Disability Rights Coordinator

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

The Disability Rights Coordinator is responsible for overseeing compliance with disability-related laws and regulations, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and related federal and state laws. This role ensures that individuals with disabilities have equal access to programs, services, activities, by receiving, evaluating, tracking and deciding reasonable accommodation requests from submission through fulfillment in accordance with Fair Housing Laws. This individual will be responsible for the implementation of policies and procedures related to PCC’s reasonable accommodation process. This candidate shall also be responsible for providing educational materials and / or training to tenants, applicants, landlords and staff regarding the rights of disabled persons. Must be detail-oriented and motivated. High degree of independent judgement is required.

Key Duties / Essential Job Functions

• Operating and overseeing PCC’s reasonable accommodation process and maintaining all policies, procedures and materials related to reasonable accommodation, including the interactive process.
• Tracking and responding to requests for reasonable accommodation.
• Monitoring and facilitating the fulfillment of reasonable accommodation requests, including unit modifications and transfers.
• Monitoring staff compliance with reasonable accommodation policies and procedures.
• Providing information on reasonable accommodation and the rights of persons with disabilities to landlords participating in the Section 8 program through briefings, trainings, or mailings.
• Conducting outreach to and recruiting landlords who lease units with accessible features to participate in the Section 8 program.
• Conducting outreach to tenants and tenant advocates around disability rights issues including reasonable accommodation.
• Producing and disseminating educational materials to tenants, applicants and Section 8 participants about topics related to disability rights include reasonable accommodation.
• Ensuring that all staff who interact with tenants, applicants and Section 8 participants know how to assess and effectively use communication aids, including but not limited to qualified sign language and other interpreters, assistive listening devices, brailed materials, large print documents and accessible web-based and email communications.
• Maintain confidentiality and accurate records related to accommodation requests and outcomes.
• Ensuring that accurate and updated information regarding reasonable accommodation is provided on PCC’s website.
• Facilitating Reasonable Accommodation and Fair Housing mandatory trainings for current and future staff.
• Receiving and investigating disability-related complaints.
• Ensuring compliance with the reporting requirements in PCC’s November 2019 settlement with the United States Department of Justice. (“The Settlement”). Overseeing all other areas of compliance with the settlement.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education / Qualifications

High School Diploma or equivalent, with a minimum of three (3) years of fair housing / reasonable accommodation / disability rights, or ADA coordination experience. Ability to analyze and report data regarding disability rights.; have excellent communication skills both verbally and written; demonstrate the ability to listen and communicate with a diverse group of individuals; be cooperative; have service-oriented attitude and a team player; ability to work independently with minimal supervision; ability to make decisions on problems and issues. Be detail oriented. Able to work independently with sound judgement. Bilingual in English and Spanish required. Must have a valid CT Driver’s license and good driving history / record.

Skills / Competencies

Familiarity with assistive technologies and digital accessibility is a plus. Knowledge of MS Office Suite programs (i.e. proficient in Word and Excel). Ability to work with proficiency with integrated property management software programs a plus, YARDI / Visual Homes program, preferred. Strong organizational skills and can multi-task. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills. Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and discretion.

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements :

Work is performed primarily in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, scanners, and files. The position requires prolonged periods of sitting, with occasional walking and standing. May require occasional lifting of files, documents or office equipment up to 15 pounds. Ability to travel to off-site meetings, hearings, or professional development events as needed.