California Foundation for Independent Living seeks a strong communicator to develop and coordinate state federal agenda within the ILCs and disability community. Master’s in human services/related field. Please scroll down to read a full job description.

Salary: 45k

Reply to: htv@cfilc.org

California Foundation for Independent Centers

1029 J Street, Suite 120, Sacramento, CA 95814

916-325-1690 Fax: 916-325-1699 TDD 916-325-1695

www.cfilc.org

California Foundation for Independent Living Centers

PUBLIC POLICY ADVOCATE

Job Description

Description: Supervised by the Systems Change Network Statewide Community Organizer, CFILC, the Public Policy Advocate is responsible for developing and coordinating CFILC’s legislative and administrative systems change agenda.  This position will work collaboratively with the statewide networks within the ILCs and in the wider disability community.  The position will identify, track and analyze legislative and administrative issues that impact Californians with disabilities. 

The Public Policy Advocate will communicate information on issues through written material, emails, teleconferences and e-bulletins as necessary to educate CFILC members, their staff and the disability community at large. The Public Policy Advocate may be called upon to educate legislators, their staff and state departmental staff about the impact of policies being considered.  This position requires excellent writing skills. This is a non-exempt full time position located in Sacramento. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Coordinating CFILC’s legislative and public policy activities that affect persons with disabilities including: screening and monitoring legislation; developing recommendations for CFILC legislative activities; advocating approved positions through the legislative process; preparing analyses in consultation with CFILC staff, ILC staff and others; preparing written and verbal policy reports and updates. Liaison activities with other organizations — including other legislative advocacy organizations, task forces, committees and culturally diverse organizations.
• Development of issue briefs, opinion editorials, letters to the editor and other media related documents that explain impact of policies on people with disabilities.
• Serve as staff person to support selected CFILC and Systems Change Network committees such as the Public Policy Committee as assigned.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities desired. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable the qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of this position.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
An MA/MS degree in human services, political science, communications or a related field and one year or more experience working in a legislative advocacy position. Must have demonstrated experience working with people with disabilities, preferably experience that involves independent living issues OR five years working in a legislative advocacy position and three years demonstrated experience working with people with disabilities and independent living issues. 

LANGUAGE SKILLS:
Ability to read, analyze and interpret public policy documents, legislative analyses, program descriptions and regulations regarding legislative issues and services for persons with disabilities.  Ability to synthesize the above information and develop clear, concise, policy positions and make recommendations to the Executive Director and CFILC board members and Systems Change Network members. Ability to communicate with CFILC staff, members of the ILC network, governmental entities and other constituencies including those who communicate differently in a collaborative and professional manner so as to meet overall program goals and objectives.  Must have ability to write weekly policy reports and meet deadlines.

REASONING ABILITY:
Ability to define problems, collect and interpret data, establish facts, and draw conclusions. Ability to maintain confidentiality.  Ability to initiate projects and work with minimal supervision.  Ability to prioritize competing demands, projects and/or assignments.

MENTAL ABILITY:
The Public Policy Advocate is regularly required to be able to resolve problems, recall details and to concentrate.  The Public Policy Advocate is frequently expected to think clearly, complete work within deadlines, deal with interpersonal conflicts, and work with frequent interruptions.  He or she must have the ability to develop and implement procedures, plans, and projects under the direction of the Systems Change Network Statewide Community Organizer.

STRESS LEVEL: Moderate to High.

OTHER SKILLS AND/OR ABILITIES:
Ability to work as a team member on a variety of levels.  Must possess a high level of computer skills with the ability to use word processing, and internet based communications software for the creating and delivery of weekly policy e-bulletins.  Possesses an understanding of the concepts and philosophy of the independent living movement and consumer empowerment. Knowledge of disability-related legislation at the state and federal levels.  Ability to exercise initiative, ingenuity and sound judgment in workload coordination and prioritization.  Ability to arrange necessary transportation must be maintained throughout employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
No additional physical demands are anticipated other than those described above. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable the qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of this position.

Desired Qualifications:

• Master's degree or other advanced degree.
• Knowledge of public policy and/or legislative issues effecting persons with disabilities and knowledge of the state budget process.
• Demonstrated experience as staff to boards of directors and/or similar task forces and committees.
• Contacts with disability organizations and/or within disability communities.
• Personal experience with disability issues
• Familiarity with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) issues regarding access, employment, etc.
• Experience working in a non-profit organization or public interest field.
• Computer literacy in word processing and database management and internet advocacy.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The noise level of the office working environment is moderate to high.  A moderate amount of travel: local and statewide.  Ability to arrange necessary transportation must be maintained throughout employment.