Job Opening: Disability Policy Specialist
July 21, 2010
DISABILITY POLICY SPECIALIST
The Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities, located at 460 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, is hiring a “Disability Policy Specialist” to begin on September 10, 2010. The position has a starting salary of $47,330 plus a full fringe benefits package. This is a full-time state position funded under the federal Developmental Disabilities Act. Parents who have children with developmental disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Applicants must be committed to, and willing to promote, the full and unconditional inclusion of people with disabilities, regardless of severity of disabilities, in valued roles and non-segregated environments in neighborhoods and communities.
The position is accountable for independently promoting public policy initiatives and performing a range of administrative office management and clerical duties in support of those initiatives. Duties include staffing Council committees, initiating and carrying out activities that promote Council objectives, writing reports, and making presentations.
Applicants must be familiar with computers, including word processing and spreadsheet software. Familiarity with database, desktop publishing and web page software is also desirable. Experience with Microsoft Office products in a PC environment preferred.
The Disability Policy Specialist will (1) establish a highly visible presence for the Council among state agencies and private organizations of people with disabilities and families of children with developmental disabilities, (2) maintain a high level of awareness of contemporary issues impacting the lives of Connecticut’s citizens with developmental disabilities and/or families, (3) keep the Council abreast of issues, activities, and agendas of other organizations, (4) make proposals for Council initiatives based on what is learned in the community, (5) promote the Council’s agenda, and (6) support the Council’s committees.
Examples of activities of the Disability Policy Specialist:
• prepare for, attend, speak, and listen at meetings of state agencies and private organizations of people with disabilities and families of children with developmental disabilities;
• design proposals for public policy change and Council initiatives;
• generate information about the Council and Council initiatives for dissemination among state agencies and private organizations of people with disabilities and families of children with developmental disabilities, and the public;
• participate in writing the State Plan on Developmental Disabilities, federally mandated progress reports, and other required documents;
• participate in answering general correspondence, e-mail and telephone calls;
• plan, organize and implement meetings.
Experience, knowledge, skills and abilities needed;
• Four (4) years of experience either as an employee or as a volunteer working with and organization(s) or advocacy group(s) involved in issues impacting the lives of individuals with disabilities and/or their families;
• personal experience as the parent of a child with developmental disabilities;
• extensive knowledge of the public policy issues impacting the lives of Connecticut citizens with disabilities and families of children with developmental disabilities;
• ability to independently make contacts with state agencies and private organizations of people with disabilities and families of children with developmental disabilities, arrange meetings with such entities, and prepare for such meetings, developing whatever presentations or written handouts that may be needed;
• communications skills – interpersonal, public presentations, and written;
• ability to work flexible hours to be available to attend meetings whenever they typically occur (days, evenings, weekends);
• ability to travel throughout the state.
This position is being advertised through Mid-August 2010. Interviews will be held during the week of August 23, 2010. Three (3) references and a writing sample will be requested for applicants chosen for interviews. The position begins on September 10, 2010.
Applicants should send a brief resume with a one-page cover letter to Edward T. Preneta, Director, CT Council on Developmental Disabilities, 460 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106-1308, or e-mail to ed.preneta@CT.gov or fax to (860) 418-6003. Resumes and cover letters must be received by the Council Office no later than 4:30 p.m., Friday, August 13, 2010. Further information about the Council can be found on the Council’s Web site at http://www.ct.gov/ctcdd
