DABC is hiring for two positions within our Access DTC Program. Find out more below and see the full job postings on our Careers page.

We are 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, 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.

DTC Community Advocate

Open: August 1, 2025
Closes: August 22, 2025
Location: Vancouver, BC
Category: Community and Social Services Job
Type: Full-time, One-year fixed term
Salary: $54,000

The Access DTC program provides direct support through the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and related benefits including the Child Disability Benefit, Canada Disability Benefit and Registered Disability Savings Plan to promote financial literacy and financial security for people with disabilities in British Columbia. Access to the DTC and related benefits has become more relevant, as many people with disabilities will need the DTC to apply for the Canada Disability Benefit. We are seeking advocates passionate about social justice issues to join our dynamic team and help grow our impact in BC and beyond.

Job Description – Community Advocate

You will join a team of advocates, working one-on-one with people with disabilities to provide in-depth support through the DTC and associated benefits, and helping people claim the DTC by filing their income taxes. You will help raise awareness about DTC through the development of strategic partnerships and community outreach. You are also an active team member, able to contribute to the additional administrative responsibilities associated with the day-to-day operation of the program.

Vancouver Island Community Advocate | Access DTC Program

Post Open: August 1, 2025
Post Closes: August 22, 2025, 4:30pm
Location: Vancouver Island, BC
Category: Community and Social Services
Job Type: Contractor (3 days/week)
Term: Until March 31, 2026, with possibility of extension
Salary: $34/hour
Report to: Vancouver Island Community Engagement Specialist, Director-Access DTC Program, Disability Alliance BC

Project Background 

Through a new RDSP initiative, the Access DTC program works to reduce poverty and barriers to long-term financial stability for people with disabilities living on Vancouver Island. The RDSP is a long-term savings plan designed to help people with disabilities access significant financial savings for their future. The successful candidate will help to increase access to the DTC, RDSP, and other related benefits by raising awareness about the program and supporting people across Vancouver Island communities to navigate through the application process.

Duties & Responsibilities 

Under the supervision of DABC’s Access DTC Program Director and Vancouver Island Community Engagement Specialist, the Community Advocate will:

• Provide one-on-one support (remote and in person) for people with disabilities to apply for the DTC and related benefits. Direct services will include facilitating mobile clinics across Vancouver Island and will require access to a motor vehicle to travel across Vancouver Island
• Reach out to the community using a variety of means including developing educational materials, delivering of virtual and in-person workshops, establishing new community partnerships to improve DTC/RDSP uptake for people with disabilities on Vancouver Island
• Create and deliver training modules to community service providers as well as health, educational, and financial professionals on the DTC/RDSP/related benefits to build capacity for sustained support within local communities
• Work closely with Access DTC program partners, the Island Health Authority (IHA), and community partners by attending regular internal team meetings and meetings with partners.

Recent tax cuts in BC and across Canada were meant to ease financial pressure for Canadians. However, for many low-income individuals, particularly for people with disabilities, these policy changes are having the opposite effect.  

Earlier this year, the provincial government removed the BC consumer carbon tax which meant the end of the BC Climate Action Tax Credit (BCCATC). In July, the federal government reduced the lowest personal income tax rate to 14%, further altering the tax landscape. While these actions were intended to offer relief, they end up removing vital financial supports from those who need it the most.  

The negative impacts of tax policy changes on marginalized groups are not new; in December, DABC published an article in the Osgoode Hall Law Journal about the “Compounding Barriers to Access” that women with disabilities face within the tax system.  The tax system is meant be a tool for redistributing wealth in a way that supports fairness and equity. For people with disabilities, who frequently face barriers to full participation in the workforce, social programs funded through taxes are essential. 

Losing the BC Climate Action Tax Credit 

When it was in place, the BCCATC was one of these tax measures, offering meaningful support in quarterly payments for people on low-to-modest incomes. A single person making $41,071 or less per year received up to $504. Families making up to $57,288 annually would be eligible for the full credit of $504 for an individual, $252 for their spouse and $126 per child. Now, people who rely on that support are left without alternatives. This hits especially hard for individuals who do not drive and would not benefit from a carbon tax cut.  

Lowered Tax Rates Will Reduce Tax Credit Amounts 

In July, the federal government lowered the lowest marginal tax rate from 15% to 14% (Bill C-4). While this may sound like good news, it also decreases the value of non-refundable tax credits—such as the Disability Tax Credit, the Canada Caregiver Amount, and the Medical Expense Tax Credit. This reduction means smaller refunds or reduced tax relief for people who rely on these credits to help with essential costs. 

For many of our clients, decreased tax amounts are not insignificant— but can go towards urgent health, food, and shelter costs. These new policy changes are unintentionally burdensome for individuals and families who struggle to afford basic needs and are in most need of financial relief.  

DABC continues to support actions that call for greater consideration for low-income populations: 

• We ask that the provincial government create a new tax credit to replace the financial support lost from the elimination of the BCCATC.

• We call for tax credit amounts to be decoupled from the marginal personal tax rate so that individuals can expect a consistent refund, regardless of tax rate changes.  

Accessibility and diversity need to be at the forefront of any policy change. Tax systems should be designed to lift people up—not leave them behind. As governments seek to provide relief and balance their budgets, they must ensure that those already facing the greatest barriers aren’t pushed further into poverty. 

Today, the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction (MSDPR) formalized its commitment to exempt the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) from clawbacks for all recipients of provincial income, disability and hardship benefits in BC. This means that provincial assistance recipients will be able to receive the entire benefit (a maximum of $200/month for those who are eligible for the CDB).

This announcement coincides with CDB applications being made available! As of today, you can apply for the benefit. See detailed information on how to apply here:
https://www.canadadisabilitybenefit.ca/how-can-i-apply-for-the-cdb.

DABC can help every step of the way, whether you need help with a DTC application, renewal, or denial, filing your 2024 taxes, gathering necessary documents, or navigating a CDB application or appeal! Email dtc@dabc.ca for assistance.

Read MSDPR’s news release here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025SDPR0008-000604