Systems Advocate
: Job Details :

Niagara Falls, NY. WNY Independent Living, Inc. Systems Advocate. FT. Benefits. $37,000-$40,000/Year.Closing Date: December 04, 2024DESCRIPTION: Assist in facilitating the advocacy operations of Western New York Independent Living, Inc. (WNYIL) and to assure smooth and seamless delivery of advocacy program services.SPECIFIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. At the direction of the ILNC Director, coordinate and implement the completion of ILNC system change goals. 2. Coordinate policy activity with the Chief Policy Officer. 3. Represent ILNC on community boards, committees, and task forces that will further systems advocacy goals in the areas of housing, education, transportation, voting rights, and other disability-related issues. 4. Analyze and recommend legislative and administrative advocacy priorities that seek to remove barriers to full integration of people with disabilities. 5. Monitor state and local-level legislative proposals. 6. Write and deliver testimony, policy briefs, and comments on proposed government legislation, regulations and plans. 7. Work with the relevant ILNC and WNYIL Board and Council Committees dealing with Public Policy issues. 8. Assist with and participate in WNYILs Legislative Breakfasts, Meet the Candidates Days, Trainings on disability rights laws, Town Meetings, and appropriate community organizing activities on issues for persons with disabilities.Statewide Systems Advocacy Network (SSAN) directed by Chief Policy Officer: 1. Recruit, retain, and educate persons with disabilities to participate in SSAN activities, at a minimum of twenty (20) persons per year. 2. Develop and maintain collaborations with organizations dedicated to the independence and inclusion of persons with disabilities, at a minimum of five (5) per year. 3. Develop and deliver oral and or written testimony (in response to document request) on an issue involving persons with disabilities, at a minimum of six (6) per year.EDUCATION & TRAINING: High School Diploma or equivalent OR Associate degree in a Human Services field OR Bachelors degree in a Human Services field Professional and life experience may be considered in lieu of, in full or part of academic credentials.KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE (if required) Possess knowledge of persons with disabilities as well as federal and state laws pertaining to the rights of persons with disabilities. Experience working with individuals with disabilities is preferred. High school diploma or equivalency requires eight (6) years of work experience with persons with disabilities. Associate degree requires six (4) years of work experience with persons with disabilities. Bachelors degree requires four (2) years of work experience with persons with disabilities.SKILLS & ABILITIES: Must have reliable transportation and automobile insurance in order to travel independently throughout the Western NY Region, with occasional in and out of state travel. Must have first-hand lived experience with a disability and be willing to share personal experiences to educate policy makers. Ability to work independently at all WNYIL locations and within the community. A desire to advocate for the rights of others is essential. Niagara County residents are encouraged to apply.SUBMIT RESUME AND COVER LETTER TO: Human Resources Dept. WNY Independent Living, Inc. 3108 Main St. Buffalo, N.Y. 14214 Email: ...@wnyil.org