Disability Specialist Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Education, Psychology, Rehabilitation Counseling, Disability Studies, Social Services, or a related field and two years of relevant experience working with individuals with disabilities; alternatively, four years of equivalent related experience.
• One year of experience in a field related to outreach work involving a variety of social service programs.
• Spanish bilingual proficiency, written and spoken, as required for this position.
• Knowledge of disability-related issues, or ability to acquire this knowledge within a reasonable period.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals using a variety of communication methods, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to accurately gather, analyze, and document information in a timely manner.
• Ability to use data-collection systems, case-management programs, and word-processing programs.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and follow-through.
• Professionalism, sound judgment, and commitment to service excellence.
• Proficiency in basic computer applications, including word processing, email, and data-entry systems.
• Ability to work effectively with people from diverse socioeconomic, geographic, cultural, linguistic, and disability backgrounds.

Nice To Haves

• Residence within, or sufficiently near, Hockley, Cochran, Yoakum, Terry, Atascosa, Frio, La Salle, Zavala, Houston, Trinity, San Jacinto, or Liberty County to meet local-presence and community-engagement requirements.
• Existing professional or community ties to the assigned RJI service area.
• Experience in advocacy, legal services, or disability-related programs.
• Prior experience in an intake, call-center, or client-services environment.
• Familiarity with legal or advocacy services related to disability rights.
• Proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL).

Responsibilities

• Conduct intake interviews with applicants by telephone, virtual platforms, written correspondence, and/or in person.
• Gather, assess, and document information to determine eligibility, case priority, funding source, and level of services.
• Provide information, referrals, and short-term assistance consistent with organizational policies and program priorities.
• Communicate with applicants, clients, staff, and external stakeholders about services and processes.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and thorough documentation in case-management systems and related records.
• Provide follow-up, documentation, and coordination with supervising attorneys.
• May manage a short-term caseload.
• Apply relevant laws, regulations, policies, and program requirements when assessing and responding to service requests.
• Handle sensitive or challenging interactions with professionalism, sound judgment, and composure.
• Prioritize workload and manage multiple tasks to meet deadlines and service expectations.
• Collaborate with team members and other departments to support effective delivery of RJI project goals.
• May participate in community engagement, legal-access events, outreach, and training activities.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development related to disability rights and related issues.
• Perform other job-related duties consistent with the scope and level of the position and the purposes of the Rural Justice Initiative.