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 will include:
- Lead (alongside partners) multiple campaigns with the goal of shortening wheelchair repair times and improving access to durable medical equipment (DME), including:
- 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.
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.
The starting salary range for this position is $45,000 to $48,000 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.