Community Development Organizer, Housing - Chicago, IL

Community Development Organizer – Housing

Access Living

Chicago, IL

BASIC FUNCTION:
Development and implementation of community organizing campaigns to increase access for
people with disabilities in City of Chicago housing programs; and to protect existing programs
and create new affordable, accessible, integrated housing options using local, state, and Federal
resources. Some policy support work in these areas will also be expected.

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

• Coordinate the Disability Rights Action Coalition for Housing (DRACH): Recruit, organize and support grassroots leaders with disabilities on housing issues through one-on-ones and other base-building activities; Collaborate broadly with internal and external stakeholders to support grassroots systems change advocacy on housing policies and programs at the local, state and Federal levels
• Campaign Development: Design and coordinate disability rights housing advocacy/organizing campaigns for systems change and reform at the local, state and Federal levels as needed; Support grassroots housing organizing for DRACH and other housing-related efforts
• Training and Leadership Development: Provide grassroots leaders in the disability community with leadership development and organizing training; Train people with disabilities on their fair housing rights and responsibilities, including public housing policies and regulations,
• Coalition Building: Increase DRACH political power by building and cultivating relationships with housing-related community groups, fair housing advocacy organizations, and government agencies to create broad coalitional support for disability housing issues
• Internal Collaboration: Coordinate with Access Living housing locators and housing counseling staff and fair housing/legal staff to ensure a high level of service for clients in need of those services, and to recruit members for DRACH from those clients assisted
• Policy Work: Provide support to the Manager of Organizing and Policy in monitoring affordable housing policy and legislation at local, state and Federal levels; coordinating public and written testimony and comments on proposed legislation and policy/rule changes; and promoting new policies and policy reform efforts creating affordable, accessible, integrated housing for people with disabilities
• Community Education/Outreach: Conduct public education efforts around housing policy and legislation, including through the use of media; Provide internal and external workshops and seminars on housing policy, related court cases, and legislation
• Miscellaneous Duties: Conduct written quarterly project activities reports; Ensure compliance with grant requirements through regular data entry; act as a spokesperson for Access Living on housing issues as assigned; and execute any other duties as assigned. 

EDUCATION AND TRAINING: Minimum educational background required

• Bachelor’s degree or applicable life/work experience. Good written and oral communication skills. A writing sample will be required. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, Excel, Publisher, and Outlook.

About Access Living

Established in 1980, Access Living is a change agent committed to fostering an inclusive society that enables Chicagoans with disabilities to live fully–engaged and self–directed lives. Nationally recognized as a leading force in the disability advocacy community, Access Living challenges stereotypes, protects civil rights and champions social reform. Their staff and volunteers combine knowledge and personal experience to deliver programs and services that equip people with disabilities to advocate for themselves. Access Living is at the forefront of the disability rights movement, removing barriers so people with disabilities can live the future they envision.

Interested candidates should email, mail or fax a resume and cover letter to:

Human Resources
Access Living

115 W. Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60654
fax : 312-787-3866
rmata@accessliving.org
No phone calls please