DABC Job Opportunity: Right Fit Accessible Housing Research Specialist

Open: December 19, 2025
Closes: January 12, 2026
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 the possibility of extension based on future funding.

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 evenings 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 a resume and brief covering letter addressed to Isabelle Groc, Program Manager of the Right Fit at rightfit@dabc.ca using the subject heading “Job Application: Right Fit Accessible Housing Research Specialist”. No phone calls please.

Applications are due no later than midnight on Monday, January 12, 2026. DABC welcomes all applications, however, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview.

Applicants must be legally allowed to work in Canada.

Province announces changes to spousal clawbacks

The Province of BC announced today that starting Dec. 1st, 2025, couples who are both receiving Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Benefits, will receive the same support allowance as they would if they were two single people. Additionally, beginning Jan. 1, 2026, couples where one partner has the Persons with Disabilities designation will see an increase to their annual earnings exemptions, meaning they can keep more of the money they earn.

DABC commends the Province for these changes, which will benefit thousands of families in BC. At the same time, we will continue to advocate for the full removal of the PWD spousal cap. It can still have negative impacts, particularly in circumstances where one person in a couple has a disability and the other does not and has employment income.

As we noted in a post from July 2024, which also details some of our advocacy work on this issue, there are many negative impacts to restricting a person’s disability income because of a partner/spouse’s income:

  • Creates unequal power dynamic between partners.
  • In scenarios where a person on PWD is in a live-in relationship with a non-disabled person, it expects that the 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.
  • Particularly for people who identify as women/femmes, this can create a level of dependence on the non-disabled partner that may lead to spousal abuse.
  • Creates a level of financial dependence on the disabled partner whereby they may feel they have no choice to end a relationship.
  • In the context of dating/seeking relationships, being on PWD prevents people from entering into relationships on an equal footing, or even deters prospective partners because of the expectation that they become financially responsible.

Read the Province’s full news release here.

DABC Executive Director appointed to BC's Provincial Accessibility Committee

DABC Executive Director Helaine Boyd is one of the five new members appointed to British Columbia’s Provincial Accessibility Committee (PAC). She is excited for this opportunity to advise the provincial government in the development of accessibility standards, ensuring that the voices of people with disabilities are meaningfully included.

Read the Province’s news release for more information: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025SDPR0014-001006