ADVOCACY COORDINATOR

The Office of Disability Affairs (ODA) within the NYC Department of Social Services’ Office of Advocacy supports both the NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) and the NYC Department of Homeless Services (DHS) in their ability to provide equal access to benefits and services to NYC residents in accordance with Federal, State and local laws.

ODA serves as a liaison to people with disabilities and their advocates by managing inquiries and complaints regarding access and benefits, as well as through hosting, presenting or attending community meetings and events. ODA provides disability-related technical assistance to all DSS Agency and provider staff through policy and procedure development and review, program and service development, and assistance with cases. This Office also develops and provides training on disability-related issues and topics.

Under the direction of the Executive Director of Disability Affairs, the Advocacy Coordinator will help to promote access and equal opportunity to social services and benefits for people with disabilities throughout New York City. The Advocacy Coordinator assists with working with stakeholders to assess the quality and effectiveness of HRA's programs in meeting the needs people with disabilities.

The Office of Advocacy is recruiting for a Community Coordinator to function as Advocacy Coordinator within the Office of Disability Affairs who will:


- Liaise with advocates and individuals within the disability community in the following capacities: case follow-up and complaint management; soliciting feedback on proposed and current HRA/DHS policies and systems; participating in planning community meetings.

- Assist the Executive Director with working with various city and state agencies on issues related to disability issues.

- Assist with planning work group and sub-group meetings as well as other related events, such as Advisory Panels and the ADA Anniversary activities.

- Work in collaboration with the EEO and the Office of Constituent Services (OCS) in responding to access and discrimination complaints.

- Research disability related topics and best practices to inform the development and revision of HRA policies and systems.

- Assist with projects related to outreach, including The Disability Digest newsletter and the Contact Management Database.

- Analyze data and survey results and prepares reports for the department.

- Assist with developing, supporting and conducting disability- related training for DSS staff.


Hours/Schedule: 9am – 5pm

COMMUNITY COORDINATOR - 56058

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties described above; or
2. High school graduation or equivalent and six years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties as described above; or
3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least one year of experience as described in "1" above.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.