[blindlaw] Director of Disability Rights in D.C.

[Nightingale, Noel]

-----Original Message-----
From: ESD GP GCDE-INFO [mailto:GCDE-INFO at ESD.WA.GOV]
Sent: Thursday, November 13, 2008 3:15 PM
To: GCDE-INFO at LISTSERV.WA.GOV
Subject: FW: [leadership] FW: Job Announcement in D.C.



Job opening in Washington, DC

Director - Office of Disability Rights

Application Deadline: Monday, December 8, 2008

Mayor Adrian Fenty is dramatically improving city services in the
District of Columbia and making these services more accessible to
residents with disabilities. To accomplish this, he continues to recruit
exceptional leaders and is now seeking a Director for the Office of
Disability Rights (ODR). The ideal ODR Director views public service as
"customer service" and will combine energy, achievement, and the ability
to attract and motivate other exceptional people to produce targeted
results. Innovative backgrounds and clarity of vision will set
candidates apart, as will strong communication and advocacy skills.

The Office of Disability Rights (ODR) is a cabinet-level agency
established by the Disability Rights Protection Act of 2006, a
culmination of collaborations between organizations in the disability
community and the DC Council. ODR began operations in November 2007 and
is charged with helping the DC government comply with the federal
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). ODR currently has a staff of 10,
including a Director, Deputy Director, Communications Specialist, Staff
Assistant, Special Assistant,

Architect, and four ADA Compliance Specialists.

The ODR Director reports to the City Administrator and has a budget of
$1,469,965 in FY 2009. He or she coordinates and oversees the District's
ADA Compliance Program and makes recommendations to the Mayor for
addressing deficiencies. 
In addition to ensuring the District's compliance with the ADA, the ODR
Director evaluates District compliance with Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act and the disability rights provisions of the DC Human
Rights Act. The Director also proposes rules and regulations for the
implementation of the Disability Rights Protection Act and submits
annual Olmstead Compliance Plans to the Mayor and City Council.

ODR is involved in multiple initiatives to provide technical assistance,

training, policy guidance, and expertise on disability rights issues to
District agencies, employees and the disability community. These
initiatives include dispute resolution services for DC residents,
visitors, and DC government employees with disabilities. ODR also holds
trainings for DC government agencies on the ADA and other disability
rights laws; works with the Office of Property Management and the DC
Department of Transportation to increase accessibility of District-owned
and leased facilities; administers the District's sign language
interpreter program and reasonable accommodation funding; and works
closely with the DC Commission on Persons with Disabilities and local
and national disability organizations.

Qualifications
Successful candidates must demonstrate:

(1) knowledge of the ADA and related disability rights laws;

(2) understanding of assistive technology and alternative formats used
by individuals with disabilities;

(3) understanding of current best-practice policies, programs, services,
and support systems for individuals with disabilities;

(4) familiarity with local and federal funding streams supporting
services to people with disabilities;

(5) experience in evaluating and managing accessibility programs; and

(6) exceptional ability to successfully advocate for and implement new
policies and/or programs.

list of 2 items
* Candidate must have a J.D., masters or related degree.  Candidates
with a J.D are preferred.

* In addition, candidates should be able to develop and administer an
operational and programming budget, communicate effectively and manage
and motivate a high caliber staff.

Salary and Residency Requirement
The Director of the Office of Disability Rights is an E3 employee with a

salary range of $100,848- $151,081. The incumbent must be a resident of
the District of Columbia or be willing to become a resident within six
months of his/her appointment.

Application Instructions
Interested candidates should forward a resume and cover letter via email
to inessa.lurye at dc.gov  by December 8, 2008.

list end

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Applications may also be forwarded to:
Executive Office of the Mayor
Office of the City Administrator
Attn: Inessa Lurye
1350 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 533
Washington, DC 20004