Job Posting: Program Coordinator, Tax AID & Access RDSP

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.

Description of Programs

Tax AID

Tax AID is a DABC program that partners with the Together Against Poverty Society, the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society, and the Active Support Against Poverty Society, to provide free support to people with disabilities across BC to file income taxes for current and previous years. In addition to simple tax filing, we help with self-employment income, outstanding amounts owed to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), applying for other tax related government programs/benefits, and matters related to financial literacy.

Access RDSP

Access RDSP is a DABC program in partnership with Plan Institute and the BC Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS). This program is part of the financial literacy arm of our Advocacy Access Program. Building on the work of our collaborative partnership, the objective of this program is to promote the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) and the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) across BC, and to assist people with disabilities to access the DTC and open an RDSP. 

Job Description

DABC is seeking a Program Coordinator for our Tax AID and Access RDSP programs. This role contributes to maintaining the quality and sustainability of program services. The Program Coordinator will assist the Director of Tax AID & Access RDSP in supporting the day-to-day operations of both programs by managing client intake and inquiries, maintaining program policies and procedures, developing program materials, participating in strategic planning for both programs, coordinating outreach activities, and other tasks as reasonably required.

The position will be based out of DABC’s Vancouver office but may require occasional travel to other BC communities.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Director, Tax AID & Access RDSP, the Coordinator will carry out the following responsibilities and tasks:

• Respond to client inquiries over the phone, email, and in-person
• Screen clients for eligibility of Access RDSP and Tax AID services and conduct initial client intake 
• Ensure regular update of any program materials, including program manuals, educational resources, community resources and contacts list 
• Maintain and organize physical and digital files, as well as other program materials in the office 
• Provide accurate statistical information on participant activities for evaluations and reporting purposes
• Provide information and support to people with disabilities on the DTC, RDSP, and other tax related issues
• Keep up to date on any changes to policy and procedures relevant to the Access RDSP and Tax AID programs
• Liaise with community partners to schedule and arrange specific outreach activities
• Assist in the development of community awareness and outreach strategies through a variety of means including the development of educational materials, delivery of workshops, and establishment of new community partnerships
• In consultation with the Communications Coordinator, assist in the development of marketing and communications strategies
• Lead tasks and activities related to key projects and community partnerships
• Support the Tax AID and Access RDSP advocates with daily tasks 

Working hours: This position is for 32 hours/4 days a week. The office hours at DABC are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

The successful applicant must:

• Be able to work effectively with people with disabilities from a client-centered approach 
• Have a minimum 2 years combined post-secondary education and/or 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, 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
• Be computer literate and proficient with 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: 

• Working knowledge of federal tax and financial programs for people with disabilities including the Disability Tax Credit, Registered Disability Savings Plan, Canada caregiver amount and other deductions
• Knowledge of tax law
• Experience with community outreach or program planning
• Experience in the non-profit sector
• Experience with a disability and/or supporting people with disabilities
• Knowledge and understanding of community resources available to people with disabilities
• Understanding of anti-oppression principles
• Experience working with design tools including Canva, or Adobe Creative Suite
• A driver’s license   

 Compensation

• Salary will be $40,000 per year with the potential for hours to be increased from 32 to 40 hours per week based on future funding.
• This position offers the following benefits after the successful completion of a three-month probationary period:
• 12 days of paid vacation annually
• 14.4 0 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 Cynthia Minh, Director, Tax AID & Access RDSP at cynthia@disabilityalliancebc.org.  No phone calls please. 

Applications are due no later than 4:30 p.m. on December 8, 2023. DABC welcomes all applications, however, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview.

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.

JOB POSTING: Staff Lawyer - 1-year contract

Our Mission

For 45 years, Disability Alliance BC (DABC) has been a provincial, cross-disability voice in British Columbia. Our mission is to support people with all disabilities to live with dignity, independence, and as equal and full participants in the community. We champion issues impacting the lives of people with disabilities through our direct services, community partnerships, advocacy, research, and publications. We are a member organization of the Council of Canadians with Disabilities and the BC Poverty Reduction Coalition.

