Disability Policy Specialist Part Time

DISABILITY POLICY SPECIALIST

PART-TIME CONTRACTOR

The Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council is seeking a part-time Disability Policy Specialist.  This is a professional position responsible for assisting with legislative and policy research and supporting the Council membership in undertaking policy education and awareness activities and implementing related Council State Plan objectives.

The candidate will occasionally be required to work outside of normal business hours, including weekends. Occasional in-state and out-of-state travel is also required. 

The position is 20 hours per week, and the pay rate is up to $30.00 per hour.  Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. This position will be in person but eligible for hybrid.  Position is contingent upon Federal funding.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct policy research; and develop policy briefs, resources and recommendations
• Monitor disability policy issues, MDDC priority and endorsed legislation, and provide updates to the Deputy Director and Council
• Work collaboratively with the MDDC Policy Committee Chairperson and coordinate the Policy Committee Meetings
• Coordinate and support public testimony on behalf of Council members and people in the DD community
• Responsible for educating policymakers and coordinating policy engagement
• Assist in maintaining working relationships with elected officials, relevant state agency personnel, disability advocacy groups and others
• Participate on committees, coalitions and task forces as assigned
• Collaborate for the Annual Legislative Reception
• Assist in the development and implementation of the Council's Annual State Plan.
• Assist with the completion of the Annual Program Performance Report (PPR)
• Represent the Council at state and national disability related conferences as assigned
• Perform related duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED AT HIRE:

• Must have at least 2-3 years professional experience or proven record of disability research
• Ability to multi-task effectively and adjust to changing priorities, work processes and responsibilities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of state and federal legislative and budget processes, and the ability to analyze, interpret and summarize complicated policy documents. 
• Strong public speaking skills, and the ability to communicate clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing.
• Comfortable interacting with varied constituent groups who often hold conflicting views.
• Strong commitment to promoting the full inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in community life.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.   
• Experience utilizing social media tools

QUALIFICATIONS ACQUIRED ON THE JOB: 

The candidate will develop proficiency in the use of MassTrac, and functional working knowledge of the Council’s DD Suite Data Management System.  The candidate will be provided with the opportunity to earn more autonomy and take on more responsibility, including taking the lead role in implementing specific Council initiatives.