Community Navigator - Rural Justice Initiative, East, TX

Disability Rights Texas•Houston, TX

6h•Hybrid

About The Position

Disability Rights Texas (DRTx) is hiring a Community Navigator for its Rural Justice Initiative (RJI) in East Texas. This project-funded, time-limited position is part of a five-year, multiregional effort to expand access to civil legal services for low-income Texans with disabilities in designated rural and legal-desert communities. Continued employment depends on the continuation of the project, available grant funding, and organizational needs; the position is not intended to be permanent beyond the project or its funding. The Navigator develops and carries out regionally targeted community engagement and outreach to improve access to DRTx services for residents with disabilities. The role identifies barriers to accessing services, builds relationships with trusted local partners, supports referrals and information sharing, helps clients navigate community resources, and represents DRTx at community events. Under a Supervising Attorney’s direction, the Navigator may also provide non-litigation legal support and short-term case work. The position is assigned to East Texas. The employee must live within or sufficiently near the designated service area to maintain a regular local presence and be available for in-person outreach, legal clinics, partner meetings, and other activities. Regular travel throughout rural Texas is required, including to areas with limited transportation options. The work may take place at DRTx or partner offices, courthouses, administrative hearing locations, schools, libraries, clinics, community organizations, and other rural community locations. Work involves computers, telephones, videoconferencing, case-management and outreach-tracking systems, research, documentation, client communication, and collaboration with geographically dispersed colleagues. Duties may be performed seated, standing, or in an alternative position; reasonable accommodations may be made.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Education, Psychology, Rehabilitation Counseling, Disability Studies, Social Service, or a related field plus two years of related experience with demonstrated success working with people with disabilities; or four years of experience working with people with disabilities; or being an individual with a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
At least one year of experience in a field related to outreach work involving a variety of social service programs.
Ability to develop and sustain professional relationships and establish credibility in the community.
Ability to work independently, including in isolated conditions, and collaboratively in a team environment.
Ability to work remotely or from home.
Current valid Texas motor vehicle operator’s license.
Ability to travel at least 70% of the time throughout the state.
Ability to work evenings and weekends when required.
Effective communication skills and ability to enter complete, thorough, and accurate data in a timely manner.
Knowledge of disability issues and current events affecting people with disabilities.
Willingness to take direction and independently follow instructions accurately and promptly.
Ability to manage workload so services are delivered appropriately and on time; manage multiple priorities, conflicting assignments, and deadlines under challenging conditions.
Ability to follow complex directions, conduct research, and apply findings effectively.
Strong interpersonal, relationship-building, collaboration, organizational, detail-orientation, and follow-up skills.
Functional knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint.
Strong commitment to service excellence, integrity, ethics, and sound judgment.
Experience with computer- and web-based information systems and telephone systems.
Residence within or sufficiently near the assigned geographic service area to meet local-presence and community-engagement requirements.
Ability and willingness to travel regularly throughout rural Texas, including to communities with limited public or other transportation, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Ability to attend in-person outreach events and community activities in the assigned service area.
Ability to work effectively with people from diverse socioeconomic, geographic, cultural, linguistic, and disability backgrounds.

Nice To Haves

Experience in public interest, legal aid, disability rights, special education, housing, public benefits, or other civil legal services.
Experience building relationships with community organizations, schools, healthcare organizations, government entities, or other community-based institutions.
Existing professional or community ties to the assigned RJI service area.
Spanish bilingual proficiency, written and spoken, as required for this position.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement an assigned county or regional community engagement plan.
Conduct outreach to promote RJI initiatives and DRTx services, including distributing information, presenting community education sessions, attending community events, and supporting other direct-client-facing activities.
Identify opportunities for collaboration and community education that may generate referrals and improve access to legal services.
Work with RJI partner organizations, DRTx staff, Community Justice Workers, community navigators, intake personnel, pro bono attorneys, and other project personnel.
Make appropriate referrals to partner organizations and help clients identify and navigate community resources and wrap-around services.
Research regional and local community needs, legal-service gaps, accessibility barriers, referral networks, and community-based organizations to guide outreach priorities and strategies.
Collect and accurately record outreach and community engagement data and support RJI grant reporting according to project standards and procedures.
Plan and carry out accessible rural community events and legal-access activities with local partners and RJI staff.
Develop and deliver approved outreach and educational materials in collaboration with substantive issue teams and the Outreach Manager.
Communicate respectfully and appropriately with clients and community members, including managing difficult conversations calmly and professionally.
Gather and document preliminary information from people requesting assistance and provide approved, accurate information, materials, or referrals.
Explain applicant eligibility, case priorities, funding sources, and levels of service for the RJI initiative.
Follow DRTx client-services policies and procedures for client interviews, case records, and documentation.
Clearly communicate relevant information to clients, colleagues, stakeholders, and other necessary parties.
When assigned case work, identify and develop short-term case strategies within parameters set by the Supervising Attorney.
Complete required letters, documentation, and correspondence accurately and on time.
Continue learning about disability-related issues and changing regulations, policies, and laws, and collaborate with DRTx colleagues to stay informed.
Use case-management software appropriately, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple responsibilities in a timely manner.
Apply DRTx’s vision and values in work-related activities and establish credibility with the organization, clients, and other stakeholders.
Perform other job-related duties consistent with the scope and level of the position and the purposes of the RJI.