Job Posting: Part Time Receptionist (1 year Contract)

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 through our direct services, community partnerships, advocacy, research and publications.

We work to support people with all disabilities to live with dignity, independence and as equal and full participants in the community.

Job Description

DABC is seeking a part-time Receptionist to join our Advocacy Access Team for a contracted 1 year period, with the possibility of extension dependent on future funding. Our receptionists are often the first face or voice that a client interacts with when connecting with DABC. The successful candidate will exhibit an empathetic and professional attitude who will respond to inquiries about our services as well as offer referrals to other community-based resources. DABC provides a variety of services that assist clients with applying for provincial and federal disability benefits, registered disability savings plan, tax filings and tax credits, legal aid, and accessible housing. The successful candidate will be working with other contracted and volunteer reception staff in-person at the front desk of DABC’s office in downtown Vancouver. All of our reception staff and volunteers are people living with disabilities.

Under the supervision of the Advocacy Access and Access RDSP Program Managers, the Receptionist will carry out the following responsibilities and tasks:

• Respond to client inquiries over the phone, email and in-person
• Screen clients for eligibility of our services and conduct intake of client contact information for our waitlists
• Keep detailed and accurate records of visitor requests and of calls/emails received
• Maintain an organized desk reception space and filing system
• Support the digital and paper document file management systems
• Clerical duties as needed to support reception and program staff

Working hours: This position is for 24 hours a week, in office. The office hours at DABC are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

The successful applicant must:

• Have a minimum 2-year applicable work experience
• Have strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to communicate complex concepts in plain language
• Have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with clients and staff across many diverse backgrounds
• Be self-motivated, adaptable, and able to work effectively with a team as well as independently
• Maintain a professional, patient, respectful and empathetic demeanor with clients and have the ability to manage client expectations as it relates to the capacity and scope of DABC’s services
• Have excellent organizational and critical thinking skills
• Technologically proficient with computers and computer programs, including Microsoft Office software, specifically Excel, Word and Outlook.
• Maintain the integrity and confidentiality of client information
• Be able to manage and sort through a significant volume of incoming communication.

The following are strong assets for this position:

• Lived experience with disability
• Lived experience with provincial and/or federal disability benefits
• Experience in the non-profit sector
• Experience supporting people with disabilities
• Knowledge and understanding of community resources available to people with disabilities

Compensation:

• Salary will be $27,900 per year
• This position offers the following benefits after the successful completion of a three-month probationary period:
• 9 days of paid vacation annually
• 10 days of paid sick leave annually
• 100% of the cost of extended health and dental care benefit premiums
• A generous Health Spending Account program
• 2 weeks of paid time off during DABC’s annual holiday office closure in December.

DABC is an open and diverse organization that promotes inclusive hiring practices. We encourage applications from qualified applicants who identify as visible minorities, Indigenous persons, and of all sexual orientations, gender expressions and identities. People with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

To Apply:

Please submit a resume and brief covering letter addressed to Sharareh Saremi, Advocacy Access Program Manager, at sharareh@disabilityalliancebc.org. No phone calls please.

Applications are due no later than 4:30 p.m. on January 2, 2023, DABC welcomes all applications, however, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview.

The Canada Workers Benefit

The Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) is a refundable tax credit created by the CRA to help individuals and families that work and earn a low income. The CWB can be claimed each year on your tax return, as long as you are eligible. The CWB has a basic amount and a disability supplement. 

What makes someone eligible? 

To be eligible for the CWB basic amount, you have to meet the following criteria: 

• Earn working income 
• Have your net income be below $33,015 
• Be a resident of Canada throughout the year 
• Be at least 19 years old on December 31^st of the eligible tax year, or live with your spouse/common-law partner or your child 

It is important to note that you will not be eligible for the CWB if you or your eligible spouse/common-law partner: 

• Are enrolled as a full-time student for more than 13 weeks of the year, unless you have an eligible dependent 
• Have been confined to a prison for at least 90 days of the year 
• Do not have to pay tax in Canada due to a position as an officer or servant of another country 

What about the Disability Supplement? 

The Disability Supplement has the same eligibility criteria; however, you also have to be approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). The DTC is a non-refundable tax credit that helps reduce taxes owing for people with disabilities and their caregivers, and is also a gateway to federal tax and financial programs. You can learn more about the DTC here.  

So, how much can I get? 

The maximum basic amount for the CWB is $1,428 for single individuals. 

This amount is gradually reduced if your adjusted net income is more than $23,495. Note that your net income is your income after all deductions are made on your tax return. You will not get the basic amount if your adjusted net income is more than $33,015. 

For families, the maximum basic amount is $2,461. 

Like the amount for single individuals, the amount is gradually reduced if your adjusted family net income is more than $26,805, and you will not receive the basic amount if your adjusted net family income is more than $43,212. 

As for the Disability Supplement, the maximum amount is $737 for single individuals and families. 

For single individuals, the Disability Supplement is gradually reduced if your adjusted net income is more than $33,018 and you will not receive it if your adjusted net income is more than $37,932. 

For families, the Disability Supplement is gradually reduced if your adjusted family net income is more than $43,210. In cases where one spouse is eligible for the Disability Tax Credit, you will not get the Disability Supplement if your adjusted family net income is more than $48,124. If both spouses are eligible for the Disability Tax Credit, you will not get the Disability Supplement if your adjusted family net income is more than $53,037. 

It’s important to note that while only one person per household can receive the CWB, if you and your spouse are eligible for the DTC and the Disability Supplement, both of you can receive those amounts. 

How will I get my CWB payments? 

After claiming the CWB on your tax return, you will get up to 50% of your CWB in the form of advance quarterly payments through what the CRA calls the Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB). While in previous years you had to apply for advance payments separately, as of 2023, no application is required. Advanced payments will be automatically sent to you. 

Another great benefit of the CWB is that the Disability Supplement is retroactive and included in tax calculations when the DTC is applied to your tax returns. This means that if you have been receiving the CWB for a number of years and have recently been approved for the DTC for any years before you applied, you can also receive the Disability Supplement for any year you were deemed DTC eligible while receiving the CWB.  

I think I’m eligible but haven’t gotten it! What should I do? 

If you think you’re eligible for the CWB and need help filing your taxes, we are here to help. Our Tax AID Program helps people with disabilities with filing their taxes and other tax-related matters. We can help you get up to date on your returns and our advocates can have a one-on-one consultation with you to see if you are eligible and help you secure the CWB.  

For more information and to book an appointment, visit our Contact Us page. 

*We have created an infographic to accompany this post. Download it here:

DABC joins the call for a ceasefire

Disability Alliance BC has joined over 260 humanitarian, civil society, faith, and labour organizations in calling on the Government of Canada to: 

• Call for an immediate ceasefire in Israel-Palestine 
• Call for an end to the blockade of Gaza and for the restoration of humanitarian aid and access to the basic necessities of life.

While the temporary ceasefire will provide some relief, it is not enough: a permanent ceasefire and an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestine is needed to put an end to widespread loss of life, displacement, and intense suffering.  

We condemn all targeting of innocent Palestinian and Israeli civilians, and the rise of Anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian racism, Islamophobia, and antisemitism in Canada and beyond. Palestinians, Israelis, and all people in the region deserve to live in peace and security and with justice for all. 

We encourage you to: sign a federal petition to the House of Commons, email your MP and political leaders, and join days of action if you’re able.  

Visit https://ceasefirenow.ca/ to learn more.