DABC Job Opportunity: Right Fit Accessible Housing Research Specialist

Open: November 20, 2025
Closes: December 5, 2025
Location: Vancouver
Category: Community and Social Services Job
Type: Part-time Contract (24 hours/week); Remote
Length of the position: 6 months
Compensation: $35 /hour

Who We Are

Since 1977, Disability Alliance BC (DABC) has been a provincial, cross-disability voice in British Columbia. We are a non-profit, charitable organization that champion issues impacting the lives of people with disabilities. Our mission is to promote a more inclusive and equitable society for people with all disabilities through direct services, community partnerships, systemic advocacy, research, and publications. through our direct services, community partnerships, advocacy, research and publications.

Program Description

Launched in 2017, the Right Fit program is a multi-partner service designed to address the shortage of wheelchair accessible housing in the Vancouver region. The program matches affordable, accessible homes and independent living supports with people who need them.

Led by Disability Alliance BC in partnership with the Individualized Funding Resource Centre Society (IFRC), the Right Fit program provides peer-led navigation support to wheelchair users and their families, which includes holistic assessments, coordination of disability-related supports (such as home support, equipment, and assistive technology). The Right Fit maintains a comprehensive inventory of accessible units through a standardized Accessibility Checklist. The program also works with housing providers by matching vacant units with wheelchair users who have diverse accessibility needs, ensuring the most effective use of available accessible housing.

Job Description:

The Accessible Housing Research Specialist will support the Right Fit team by conducting client surveys, documenting client needs, analyzing survey data, conducting a feasibility study on home adaptations, coordinating accessibility improvements, and assisting in consultations involving housing professionals and individuals with lived experience. This role reports to the Right Fit Program Manager.

Tasks and responsibilities:

  • Conduct in-person Right Fit client surveys
  • Document client needs and accessibility requirements
  • Photography units, accessibility features, and (with consent) clients
  • Conduct quantitative and qualitative data analysis
  • Conduct feasibility study on home adaptations
  • Coordinate accessibility improvements for clients
  • Assist with consultations involving housing professionals and individuals with lived experience
  • Prepare reports, presentations, and other documents as needed
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

The successful applicant must:

  • Have a degree or diploma in urban planning, architecture, interior design, occupational therapy, housing construction, social science or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience
  • Have knowledge and/or experience with accessible housing
  • Experience in quantitative and qualitative data analysis
  • Have strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Be team-oriented with a positive and approachable attitude
  • Have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with clients across many diverse backgrounds
  • Have the ability to act ethically and handle sensitive information with confidentiality
  • Be self-motivated, adaptable, and able to work effectively with a team as well as independently
  • Have excellent organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks and manage priorities effectively
  • Be technologically proficient with computers and computer programs, including Microsoft Office software, specifically Excel, Word and Outlook
  • A driver’s license and access to a vehicle are required

The following are strong assets for this position:

  • Experience in the non-profit sector
  • Experience with a disability and/or supporting people with disabilities
  • Proficiency in photography and photography/video editing software

This is a fixed term, contract position with a target start date of January 5, 2026.

Depending on future funding, this role may be extended.

Location: This position is based in the Lower Mainland, on the Unceded Territories of the Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh, and Squamish Nations. Applications from individuals residing outside the Lower Mainland will not be considered.

The contractor will work primarily from their home but must reside in the Lower Mainland to conduct in-person visits of clients and unit visits. Occasional travel to the DABC office in Vancouver will be required. Some evening and weekend work may occur.

Commitment to Equity

DABC is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and equitable workplace which is representative of the community we serve. We welcome those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of inclusion, anti-ableism, anti-racism and reconciliation. Applications are encouraged from members of groups that are historically disadvantaged and underrepresented, including Indigenous persons, people of colour, and people of all sexual orientations, gender expressions and identities. People with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply. Accommodations are available during the hiring process, upon request.

