Overview
A DRW Policy Analyst – Researcher advances legal and policy arguments through research, investigations, public reports and position papers. A Policy Analyst – Researcher conducts policy research, reviews records and other documents, conducts policy analysis, prepares public reports and comments, monitors and investigates conditions affecting people with disabilities, works with other DRW staff and community coalitions of disability advocates, and recruits and coordinates volunteer attorneys to conduct similar work on behalf of DRW’s constituents.
Position Category
Program
Exempt/Nonexempt Status
A Policy Analyst – Researcher is a non-exempt employee with regard to the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Supervisor
A Policy Analyst – Researcher reports to the Executive Director.
Work Conditions
A Policy Analyst – Researcher works in DRW’s Spokane Office and has extensive local and statewide work-related travel.
A Policy Analyst – Researcher works a standard work week 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (unless an alternative schedule is approved) but must be willing to work evenings, weekends or extended hours when necessary.
Minimum Application Requirements
Cover letter, current resume, writing sample, and three references
Part 2: Primary Responsibilities
Cross Team Planning
Assists DRW in exploring and defining an appropriate role for its Spokane office
Assists DRW supervisors in cross team planning for priority development and implementation
Legal Advocacy
Conducts factual research by gathering information relevant to legal advocacy
Drafts public reports and comments
Designs action plans for systemic investigations and advocacy
Takes assertive action to implement plans
Provides appropriate follow-up once matters are resolved
Recruits volunteer attorneys
Coordinates work of volunteer attorneys
Coalition Building
Builds coalitions of people with disabilities and their allies, especially those within the legal community, and establishes and maintains key contacts to improve disability rights
Provides support and partnership with self-advocacy groups
Represents DRW on advisory groups, councils, committees and task forces
Works in cooperation with DRW staff and community advocacy groups to identify system change issues; strategizes and carries out system change activities.
Performs tasks related to coalition involvement if assigned.
Systems Advocacy
Engages in policy analysis
Prepares public comment
Works on systems projects as assigned
Outreach
Conducts outreach in eastern Washington to DRW constituents, other disability community stakeholders and Congressional home district offices
Part 3: Other Responsibilities
DRW Committees
Serves on committees and performs related tasks as assigned.
Internal Controls
Performs internal controls functions to the extents assigned. See Accounting Procedures and Practices Manual.
Monitoring
Performs tasks related to monitoring plan if assigned.
Resource Development
Performs tasks related to publication development and maintenance if assigned.
Staff Development
Participates in the creation and implementation of a plan to develop his/her work related knowledge and/or skills.
Training
Performs tasks related to training if assigned.
Other
Maintains confidentiality
Submits all required reports, timesheets and other documentation in an accurate, legible and timely manner
Maintains familiarity with the latest DAD instructions and tracks time and projects in the DAD database
Performs other duties as assigned
Workload
Maintains a reasonably ambitious workload
External Communication
Contributes content to DRW’s websites and social media platforms
Performs communication assignments in a timely and high quality manner;
Follows protocol for granting or arranging interviews with mass media; and
Documents all media contacts in DAD according to instructions
Part 4: Qualifications
All DRW employees are expected to have a deep commitment to the civil rights of all people, including traditionally underserved groups such as people from culturally diverse backgrounds.
Education
It is required that a Policy Analyst – Researcher have one of the following:
A Masters degree in field related to public policy or disability studies; or
A Juris Doctor degree from an accredited school of law; or
A bachelor degree and experience demonstrating skills equivalent to the above qualifications.
Experience specific to the position
It is desired that a Policy Analyst – Researcher has:
Experience conducting individual and systemic factual and legal research;
Experience producing public reports;
Knowledge of the disability service delivery systems and disability law;
Experience advancing systemic social justice issues;
Experience recruiting and coordinating volunteers;
Experience working in a non-profit, public interest, or public relations setting; and
Deep roots in the disability community with knowledge and experience in the independent living and self-advocacy movements.
Abilities specific to the position
A Policy Analyst – Researcher will have:
Demonstrated ability to research and write publications that convert technical and complex information or concepts into accessible and understandable language;
Demonstrated ability to discuss a range of current issues facing the disability community including issues related to the disability delivery systems and disability law;
Demonstrated ability to effectively present information to a wide variety of audiences using a variety of media;
Demonstrated ability to facilitate meetings and discussions;
Demonstrated ability to maintain ethical and organizational standards, communicate a position well, respectfully consider other positions, and treat people of different positions and backgrounds with respect and dignity;
Demonstrated knowledge of the disability service delivery systems, and disability law; and
Demonstrated ability to perform all of the responsibilities set forth in this position description.
General Abilities
A Policy Analyst – Researcher will have the ability to:
Be an effective team member;
Communicate both orally and in writing;
Effectively relate to people with all kinds of disabilities;
Exercise initiative, ingenuity, and sound judgment;
Effectively utilize conflict resolution and advocacy skills;
Organize and manage time;
Set work goals and create work plan of activities;
Take direction and coordinate work with others;
Use Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, and Internet;
Work under pressure in a fast-paced environment;
Work independently; and
Perform basic math functions.
It is desired that a Policy Analyst – Researcher have:
Multi-lingual ability in languages common to Washington state residents
How to apply
Minimum Application Requirements
Cover letter, current resume, writing sample, and three references. Email to jodir@dr-wa.org