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- Disability Rights Advocate
Disability Rights Advocate
Amsterdam, NY
Posted Jan 7, 2026
- Position Status:
- Full Time
- Hours Per Week:
- 35
- Starting Pay Rate:
- $37,856 a year
- Travel Required:
- Yes
- Purpose:
To be informed of disability regulations and policy in order to provide information, referral and education services directed at increasing the consumer’s self-advocacy skills. Support and engage in advocacy projects within LIFE.
RCIL is a civil rights organization that offers individuals with disabilities a wide range of independent living and advocacy services through the numerous programs we manage.
RCIL is an equal opportunity employer and it is the policy of RCIL not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status.
Job Duties
The successful candidate will be expected to:
- Complete initial intake and assessments.
- Provide service to assist and support individuals with disabilities to live independently in the community.
- Provide information and referrals services.
- Provide accessibility consultation and technical assistance to agencies, businesses, public spaces, and other places that interact with members of the disability community.
- Work with individuals to increase accessibility in their homes and/or living space and assist in obtaining appropriate medical equipment.
- Schedule a minimum of five hours per week for performing Healthy Alliance-related screenings, assessments, & scheduling contracted services.
- Maintain current knowledge of disability/accessibility laws/regulations.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- ADA, IDEA, 504, ACCES-VR, CVMH, SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, Snap, Heap, Welfare reform, Benefit programs, legislative process and issues impacting seniors and people with disabilities.
- Knowledge of Independent Living Philosophy.
- Computer skills.
- Mediation, negotiation, planning, community networking, innovation, collaboration, oral and written communication, flexibility, organization, public speaking, excellent customer service, working with diverse population, outlook and Microsoft programs. Bi-lingual a plus.
- Valid Driver License
Education and Experience
- A College Degree is preferred; a High School Diploma or equivalent is required. Related experience may be considered in lieu of higher education.
- Two-four years working with people with disabilities.
Benefits
- PTO – vacation (16-24 days a year based on longevity) Sick leave 12 days a year, and 13 paid holidays.
- Ability to work a 4-day schedule after 6 months on the job. Multiple work schedules available.
- Wellness program with the ability to earn an additional 3 PTO days a year.
- 401K with up to 10% employer investment.
- Heavily subsidized Health Insurance with co-pays.
- Vision and Dental insurance.
- Flexible Spending Accounts-Medical and Dependent Care.
- Monthly contribution towards dependent care. (to offset childcare costs)
- Company paid Life Insurance and Identity theft protection. (LifeLock)
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Family Medical Leave, Paid Family Leave, Military Leave, Bereavement Leave, Jury Duty Leave, Bone Marrow and Blood Donation Leave, Voting Time Leave, Election Leave, and Leaves for Crime Victims and Domestic Violence Victims.
- Employees may be eligible for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program to have student loans forgiven.
- Free covered parking.
- Additional benefits available.