Disability Advocacy Specialist for Voting Rights

NATIONAL DISABILITY RIGHTS NETWORK (NDRN) in Washington, D.C., is seeking a Disability Advocacy Specialist for Voting Rights. NDRN is the nonprofit membership organization for the federally mandated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) Systems and Client Assistance Programs (CAP) for individuals with disabilities. NDRN provides training and technical assistance, legal support, and legislative advocacy, working to create a society in which people with disabilities are afforded equality of opportunity and are able to fully participate in exercising choice and self-determination.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provide training and technical assistance to Protection and Advocacy programs to support and expand the P&As' ability to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities to participate in the voting process and ensure full participation in the electoral process including registering to vote, casting a ballot and accessing polling places as mandated by federal, state and local laws including the Help America Vote Act (HAVA). Other responsibilities include the development of resource materials, and coordinating other support services as may be required to the NDRN membership and legislative advocacy.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor's degree and/or experience equivalent to a four-year college degree in public policy, legal or disability-related field. Candidates with a J.D. may be considered.
2. At least two years of experience working with individuals with disabilities is preferred.
3. Knowledge of issues regarding voting rights and disability discrimination.
4. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Experience in making public presentations in formal and informal settings preferred.
5. Ability to analyze complex issues and facilitate the development of creative solutions.
6. Strong interpersonal skills including but not limited to sensitivity to other people and the ability to work effectively in coalition with other non-profit groups.
7. Ability to work well in a team environment with attorney oversight of work.
8. Demonstrated commitment to the potential contributions of individuals with disabilities and to efforts to make possible the realization of that potential.
9. Ability to work evenings and weekends, and to travel when necessary.

MAJOR DUTIES:

1. Managing and ensuring the development and completion of NDRN deliverables pursuant to the Protection and Advocacy Voting Access Grant (PAVA).
2. Coordinating with PAVA training and technical assistance partners.
3. Providing direct technical assistance to P&A staff through e-mail and telephone on issues regarding the voting rights of individuals with disabilities.
4. Increasing the ability of P&A staff to identify and respond to voting barriers through the development of high quality trainings including workshops, institutes, teleconferences, publications and web-site development.
5. Identifying the technical assistance and training needs of P&As with regard to voting access for people with disabilities.
6. Keeping abreast of emerging national issues, trends, practices and developments in HAVA and other statutes that affect the voting rights of individuals with disabilities.
7. Providing to the P&As review and analysis of statutes and regulations pertaining to election access.
8. Supporting the development of expertise among the P&As on voting issues.
9. Managing website content for voting issues and monitoring the Voting Listserv.
10. Participating in local and national nonpartisan voting coalitions regarding voting rights and election access for individuals with disabilities.
11. Providing quarterly and annual reports on all activities associated with provision of technical assistance and training under the PAVA Training and Technical Assistance Grant.
12. Writing grant applications and proposals related to voting access for individuals with disabilities, as may be required.

NDRN is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.