In 2020, DABC opened the Disability Law Clinic (DLC). Funded by the Law Foundation of BC, the DLC is the first non-profit legal clinic in BC that works exclusively in the area of disability rights. The DLC provides free legal advice and assistance to low-income people with disabilities throughout BC, in certain disability-related areas of law, including:

• Human rights and discrimination, including disability-related complaints to the BC Human Rights Tribunal (BCHRT) and federal human rights agencies.
• Disputes about income support for people with disabilities, especially disability assistance from BC’s Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. The DLC works with DABC’s Advocacy Access program on appeals of Ministry decisions, at the Employment and Assistance Appeal Tribunal (EAAT). The DLC also represents clients in applications for judicial review of EAAT decisions.
• Questions or disputes related to decision-making rights, especially in cases where BC’s Public Guardian and Trustee or a court-appointed committee make decisions on behalf of a person.
• Questions about private long-term disability insurance benefits.

The DLC currently consists of two lawyers, one articling student, a full-time legal assistant/advocate, and a part-time intake worker/legal assistant. This position is a temporary position while one of our lawyers is on leave.

You can find more information about our services on our website, at https://disabilityalliancebc.org/program/disability-law-clinic/.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Interviewing clients, conducting legal research, preparing pleadings, and representing clients in disability-related human rights complaints to the BC Human Rights Tribunal (BCHRT) and federal human rights agencies.
• Representing clients in appeals to BC’s Employment and Assistance Appeal Tribunal (EAAT), in cases involving disputes about provincial government disability benefits.
• Providing summary advice and representation services to the DLC’s clients
• Delivering public legal education sessions and workshops, for people with disabilities and disability-related organizations.
• Supporting administrative staff and helping to manage client intake process.
• Preparing and providing training for advocates in DABC’s Advocacy Access program
• Supervising law students and volunteers
• Supporting DABC’s systemic advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities, including organising advocacy campaigns and preparing written submissions to policy-makers. A particular focus will be the development of accessibility standards pursuant to the Accessible BC Act.

Required

• Membership in the Law Society of BC, or eligibility for immediate transfer
• At least 1-3 years experience as a practising lawyer
• Familiarity with human rights laws and tribunal procedures
• Familiarity with disability-related legislation (e.g. Public Guardian and Trustee Act)
• Outstanding organizational skills
• Demonstrated success in working effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds (e.g. cultural, religious, age, sexual orientation, etc.)
• Demonstrated understanding of ableism, colonialism, and other structures of oppression

Assets

• Experience working from an anti-ableist perspective
• Experience organising public advocacy campaigns, particularly on law reform, and/or preparing formal submissions to policy-makers.
• Experience working with people with disabilities and other marginalized communities.
• Experience working with people in crisis and familiarity with trauma-informed practice.
• Understanding of legal issues affecting people with disabilities, and strong research and communication skills.

We encourage applications from members of communities that experience structural discrimination and marginalization, especially people with disabilities.

The position is located in Vancouver, on the Unceded Territories of the Musqueam, TsleilWaututh, and Squamish Nations.

DABC currently uses a hybrid work model, and the staff lawyer will work in person at DABC’s office at least two days per week, and remotely the rest of the time. Occasional travel to other parts of BC may be required.

Compensation: Salary will be between $80,000 and $95,000 per year, depending on experience.

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

• 15 days of paid vacation annually
• 18 days of paid sick leave annually
• 100% of the cost of extended health and dental care benefit premiums
• $1000 health spending account annually
• 2 weeks of paid time off during DABC’s annual holiday office closure in December.

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to Jodie Berry, Interim Managing Lawyer, Disability Law Clinic, by email: jodie@disabilityalliancebc.org.

Closing date: November 3, 2023

*This position is funded by the Law Foundation of BC*