Work with CTD
Mental Health Peer Policy Fellow
Posted May 31, 2024
Job Title: Mental Health Peer Policy Fellow
Reports to: Advocacy Director
New or Existing: New, Full-time
Starting Salary: $58,000 annual + benefits
Duration: This position is grant funded and will run from July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2026
Location: Austin, TX
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 our work.
Job Description
CTD seeks to fill a full-time Mental Health Peer Policy Fellow position in Austin, TX. With an eye on the 2025 Legislative session, the Fellowship will focus on mental health supports available to Texas children and youth with disabilities and their families. 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.
Applicants must have lived experience with mental health systems. We define “lived experience” as someone who has personal or familial experience of receiving and/or coordinating mental health and/or substance use services within various systems in Texas (for example, state hospitals, the public mental health system, child welfare, schools, juvenile justice, etc.). The peer policy fellow will be willing to share their experiences to advocate within the policy and advocacy workspace.
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 disability 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 disabilities and their family members.
Qualifications
- 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.
People with disabilities strongly encouraged to apply.
Compensation
$4,833/mth (Based on annual salary of $58,000) + 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, 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.
