Diversion and Reentry Policy Analyst

Position Title: Diversion and Reentry Policy Analyst

Department: Advocacy - Policy

BASIC FUNCTION:

Access Living seeks a full-time Diversion and Reentry Policy Analyst, who will be responsible for policy change efforts towards the de-criminalization and decarceration of people with disabilities in jails and prisons. The Policy Analyst will also advocate for access to programs for people with disabilities returning from incarceration. The Policy Analyst will assess, develop, and lobby for legislation and rules that shift diversion/reentry processes/programs towards more accessible and effective support for all kinds of people with disabilities impacted by the criminal system.

Access Living’s diversion and reentry policy advocacy centers the needs of disabled people of color. A critical understanding of the root of racial disparities and a racial equity lens, and its connection to disability and incarceration, is essential to this role.

A team mindset and creative approach will be essential for this position. This position will work in partnership with the Education Policy Analyst, the Economic Justice Policy Analyst, the Transportation Policy Analyst, the Mental Health Policy Analyst, the Healthcare/HCBS Policy Analyst, and the Organizing staff in the Advocacy Department; as well as with key staff in the Independent Living Department, Civil Rights Department, and the Communications Department. The position is supervised by the Manager of Policy and Government Affairs.

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

• Advance/support Access Living’s strategic policy advocacy campaigns and public education related to diversion, decarceration and reentry from a disability and racial justice perspective.
• Serve as policy lead on Access Living’s advocacy related to diversion, decarceration, and reentry of people with disabilities from the criminal system. Collaborate with elected officials, stakeholders, policy advocates and system-impacted community members to advance accessible diversion, open reentry opportunities, and mitigate harm in carceral settings.
• Monitor and stay abreast of best practices/policies for diversion and reentry of people with disabilities, from a cross-disability and intersectional standpoint. Engage in relevant coalitions and working groups.
• Draft public comments, policy reports and recommendation memos relating to diversion and reentry from a cross-disability standpoint, including updates on relevant government budgets as needed, and be able to complete projects on deadline, sometimes with quick turnaround.
• Act as a spokesperson for Access Living on diversion and reentry issues as requested, in collaboration with the Manager of Policy and Government Affairs and the Communications Department.
• Document work as required through data entry, quarterly reporting, and lobbyist compliance requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

Advanced degree or equivalent experience preferred in public policy, health, social work or political science. Must have excellent demonstrated writing/research skills. Familiarity with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Olmstead Supreme Court decision, and how these and other disability rights laws/decisions impact the rights of incarcerated/formerly incarcerated people with disabilities. Familiarity with how structural racism, homophobia, xenophobia and other forms of oppression affect people with disabilities.

EXPERIENCE:

At least 3-5 years’ experience with diversion/reentry policy advocacy, including engaging with elected and career government officials or equivalent. Familiarity with the diversion/reentry provider service and funding ecosystem. Familiarity with how structural racism, homophobia, xenophobia and other forms of oppression affect people with disabilities.

Familiarity with disability right via the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Olmstead Supreme Court decision, and the Affordable Care Act as it impacts persons with disabilities, especially those with lived experience of incarceration.

Preferred:

• Lived experience with the criminal system, as a person with a disability, highly preferred.
• Existing diversion/reentry policy advocacy network with contacts in the greater Chicago area.
• Prior experience in lobbying and/or political organizing.
• Demonstrated leadership in advancing complex, coalition-oriented policy advocacy initiatives.
• Understanding of Independent Living Philosophy, disability justice, and disability rights.
• Experience with reviewing and interpreting diversion/reentry research/data, policy, legislation, and regulations.
• Comfort with public presentations to a variety of audiences.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Ability to travel within state; will need to travel out of state on occasion.

EQUIPMENT OPERATED:

Computers, copier, scanner

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Access Living operates under a hybrid office plan. Staff members are required to come into the office two days out of every week and may work remotely the other three if they so choose.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS:

Associations to which incumbent may be required to belong: None

NO. OF EMPLOYEES DIRECTLY SUPERVISED:

None, but will supervise fellows/interns

STARTING SALARY RANGE: $68,000-$72,000

SUPERVISED BY: Manager of Policy and Government Affairs

• Applicants should send cover letter, resume/CV, and no more than 10 pages of a writing sample preferably related to this position’s portfolio. Materials should be sent to jshosier@accessliving.org
• People with lived experience of disability, people with first-hand experience with the criminal justice system, people of color, people who are LGBTQIA*, immigrants, and others from underrepresented groups strongly encouraged to apply.