Director - Office of Disability Rights

The Government of the District of Columbia is seeking a Director for the newly established Office of Disability Rights (ODR). The Disability Rights Protection Act of 2006 creates a new cabinet-level Office of Disability Rights and a new citywide program to help the DC government comply with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  The Disability Rights Protection Act was developed as a collaborative effort between the disability community and the DC Council.

The ODR Director will report directly to the Mayor.  The Director will have a staff of at least nine employees and a budget of $882,000 in FY 2008. 

The Director of ODR shall coordinate and oversee the District’s ADA Compliance Program.  The Director will be responsible for evaluating the District’s compliance with the ADA, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the disability rights provision of the DC Human Rights Act and make recommendations for addressing deficiencies to the Mayor.  The Director is responsible for submitting annual Olmstead Compliance Plans to the Mayor and City Council.  In addition, the Director will promulgate rules and regulations for the implementation of the Disability Rights Protection Act.

Qualifications: Candidates should hold a master’s degree, J.D., or its equivalent and possess: (1) demonstrated knowledge of the ADA and related disability rights laws, (2) demonstrated knowledge of assistive technology and alternative formats used by individuals with disabilities, (3) knowledge of current best-practice policies, programs, services, and support systems for individuals with disabilities, (4) possess familiarity with local and federal funding streams supporting services to people with disabilities;  (5) experience in evaluating and managing accessibility programs; and (6) possess a demonstrated ability to successfully advocate for and implement new policies and/or programs.  In addition, candidate should be able to develop and administer an operational and programming budget, communicate effectively and travel within the District of Columbia to attend meetings and events.

Salary range for the Position: $100,848-$151-081

The ODR is a Cabinet-level office, subordinate to the Mayor of the District of Columbia, within the executive branch. The appointee to this position is subject to confirmation by the Council of the District of Columbia (Council). 

Domicile Requirement: There is a statutory requirement for the individual selected for the position to be a domiciliary of the District of Columbia. The selected individual must either: (1) be a domiciliary of the District of Columbia at the time of appointment and maintain such domicile during the period of the appointment; or (2) become a domiciliary of the District of Columbia within 180 days of the date of the appointment and maintain such domicile during the period of appointment. The individual selected shall not become subject to the domicile requirement until after Council confirmation and processing of a personnel action appointing him or her to the position.

Interested individuals should remit a cover letter addressing the requirements of the position, as well as a resume including salary history, to:

Ms. Andrea Anderson, PHR
Human Resources Specialist, Excepted and Executive Recruitment
DC Department of Human Resources
441 4th Street, NW, Suite 330S
Washington, DC  20001

Or via email.

ONLY INDIVIDUALS WHO MEET MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS WILL BE CONTACTED.
In accordance with the DC Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, DC Official Code § 2-1401.01 et seq., (the Act) the District government does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived: race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, disability, source of income, or place of residence or business. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination, which is also prohibited by the Act. In addition, harassment based on any of the above protected categories is prohibited by the Act. Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated. Violators will be subject to disciplinary action.

SALARY REDUCTION OF REEMPLOYED ANNUITANTS: An individual selected for employment in the District government on or after January 1, 1980, who is receiving an annuity under District government civilian retirement system, shall have his or her pay reduced by the amount of annuity allocable to the period of employment. EOE