I am sad to report that Eve Hill is leaving her position as Director of the DC Office of Disability Rights (ODR) to pursue another opportunity. Over the first year of the ODR's operations, Ms. Hill and her team have done tremendous work to set up the ODR and establish citywide protocols around disability access. They have accomplished much, and have enjoyed strong support from the Mayor, the DC Council, and the community. I hope you will join me in thanking Ms. Hill for her leadership at this crucial time in the ODR's development, and wishing her well in her new endeavors.
As a result, the position of Director for the ODR is now open. Please share the position opening (below and attached) with anyone who may be interested. Many thanks and regards, T.J. Sutcliffe, The Arc of DC
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Director – Office of Disability Rights
Application Deadline: Monday, December 8, 2008
Position Opening: Director, DC Office of Disability Rights
Mayor Adrian Fenty is dramatically improving city services in the District of Columbia and making these services more accessible to residents with disabilities. To accomplish this, he continues to recruit exceptional leaders and is now seeking a Director for the Office of Disability Rights (ODR). The ideal ODR Director views public service as "customer service" and will combine energy, achievement, and the ability to attract and motivate other exceptional people to produce targeted results. Innovative backgrounds and clarity of vision will set candidates apart, as will strong communication and advocacy skills.
The Office of Disability Rights (ODR) is a cabinet-level agency established by the Disability Rights Protection Act of 2006, a culmination of collaborations between organizations in the disability community and the DC Council. ODR began operations in November 2007 and is charged with helping the DC government comply with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). ODR currently has a staff of 10, including a Director, Deputy Director, Communications Specialist, Staff Assistant, Special Assistant, Architect, and four ADA Compliance Specialists.
The ODR Director reports to the City Administrator and has a budget of $1,469,965 in FY 2009. He or she coordinates and oversees the District's ADA Compliance Program and makes recommendations to the Mayor for addressing deficiencies. In addition to ensuring the District's compliance with the ADA, the ODR Director evaluates District compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the disability rights provisions of the DC Human Rights Act. The Director also proposes rules and regulations for the implementation of the Disability Rights Protection Act and submits annual Olmstead Compliance Plans to the Mayor and City Council.
ODR is involved in multiple initiatives to provide technical assistance, training, policy guidance, and expertise on disability rights issues to District agencies, employees and the disability community. These initiatives include dispute resolution services for DC residents, visitors, and DC government employees with disabilities. ODR also holds trainings for DC government agencies on the ADA and other disability rights laws; works with the Office of Property Management and the DC Department of Transportation to increase accessibility of District-owned and leased facilities; administers the District's sign language interpreter program and reasonable accommodation funding; and works closely with the DC Commission on Persons with Disabilities and local and national disability organizations.
Qualifications
Successful candidates must demonstrate: (1) knowledge of the ADA and related disability rights laws; (2) understanding of assistive technology and alternative formats used by individuals with disabilities; (3) understanding of current best-practice policies, programs, services, and support systems for individuals with disabilities; (4) familiarity with local and federal funding streams supporting services to people with disabilities; (5) experience in evaluating and managing accessibility programs; and (6) exceptional ability to successfully advocate for and implement new policies and/or programs. Candidate must have a J.D., masters or related degree. Candidates with a J.D are preferred. In addition, candidates should be able to develop and administer an operational and programming budget, communicate effectively and manage and motivate a high caliber staff.
Salary and Residency Requirement
The Director of the Office of Disability Rights is an E3 employee with a salary range of $100,848-$151,081. The incumbent must be a resident of the District of Columbia or be willing to become a resident within six months of his/her appointment.
Application Instructions
Interested candidates should forward a resume and cover letter via email to inessa.lurye@dc.gov by December 8, 2008. Applications may also be forwarded to:
Executive Office of the Mayor
Office of the City Administrator
Attn: Inessa Lurye
1350 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 533
Washington, DC 20004
