Who We Are

Since 1977, Disability Alliance BC (DABC) has been a provincial, cross-disability voice in British Columbia. We 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 Community Advocate to join our Advocacy Access Team. The Advocate will be responsible for individual and community advocacy relating to federal Canada Pension Plan Disability benefits.

Responsibilities:

• Assist people with disabilities with applications and appeals relating to Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPP-D) benefits
• Conduct workshops/webinars about CPP-D disability benefits for community organizations, people with disabilities, healthcare professionals, and other interested individuals and groups
• Be a provincial resource for community advocates and individuals on policy and legislation governing CPP-D

Working hours:

• This position is part-time for 3 days per week at 8 hours a day (including 1 hour as a paid lunch break).

The successful applicant must:

• Have a minimum 2 years combined post-secondary education and/or applicable work experience
• Have strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to communicate complex concepts in plain language
• Be able to work effectively with people with disabilities from a client-centered approach
• Be self-motivated, adaptable, and able to work effectively with a team
• Have strong analytical and research skills
• Have excellent organizational skills
• Be computer literate and proficient with word-processing software including the Microsoft Office Suite
• Maintain the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive client information

The following are strong assets for this position: 

• Experience with CPP-D and other disability benefits
• Experience in the non-profit sector
• Background in law, social work, or a related field
• Lived experience with a disability and/or supporting people with disabilities
• Experience with legal research
• Understanding of anti-oppression principles

Salary: $28,800 per year

The position is located in Vancouver, on the Unceded, Traditional, and Ancestral Territories of the Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh, and Squamish Peoples.

This position offers a hybrid work opportunity; the successful candidate may be required to work at the office (located in downtown Vancouver) one or two days a week, and at home the rest of the time. The position may also require occasional travel to other BC communities.

This position offers the following benefits after a three-month probationary period:

• 9 days of paid vacation annually
• 11 days of paid sick leave annually
• 100% of the cost of extended health and dental care benefits
• 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 encouraged to apply.

Importantly, we are looking for people who want to make a long term commitment to our organization and have a strong desire to assist people with disabilities.

100% of DABC’s staff and volunteers are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Many of the clients that DABC serves have medical conditions which make them vulnerable and more susceptible to severe symptoms of COVID-19, and so it is vital that DABC strives to protect our clients from risk of transmission. It is DABC’s policy to request that all new employees be fully vaccinated and therefore the successful applicant for this position will be asked for proof of vaccination upon hiring.  

To Apply:

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

Applications are due no later than midnight on August 10, 2022. DABC welcomes all applications, however, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview. Interviews will be conducted at the end of August and the position start date will be in mid September 2022.