ORGANIZATION:

REACH, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization serving North Texas communities in Dallas, Tarrant, Denton, and Collin Counties. The mission of REACH, Inc. is to empower people with disabilities to lead self-directed lives and to promote a barrier-free community through public education and advocacy. The organization is governed and staffed by a majority of people with disabilities who bring a wide range of knowledge and experience to their work in assisting consumers. Each year, approximately 1,000 individuals participate in the programs and activities of REACH, Inc. Services are financed through a combination of federal, state, local, and private funds.

POSITION SUMMARY:

To assist consumers with their individual advocacy efforts, conduct systems advocacy, provide ADA technical assistance, conduct outreach trainings, and maintain consumer service records and database.

You might be a good fit for this position if you have a passion for social justice, you have lived experience with disability, you excel at details, you are comfortable working independently and on a team, you have a high degree of EQ.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Office Management Duties

• Act as the immediate supervisor for all Plano office employees
• Meet as needed with the Executive Director and center employees to discuss program plans, achievement of goals, and problem solve
• Assist the Executive Director in conducting annual employee performance review of center staff
• Assist with the interviewing and training of new center employees
• Assist with the compilation of monthly, quarterly and annual reports and consumer demographics & service figures
• Assist with development/submission of grant proposals
• Coordinate the monthly staffing of consumers’ cases and monitor the consumer case management system

Youth Transition Assistance Duties

• Network with Health and Human Services and Texas Workforce Solutions Vocational Rehabilitation Services Transition Counselors to identify youth that can benefit from center services
• Network with local school districts and the Region XI Educational Service Center to identify youth that can benefit from center services
• Develop youth-related activities such as summer camp sessions, support group sessions, IL skills training sessions, field trips, game day activities, etc.

Independent Living Skills Training Duties

• Develop curriculum for various independent living skills training sessions
• Recruit guest presenters to conduct IL skills training sessions as needed
• Offer and conduct independent IL skills training with consumers in one-on-one, group, and/or online sessions as requested

Advocacy and Outreach Duties

• Advocate for/assist consumers with their self-advocacy efforts
• Advocate for system changes in the area of architectural barrier removal and accessibility
• Conduct ongoing outreach activities to generate referrals for all the services you provide
• Liaison with local groups to reach unserved/underserved consumers
• Assist with the Center’s ongoing public relations efforts including mailings of promotional material such as brochures & flyers
• Display the REACH exhibit at various events in the community

Miscellaneous Duties

• Provide peer counseling/counseling to consumers as needed
• Help answer the phone and handle information and referral requests as needed
• Complete all required daily, monthly, quarterly, and annual documentation following Consumer Service Records policies.
• Other duties as assigned

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Bachelor’s degree, preferred, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum 3-5 years working in a disability related field.
• Service mindset–exceptional phone skills, follow through, and patience
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Listening with empathy and understanding with a focus on problem solving
• Ability to engage and communicate with all types of people and make presentations to both large and small groups
• Experience in conducting individual and systems advocacy activities
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Demonstrated dependability–Self-motivated and self-monitoring in tasks and duties, including managing short- and long-term responsibilities.
• Proficiency and adaptability with technology; including Microsoft Office, Google Workplace, Database Management.
• Ability to prioritize projects and work on several concurrently
• Ability to work with minimal daily supervision

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

• Ability to work some evenings/weekends in order to attend meetings, exhibit the display, etc.
• Ability to handle several projects at one time
• Ability to work on the telephone and computer for extended periods of time on occasion
• Ability to maneuver in the community to provide services, participate in meetings, network, exhibit display, etc.
• Reliable transportation for daily service delivery
• Ability to assist with room set-up for events and activities held at the center as well as out in the community

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR

The Independence Living Specialist will report to the Executive Director.

REACH offers employer paid health insurance, life and disability policies; dental, AFLAC, Flex spending account, 403 (b) retirement, and other benefits are available as well.  We observe 12 federal holidays per year, have generous sick and vacation time-off policies, and an annual office closure between Christmas and New Years.  Salary range for this position is $38,000-$41,000 annually.

LOCATION

This is a full-time, non-exempt employment position located at our Plano office (720 E. Park Blvd, Plano TX) and is not eligible for remote or hybrid work.  This role does require that a candidate have access to reliable transportation and proof of auto insurance in order to travel within our service area.

REACH, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Individuals and veterans with disabilities who have the required knowledge, experience, and skills are encouraged to apply.

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to Miaka Brown at employment@reachcils.org please include “Plano Independent Living Specialist” in the subject line.  Please include accommodation requests in your initial email.  If you require additional accommodations, please call 214-630-4796.