Community CoDesigner (930944)

Equus•New York, NY

24d•$0 - $20

About The Position

Equus Workforce Solutions is seeking temporary Community Co‑Designers to help shape and improve employment programs for individuals with disabilities. Community Co‑Designers will collaborate with program staff, service providers, and employer partners to ensure services are accessible, responsive, and grounded in lived experience. Co‑design is a participatory approach in which community members act as equal partners in program development. In this role, Community Co‑Designers go beyond providing feedback—they actively conduct research, contribute to analysis and design, and share decision‑making authority over program outcomes. This temporary role requires a 6-month commitment and is part of a broader initiative to integrate community‑led input into employment services, helping individuals with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and retain meaningful employment.

Requirements

Lived experience as a participant in employment, workforce, or disability services programs (preferred).
Individuals with disabilities or those who support individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Interest in improving employment opportunities and workplace accessibility.
Ability to participate in group discussions and share ideas constructively.
Commitment to representing community perspectives respectfully and collaboratively.
Applicants do not need previous experience in co-design to apply.

Responsibilities

Participate in co-design meetings, workshops, and feedback sessions to help shape program services.
Provide lived-experience insights on accessibility, service usability, and participant experience.
Contribute monthly “Fresh Ideas” to support continuous improvement and responsive program design.
Represent participant perspectives during design discussions with staff and employer partners.
Help define what “quality employment” means for individuals with disabilities.
Support the development of services that empower individuals with disabilities to prepare for, obtain, and retain meaningful employment.
Offer input on tools and strategies that help employers strengthen workplace inclusivity and accessibility.
Contribute to identifying and documenting effective practices in employment programs serving individuals with disabilities.
Participate in demonstrating how community-led co-design can be supported through City funding and integrated into public program design.
Participation in regular co-design sessions and workshops.
Engagement in periodic feedback activities and idea generation.
Attendance at orientation and onboarding sessions prior to program launch.