Community Access Specialist

COMMUNITY ACCESS SPECIALIST (FULL-TIME) 

Able South Carolina (Able SC) is South Carolina’s premier organization promoting disability rights, independence, and equity for individuals with disabilities. Serving throughout the state, Able SC promotes individual leadership, creative teamwork, and cultivates a shared pride in the future of an inclusive state.  

Able SC offers a competitive salary with benefits including health, dental, eye, life, Employee Assistance Program, and contribution to a retirement plan. Paid leave includes vacation, sick leave, and 18 holidays annually. 

Purpose of the position: The Community Access Specialist is responsible for performing a variety of program activities related to increasing access and independence for people with disabilities. The Community Access Specialist must be creative, organized, and self-motivated and enjoy working in a fast-paced and results-driven environment. This position is under the direct delegation of the Director of Community Access.   

TO APPLY: Please email your cover letter and resume to jobs@able-sc.org. No phone calls please. People with disabilities are encouraged to apply. 

Location: Columbia, SC 

Status: Full-time, Non-Exempt 

Hours: 34-40 hours per week. Able SC currently operates a flexible work week schedule. 

Salary Range: $45K-$55K Annually, Based upon experience and qualifications 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (with or without reasonable accommodations): 

• Serve as an advocate for the rights of people with disabilities.  

• Conduct accessibility assessments of physical spaces and provide detailed findings and guidance to support improved accessibility for our clients.   

• Audit and test websites and web apps for WCAG conformance through both manual tests and automated tools.  

• Create and deliver audit results to clients with detailed findings and guidance to support improved accessibility.  

• Perform outreach for Able Access programs through speaking and vending at conference events, recommending sponsorship of key events, networking with target groups, utilizing Able SC’s network and contact lists through multiple communication channels.  

• Build, foster, and manage relationships with organizational clients to drive interest in increased accessibility and disability engagement.  

• Support in developing and finalizing timely reports, client tracking, and payment.  

• Assist in providing technical assistance to governmental, non-profit, and for-profit organizations.  

• Assist with identifying community needs and opportunities to improve community access and grow Able South Carolina’s reach.  

• Implement assigned programs and activities.  

• Document program activities via reporting and data entry.  

• Perform administrative tasks such as scheduling, note-taking, and client communication as needed.  

• Carry out additional assignments as delegated in a timely manner.  

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None. 

QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Knowledgeable about the architectural accessibility standards outlined under the Americans with Disabilities Act  

• Ability to measure, photograph, and document all aspects of the interior and exterior of buildings  

• Computer literacy  

• Literacy with respect to the use of all organizational equipment including computers, iPads, measurement tools, photocopiers, and telephones  

• Knowledge of customer service principles & practices  

• Knowledge of disability rights and IL philosophy required   

• Working knowledge of community resources available to people with disabilities   

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in written form   

• Working knowledge of Assistive Technology and related resources   

• Must have reliable transportation  

​​​COMPETENCIES: 

• Professionalism: The state or practice of doing one's job with skill, competence, ethics and courtesy 

• Ethical, Integrity, Honesty: Ethical means acting in accordance with principles of conduct that are considered correct for a profession or group. Honesty relates to being free from deceit, truthful, or sincere. Integrity pertains to the quality of being both honest and adhering to strong moral principles. 

• Emotional Intelligence: The capacity to be aware of, control, and effectively express one's emotions, as well as understand the emotions of other and react to them in a suitable way. 

• Interpersonal Skills: The capabilities to effectively communicate, socialize, connect and cooperate with other people. 

• Personal Accountability/Self-motivated: The willingness to answer for or be accountable for outcomes resulting from your choices, behaviors and actions/being driven by one's own desires2, interests, or ambitions. 

• Clarity in Communication: The quality or state of being clear in communicating with an intended audience. 

• Attentive to details, high accuracy: This refers to the skill of achieving thoroughness and also being free from mistakes or errors. 

• Time management/skilled at prioritizing tasks: The practice of using available time in an effective way through a process of organizing/planning how much time to spend on specific activities. 

• Ability to remain calm under pressure: Steadiness of thoughts, emotions, and mind under stressful situations. 

• Creates a positive work environment; good team player: Facilitating a work atmosphere where employees feel valued, supported, and encouraged through a willingness to work and cooperate with others. 

• Works Independently: The ability to complete tasks without continual supervision or direction from others. Being able to think effectively and problem solve on your own. 

• Self-Starter:  Taking initiative to do things when you see they need to be done without having to be asked or directed. 

• Accessibility Assessment and Technical Proficiency: Knowledge of architectural accessibility standards. 

• Implementation and Documentation: Implementing assigned activities and providing thorough documentation through reporting and data entry. 

Able South Carolina is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, or national origin.