Policy Specialist – Rural Justice Initiative

Policy Specialist – Rural Justice Initiative Disability Rights Texas (DRTx) – Rural Justice Initiative (RJI) Policy Specialist Disability Rights Texas (DRTx) is excited to announce that we are now recruiting for a RJI Policy Specialist as part of our new Rural Justice Initiative (RJI). This position will be based in Austin, TX. The Rural Justice Initiative Policy Specialist is a project-funded position established as part of Disability Rights Texas’ (DRTx) participation in the Rural Justice Initiative (RJI), a collaborative effort designed to expand access to civil legal services for low-income Texans living in designated rural communities and legal-desert counties. The position is full-time, exempt, reports directly to the Supervising Attorney of Education, and is designated as union-eligible. Because this position is funded specifically through the Rural Justice Initiative, continued employment in the position is dependent upon the duration and availability of project funding. The Policy Specialist serves as a subject-matter expert on assigned policy issues and leads and supports Disability Rights Texas (DRTx) policy advocacy designed to protect and advance the legal and civil rights of people with disabilities, with a rural justice focus. The Policy Specialist conducts policy research and analysis; monitors legislative, regulatory, and administrative developments; develops policy reports, testimony, educational materials, and other communications; and provides training and technical assistance to DRTx staff and external stakeholders. The position collaborates with DRTx teams to identify policy advocacy opportunities and ensure policy activities are coordinated with the organization’s priorities and other advocacy strategies. The Policy Specialist represents DRTx before policymakers, governmental agencies, advisory bodies, community organizations, coalitions, and other stakeholders. The position develops and maintains collaborative relationships with local, state, and national organizations, agencies, legislators, public officials, and other partners involved in protecting and advocating for the rights of people with disabilities. The Policy Specialist also supports organizational planning, grant and program reporting, and other policy-related activities and may assist with additional subject-matter areas based on RJI programmatic needs. Research and analyze state and federal laws, regulations, policies, and emerging issues affecting Texans with disabilities in rural and underserved communities. Identify systemic barriers to accessing education, disability-related services, and legal protections, and develop policy recommendations to address identified needs. Community Engagement and Systems Advocacy Collaborate with all RJI staff, community partners, and local- and state-level stakeholders to identify and translate community-identified needs and service data into actionable policy priorities, recommendations, and advocacy strategies. Monitor proposed legislation, regulatory changes, and administrative policies affecting the rights of Texans with disabilities. Prepare policy briefs, issue summaries, talking points, and other materials to support the initiative’s advocacy efforts and inform internal leadership and community partners. Analyze information gathered through community assessments, outreach, asset mapping, and legal service delivery to identify trends, resource gaps, and opportunities for systemic advocacy. Collaborate with grant team members to ensure policy activities are responsive to the needs identified in participating rural communities.