Work with CTD
Mental Health Peer Policy Fellow
updated May 31, 2020
Job Title: Mental Health Peer Policy Fellow
Reports To: Advocacy Director
FLSA Status: Exempt
New or Existing: New, Full-time
Starting Salary: $ 42,000 (Based on annual salary of $ 42,000 ) + benefits
Duration: This position is grant funded will run from July 1, 2020- June 30, 2022
Location: Austin, TX. Fellow must either live in the Austin area or be willing to relocate here.
About CTD
The Coalition of Texans with Disabilities (CTD) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with a mission to ensure that people with disabilities may live, learn, work, play, and participate fully in their community of choice. More about CTD.
Job Description
The Coalition of Texans with Disabilities (CTD) seeks to fill a full-time Mental Health Peer Policy Fellow position in Austin, TX. With an eye on the 2021 Legislative session, the Fellowship will focus on mental health supports available to Texas children and youth with an intellectual/ developmental disability. Under the direction and mentorship of CTD’s Advocacy Director, the Fellow will engage in a variety of professional developmental activities, acquire a sound knowledge of public policy, and work hands-on in Texas’ oldest and largest cross-disability advocacy organization. The individual will have significant professional responsibilities and will contribute meaningfully to our mission, while developing the skills and experience needed to work effectively at the state and community levels.
Responsibilities
Build a deep understanding of policy regarding Texans with disabilities. Become adept at working with and training self-advocates with diverse backgrounds and their families. Develop the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities to become an effective member of the developmental disability and cross-disability communities.
- Actively participate in professional development opportunities, including external trainings and the Hogg Foundation’s Mental Health Policy Academy.
- Assist/conduct trainings with self-advocates, families, and allies on advocacy and public policy.
- Actively participate in self-advocate and family ad hoc policy groups, perform duties as assigned.
- Support CTD advocacy team in state advisory groups.
- Work closely with CTD advocacy team, self-advocates and partners on issues related to mental health and developmental disabilities (DD), prior to the legislative session.
- Create materials to educate the public and policymakers on policy issues.
- Analyze data and track legislation.
- Research major issues and policies impacting children and youth with disabilities and family members, identifying disparities and disproportionality.
- Work with the mentor to draft policy recommendations to support the prevention, identification, and effective mental health treatment/ recovery opportunities for Texas children and youth with developmental disabilities.
Qualifications
- Have a mental health condition and be willing to use lived mental health experience to inform policy-making.
- Certified as a mental health peer specialist or substance use recovery coach OR willing to complete certification within the Fellowship period.
- Have at least 2 years previous paid or volunteer employment. Recent college graduates (within the past 18 months) may substitute education for work experience.
- Commitment to the principles of full inclusion of people with disabilities, self-advocacy, and self-determination.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal, time management, problem solving, and organizational skills.
- Strong research skills.
- Ability to collaborate with others in a team situation.
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
Compensation
$3,500/mth (based on annual salary of $42,000) + benefits. CTD offers excellent benefits, including health insurance, dental insurance, vision, 3% match for personal IRA accounts, free on-site parking, ability to work from home, generous paid personal time off, and holidays.
Submittal Instructions
Email a cover letter, resume, and two references to Advocacy Director Jolene Sanders-Foster at jsanders@txdisabilities.org, subject line "CTD Peer Policy Fellow Position." The cover letter should describe your interest in the position and include a detailed explanation of how your experience meets the minimum qualifications and prepares you for the responsibilities outlined in the job description. No phone calls please.
This posting will remain open until the position is filled.
CTD hiring practices include
- Compliance with title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (P.L. 88-352);
- Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-336);
- Taking affirmative action to employ, and advance in employment, qualified individuals with disabilities on the same terms and conditions required with respect to the employment of such individuals by the provisions or Rehab Act of 1973;
- Following Equal Opportunity Employment (EEOC) guidelines.
