Disability Rights Arkansas (DRA) is an Arkansas non-profit organization with funding and authorization from the federal government to serve as the Protection and Advocacy system for individuals with disabilities in Arkansas. DRA pursues administrative, legal, and other appropriate remedies to ensure the protection of people with disabilities in Arkansas. Cases include special education, employment, housing discrimination, abuse and neglect, right to treatment and freedom from harm. DRA pursues system change advocacy in addition to individual case advocacy.
DRA provides services to individuals with disabilities include information, referral, technical assistance, legal representation and investigation of abuse and neglect allegations. DRA also develops, publishes and distributes advocacy materials, participates in advocacy training, and monitors, analyzes and comments on regulations, plans, budgets, policies or proposed legislation that may affect the rights of people with disabilities.
Position Openings
Self-Advocate Coordinator
POSITION OPENING – Self-Advocate Coordinator
Little Rock, Arkansas
The salary range for this position is $28,000-$35,000.
DRA is seeking a Self-Advocate Coordinator to coordinate and support self-advocates throughout the state through the Self-Advocacy Network Development (SAND) Grant. This is a grant funded through the Arkansas Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities.
Responsibilities –
- Support all self-advocates and existing self-advocate groups in Arkansas on a regular basis.
- Assist self-advocates in providing leadership and training opportunities on a regular basis.
- Coordinate and host self-advocacy training workshops and events to meet program objectives and goals.
- Actively participate in community advocacy activities as needed.
- Develop training material for the program.
- Develop and maintain a database for self-advocates on an on-going basis.
- Communicate with self-advocates on various outreach, education, and funding opportunities on a regular basis.
- Represent self-advocates position and interest on issues before government agencies and public bodies as needed.
- Develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate the grant on a regular basis.
- Prepare required reports and invoices as required by funders of position on a regular basis.
- This is a full time 30-hour position. Must be able to work after hours and weekends when needed. Travel throughout Arkansas on a regular basis, including overnight stays, may also be required.
This job posting is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person assigned to this job. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties that may be performed by a person so classified. DRA reserves the right to change or amend responsibilities, job qualifications and required skills as needed.
Qualifications & Required Skills
- High School Degree or equivalent.
- At least two years working with self-advocates.
- Ability, with assistance if needed, to plan and organize events.
- Basic understanding of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and other computer software.
- Strong commitment to DRA’s mission and the needs of individuals with disabilities.
- Appropriate knowledge of standard office equipment and administrative procedures.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and be discreet with highly sensitive and confidential information.
- Strong and effective writing and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate in a concise manner.
- Regular travel is required.
- Ability to work independently with little supervision.
- Reliability, ability to work as needed, and ability to maintain an acceptable attendance record.
To Apply: Attach cover letter and resume to online application. To request a paper copy of the application, email us at hr@disabilityrightsar.org. Printed copies can be scanned and emailed, faxed to 501-296-1779, or sent via US mail to Disability Rights Arkansas, 400 West Capitol, Suite 1200, Little Rock, AR 72201.
Closing Date: Position will remain open until filled
Project Coordinator
POSITION OPENING – Project Coordinator
Little Rock, Arkansas
The pay range for this position is $17 – $21 per hour.
Responsibilities – Responsible for coordinating activities related to the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities in the state of Arkansas.
- Speak to groups and assemblies about challenges faced by people with developmental disabilities and how they can help champion the disability rights movement.
- Conduct disability ally and self-advocacy training sessions.
- Plan, prepare, and create speeches, workshops, curricula, trainings, and events for the general public and parents of children with disabilities.
- Create and host advocacy initiatives and events, providing opportunities for self-advocates, parent advocates, and allies.
- Respond to information requests from Arkansans regarding disability resources. Share disability advocacy resources and tools with the disability community, as well as the general public.
- Conduct periodic face-to-face meetings with Parent Support Group leaders to verify progress and provide guidance.
- Coordinate with team members and coworkers on self-advocacy initiatives.
- Participate in outreach activities providing resources to disability advocates throughout the state.
- Work closely with the Arkansas Alliance Advisory Council to choose cohort for the Partners in Policymaking program.
- Coordinate the Partners in Policymaking agenda and activities for the participant meetings, to include preparation of training materials.
- Identify speakers for Partners in Policymaking sessions.
- Create and conduct follow-up surveys for Partners in Policymaking participants.
- Provide support for Partners in Policymaking participants during and after sessions have concluded related to disability advocacy activities.
- Work with AADA Administrative Assistant to coordinate logistics and onsite logistics of Partners in Policymaking training sessions.
- Provide timely reporting for grant reporting and documentation.
- Facilitate clear and meaningful communication between project and event partners, grant funders, co-workers, and community members throughout the project lifecycle.
This job posting is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person assigned to this job. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties that may be performed by a person so classified. DRA reserves the right to change or amend responsibilities, job qualifications and required skills as needed.
Qualifications
- Related experience preferred.
- Experience working with people with developmental disabilities.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent time management and self-motivation skills.
- Strong research skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
- Ability to handle multiple priorities and work demands effectively.
- Proficient typing and computer skills.
- Detail oriented.
- Ability to prepare reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
- Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from various groups and the public.
- Ability to travel throughout Arkansas, as needed.
- Ability to work after hours and on weekends, as needed.
To Apply: Attach cover letter and resume to online application. To request a paper copy of the application, email us at hr@disabilityrightsar.org. Printed copies can be scanned and emailed, faxed to 501-296-1779, or sent via US mail to Disability Rights Arkansas, 400 West Capitol, Suite 1200, Little Rock, AR 72201.
Closing Date: Position will remain open until filled
If you require an accommodation in the application process, please notify DRA Human Resources. Requests may be made in person, by telephone 501-492-5762, or by U.S. mail – Attn: Human Resources 400 West Capitol, Suite 1200 Little Rock, AR 72201.
Benefits




DRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in any aspect of employment with regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran’s status or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. Individuals who increase the diversity of our team are encouraged to apply.