need, candidate availability, and organizational priorities.

COMPENSATION

• This position offers a pay range of $55-$80 per hour, commensurate with experience.

The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, marital status and civil partnership/union status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, religion, national origin, age, disability, military or veteran status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or any other characteristic as established and protected by applicable federal, state or local law.