Importantly, we are looking for people who want to make a long-term commitment to our organization and have a strong desire to uphold the rights and dignities of people with disabilities.

To Apply:

Please submit your resume and answer the questions through the job survey link below:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NC3BNGP

Applications are due via the Survey Monkey link above no later than 4:30 p.m. on December 5, 2025.

For questions about the position or if you require any accommodation to access the survey questions in an alternat format, please contact rightfit@dabc.ca. No phone calls or faxes please. DABC welcomes all applications, however, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview. Interviews will be conducted in December.

Tell Us About Gaps in Disability Services and Programs

Our next Transition magazine will include a look at “unmet needs” around disability programs, services and supports.

We want to hear from you! Do you need an advocate for a doctor’s visit, but can’t find an organization that offers this support? Are you facing a lack of accessible housing? Or lacking supports to do advanced care planning or a Representation Agreement?

Send us a short description (up to 125 words) on the gap you’re facing or witnessing as someone living with disability. Please email feedback@dabc.ca before December 15th. 

DABC and Community Partners call for full removal of the PWD spousal cap

The Province of BC recently announced that couples in which both people are receiving Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Benefits will soon receive the same PWD support allowance (this unfortunately does not also apply to the shelter allowance) as they would if they were two individuals—a welcome change, but inadequate. Disability Alliance BC, the BC Poverty Reduction Coalition and the Centre for Family Equity have issued a joint letter to the Province, calling for the full removal of the spousal cap for all persons with disabilities and their households.

Read the full letter in PDF format or view the text below.

We will continue to monitor this issue and will inform the community of any further changes through our blog, social media and e-newsletter.


November 20th, 2025

Re: Spousal Cap Changes announced November 13th, 2025

Dear Minister Malcolmson, Minister Wickens, and The Honourable Premier Eby,

We are writing on behalf of the Centre for Family Equity, Disability Alliance BC and the BC Poverty Reduction Coalition. We are writing to you regarding the recent announcement by the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction of changes to the spousal cap rules for persons with disabilities in BC.

We welcome the announcement that, starting December 1, 2025, couples where both partners receive disability assistance will receive the same support as if they were single, and that starting January 1, 2026, couples where one partner has the Persons with Disabilities designation will see increased earnings exemptions. This change is a meaningful and welcome step toward dismantling the outdated ‘spousal cap’ that for too long kept people with disabilities trapped in poverty.

We want to begin by congratulating and commending you for the changes, which will doubtlessly improve the quality of life, economic security, safety, and health of many people with disabilities in BC.

However, this admiral change and update to a discriminatory policy still leaves many people with disabilities and their children, youth and families who are still experiencing clawbacks on their income based on their partner’s income, or whose benefits are impacted by their spouse, behind.

Children and youth being raised in households impacted by parental disability status have a right to the full income of their parents and caregivers. The spousal cap assumes a non-disabled partner is responsible for the disabled partner’s livelihood and well-being. This circles back to outdated, patriarchal laws of many decades prior. The spousal cap is in direct opposition with a person’s right to independence and equal opportunity, and therefore discriminates against people with disabilities and their families.

Our organizations will continue to advocate for the full removal of the spousal cap for all persons with disabilities and their households, and for the elimination of all income clawbacks that keep people and families in deep levels of poverty. Until people are supported adequately regardless of relationship status, many will continue to live with insecurity and exclusion.

We advocate for policies that support access to income and greater pathways to labour market inclusion and attachment for those marginalized by poverty and disability.

We implore you to go the full distance and remove the spousal cap entirely for all people on disability assistance in BC.

We look forward to the Province moving quickly to fulfill the commitment to ending the spousal cap to ensure that no one with a disability and their family unit is left behind.

We would be happy to meet with you to discuss this matter further.

Best regards,

Viveca Ellis
Executive Director, Centre for Family Equity

Rowan Burdge
Provincial Director, BC Poverty Reduction Coalition

Helaine Boyd
Executive Director, Disability Alliance BC