This information is for reference only. These classifications are no longer valid and were replaced 7/1/2020.
- Disability Program Specialist
- What will I be doing?
- Do I qualify?
- Can I be successful?
- Benefits
- How do I apply?
This is mid-level professional public contact work for the Governor's Council on Disability providing information and assistance to the disability community, employers, service providers, state and local governments, and the general public.
Provides specialized information, referral, and consultative services to individuals with disabilities, disability organizations, employers, and state agencies.
Tracks, interprets, and evaluates the impact of proposed legislation on the disabled community; attends legislative hearings; prepares and disseminates legislative reports specifying areas of concern.
Provides technical advice and assistance to individuals with disabilities, service providers, disability organizations, employers, state and local government officials, and the general public relating to the Americans with Disabilities Act, Rehabilitation Act, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Fair Housing Act Amendments, and other laws and regulations that affect people with disabilities.
Conducts ADA accessibility surveys; explains federal compliance guidelines for tax credits and deductions; prepares detailed reports identifying access barriers and offering recommendations for barrier removal.
Participates in the organization of local disability support groups; recruits new members and organizations for the Missouri Disability Rights Coalition and the Business Advisory Council; provides leadership and direction in locating funding sources.
Participates on state agency committees which develop policies and state plans relating to individuals with disabilities; analyzes policies and court decisions and prepares reports explaining potential impact on the disabled community.
Develops, coordinates and implements statewide training workshops and seminars to provide information and assistance relating to disability policies and funding, assistive technology, and advocacy.
Participates in community disability board and committee meetings; apprises members of changes in federal and state regulations.
Organizes and coordinates the production of training materials, promotional brochures, and quarterly newsletters.
Coordinates the activities of regional outreach centers responsible for providing disability information and referral services, non-legal advocacy, and in-house demonstrations of assistive technology products.
Serves as mediator in disability issues; provides advocacy assistance to individuals with disabilities.
Prepares daily contact reports and quarterly activity and accomplishment reports; maintains database of information requests, referrals, service providers, and training activities.
May supervise and evaluate Disability Program Representatives.
Exercises considerable independence and initiative in the performance of assigned responsibilities within established guidelines; receives general supervision from the Executive Director or other designated administrative supervisor.
Performs other related work as assigned.
(The following minimum qualifications will determine merit system eligibility. Allowable experience and education substitutions are provided in italics below the corresponding minimum qualification statement; no other substitutions will be permitted. These minimum qualifications may also be used to evaluate applicants for Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System positions not requiring selection from merit registers.)
A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 15 earned credit hours in one or a combination of the following: Counseling, Education, Public Relations, Political Science, Business or Public Administration, or a closely related area; and,
Three or more years of professional or technical experience in disability rights advocacy, assistive technology, vocational counseling, special education, public relations, or business or public administration.
(Earned graduate credit hours from an accredited college or university in the specified areas may substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required experience at a rate of 24 earned graduate credit hours for one year.)
Please note that documentation that supports your eligibility (i.e. transcripts, employment records, etc.) may be required at any time during the application and hiring process. If you do not possess the minimum qualifications, please consider one of many other employment opportunities with the State of Missouri.
Do you possess the key skills which are considered essential for successful employment in this classification?
Intermediate knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Rehabilitation Act, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Fair Housing Act Amendments, other state and federal civil rights.
Intermediate knowledge of program funding legislation applicable to people with disabilities.
Intermediate knowledge of Council policies, procedures, and program guidelines.
Intermediate knowledge of government agencies and the legislative process for providing disability funding and services.
Intermediate knowledge of the nature and objectives of independent living centers.
Ability to prepare and present workshops and seminars to disability organizations, employers and the general public pertaining to disability legislation, ADA requirements, and other disability-related issues.
Ability to develop promotional materials to stimulate public interest and create support for equal access for people with disabilities.
Ability to conduct ADA accessibility surveys and to identify access barriers.
Ability to plan and organize work activities to achieve established program goals and objectives.
Ability to communicate effectively and to prepare complete and concise reports.
Ability to travel in the performance of assigned duties.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, disability groups, community organizations, employers, legislators, and the general public.
The following link will provide you with general information about State of Missouri employee benefits.
View benefits