Systems Change Coordinator

About the Organization:

Access Central Coast is a disability focused non-profit providing services and advocacy to those experiencing all disabilities, of all ages, and all income levels. Our mission is to inspire independence, advance accessibility, and foster equity for people with disabilities. The organization has been based in Santa Barbara since it opened in 1976 and serves the Central Coast Counties of; Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo. Services are provided by utilizing a team approach where the client is an active member in their goal attainment. Services provided by the organization include; Housing, Personal Assistance, Interpreting, Peer Support, Assistive Technology, Youth Transition, Older Individuals who are Blind Program, Advocacy, and Emergency Preparedness. ACC is actively engaged in all of our counties.

Position Summary:

The Systems Change Coordinator advances disability rights and independent living through community organizing, advocacy, coalition-building, and systems-level change efforts. This position centers the leadership of people with disabilities and works collaboratively with clients, staff, community partners, and policymakers.

Essential Functions:

· Recruit, organize, and train people with disabilities to participate in systems advocacy within ACC’s tri-county service area.

· Organize and facilitate ACC’s client-driven advocacy group, including outreach, recruitment, leadership development, and ongoing engagement.

· Support individual client advocacy efforts related to systems change, including coaching and encouraging participation with local decision-makers when appropriate.

· Organize community members with disabilities to educate local residents and elected officials on predetermined and self-determined advocacy priorities and to develop sustainable leadership strategies.

· Arrange inclusive and accessible opportunities for clients, volunteers, leaders, and staff to convene and advance systems change campaigns and goals.

· Maintain regular engagement with local, state, and federal elected officials, policymakers, and public agencies.

· Increase community capacity by establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with elected representatives and participating on relevant committees, commissions, and councils.

· Collaborate with CFILC and the statewide Disability Organizing Network (DOnetwork) on targeted systems change issues.

· Participate in DOnetwork activities, including email communications, webinars, teleconferences, and occasional in-person meetings.

· Continue to forge partnerships with disability and allied organizations, including YO! Disabled and Proud, the National Council on Independent Living, and other advocacy networks.

· Provide systems change, advocacy, and disability rights training to clients, community members, and advocacy leaders.

· Conduct self-advocacy training, peer counseling, and instruction on ADA guidelines and independent living principles.

· Provide training to new and existing staff on systems change, advocacy frameworks, and disability rights.

· Develop and deliver presentations on disability awareness, ADA compliance, housing, and public policy priorities.

· Organize and participate in local and regional community outreach and organizing events, ensuring accessibility logistics are addressed.

· Educate ACC staff on policy changes and other systems change efforts impacting the disability community.

· Develop, schedule, and publish social media content that amplifies ACC’s systems change priorities, promotes advocacy opportunities, and increases community engagement, ensuring all content follows accessibility best practices.

· Create campaign toolkits, flyers, presentations, and other materials to support advocacy initiatives.

· Identify, document, and elevate client and systems change success stories for reporting, organizational learning, and promotional purposes.

· Take a person-centered approach when working with clients, partnering with individuals and families to identify advocacy goals and support independent self-advocacy.

· Support the development of Independent Living Plans (ILPs) as they relate to systems advocacy and community engagement.

· Respond promptly and professionally to clients, service providers, and community partners.

· Oversee systems change–related grants, including tracking deliverables, monitoring compliance, and preparing reports and submissions.

· Coordinate grant requirements with the Executive Director or Deputy Director, providing at least two weeks’ lead time for review.

· Prepare and submit timely documentation related to program milestones, outcomes, and funder requirements.

· Document activities accurately and timely in ACC’s service database.

· Maintain complete, organized, and confidential client records in compliance with federal, state, and funder requirements.

· Promote a harmonious, collaborative work environment and contribute to team support across the organization.

· Travel regularly throughout the tri-county area for meetings, outreach, and advocacy activities.

· Perform other related duties as assigned in support of ACC’s mission and systems change goals.

Essential Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree in a related field or a combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.

· Minimum of two (2) years of experience in community organizing, advocacy, or related work.

· Familiarity with the social, emotional, and economic issues facing people with disabilities and older adults.

· Demonstrated knowledge of independent living philosophy and disability rights laws and regulations, including ADA, IHSS, and the Fair Housing Act.

· Demonstrated experience with the legislative process and/or other strategies for impacting public policy.

· Familiarity with human services programs affecting people with disabilities across the lifespan.

· Demonstrated knowledge of accessibility and accommodation needs across a wide range of disability types.

· Excellent written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills, including comfort with public speaking.

· Strong organizational skills, including the ability to meet deadlines, manage multiple priorities, and work effectively under pressure.

· Proficiency with computers and common workplace technology, including social media platforms.

· Ability to travel throughout ACC’s catchment area.

· Demonstrated commitment to ethical, dependable, and team-oriented work practices.

Preferred Qualifications

● Lived/personal experience with disability strongly preferred;

● Bilingual English/Spanish or English/ASL;

● Experience creating accessible outreach materials (flyers, presentations, social media content), etc.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

Work in the office and in the community, including office buildings and clients’ place of residence (home, apartment, facility, hospital, etc.). Normal office-temperature controlled conditions with quiet to moderate noise level and little to no exposure to heat, dust, or fumes. While performing duties of the job, employee is regularly required to remain in a stationary position working at a desk, operating a computer, and other office equipment. May be required to lift or move up to 10lbs.

Disclaimer:

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive

listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the

employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or new ones

may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $24.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• advocacy and outreach : 1 year (Required)
• human services programs: 1 year (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (Required)

Work Location: In person