Chief Disability Officer

The Chief Disability Officer reports to the Deputy Secretary for Civil Rights and will act as an advocate for the needs of persons with disabilities and ensure the opportunity to exercise all the rights and responsibilities accorded to citizens of this state are accorded to persons with disabilities.

The Chief Disability Officer will be based in Albany or NYC and will be required to travel, as needed.

The successful candidate should be a person who has a disability and/or has extensive experience working with the disability community on issues affecting access to government and services.

The Chief Disability Officer will

·         Advise and assist state agencies and the Executive Chamber in developing policies and procedures designed to help meet the needs of persons with disabilities;
·         Coordinate the state’s implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act;
·         Coordinate state’s activities to ensure that state programs do not discriminate against and are accessible to person with disabilities;
·         Ensure that the state provides services to individuals with disabilities in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs;
·         Work with state agencies to develop potential legislative and regulatory changes needed to ensure access and advise appropriate Executive staff of recommendations;
·         Liaise with the disability and advocacy community; and
·         Lead the Most Integrated Settings Coordinating Council, which was established by Chapter 551 of Laws of 2002 to ensure that New Yorkers of all ages with physical, intellectual, developmental, and mental disabilities receive care and services in the most integrated settings appropriate to their individual needs.

Minimum Qualifications

·         Bachelor’s degree required
·         JD or Master’s degree in a related field preferred
·         10+ years of relevant work experience
·         Demonstrated Commitment to Public Service preferred
·         Crisis management experience strongly recommended
·         Broad experience in creating strategic plans and executing
·         New York State / Government experience preferred
·         Must have in depth knowledge of law regarding disability rights and reasonable accommodation
·         Drivers’ license required to travel within New York State as needed

Please send resume to: Penny.lowy@exec.ny.gov

New York State is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)