Community Organizer
Open Date: 10/10/24
Company/Organization Hiring: DPC
Status: Open for Application
Community Organizer
The Disability Policy Consortium (DPC) is an independent organization run by and for people with disabilities that provides advocacy, community-based research, and healthcare ombudsman services across Massachusetts. More than 80% of our staff have disabilities, and our credo is “About Us, By Us”—the belief that when decisions are being made about people with disabilities, they should play a leading role in making them. We are committed to social justice and strive to be a place where all our employees can bring their full selves to work.
DPC is seeking a Community Organizer to support our advocacy efforts and policy work. This organizer will work on a variety of campaigns, but their focus will be on issues relating to access to durable medical equipment. This position works within our Advocacy Department and reports to the Director of Advocacy.
Responsibilities
Lead (alongside partners) multiple campaigns with the goal of shortening wheelchair repair times and improving access to durable medical equipment (DME). Currently, this includes:
A legislative bill to reform wheelchair warranty law
Meetings with MassHealth staff to discuss and push for regulatory and other changes to improve wheelchair repair
Meetings with DME providers to address concerns and push for reform
Meet with advocates from other states and national organizations to collaborate and share ideas
Maintain email list/database of 70+ wheelchair users in Massachusetts involved in campaigns
Mobilize community members to testify at legislative and regulatory hearings, attend other events, and contact their legislators
Create actions using CongressPlus, our advocacy software, to allow community members to easily reach out to their elected officials with templated emails and phone scripts
Build and maintain relationships with community members, advocates at partner organizations, legislative and executive officials, and staff to support wheelchair/DME campaigns
Plan events, such as trainings, forums, or press briefings, to support wheelchair/DME campaigns or develop leadership in the disability community
Prepare letters, testimony (oral and written), and public comments to address relevant legislation and regulations
Support other DPC advocacy work as needed, including other campaigns and annual Meet and Greet and Legislative Briefing events
Represent DPC on relevant coalitions
Attend weekly advocacy team meetings and monthly staff meetings
Qualifications/Experience
2+ years of community organizing experience (professional or volunteer), including significant leadership roles. Experience organizing on disability rights issues is a plus.
Knowledge of wheelchair repair process preferred
Ability to learn and understand complex policies and health care systems; existing knowledge of DME providers, MassHealth DME regulations, etc., preferred but not required
Excellent communication skills
Comfort with both collaborative and independent work
Pay & Benefits
The starting salary range for this position is $50,000 to $52,000 per year. Benefits include health insurance premium reimbursement; fully paid dental, life, and long-term disability insurance; three weeks per year of accrued paid vacation time; two weeks per year of accrued paid sick time; thirteen paid holidays; and a 403(B) retirement plan option with an employer match.
How to Apply
Candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to: hr@dpcma.org.
DPC encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. DPC is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, military service, genetic information, receipt of free medical care, or any other category protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Candidates who use a wheelchair or other mobility device are strongly encouraged to apply.