RCAL (Resource Center for Accessible Living, Inc.) is a non-profit, community based service and advocacy organization run by and for people with any type of disability. Since 1983, RCAL has been dedicated to assisting and empowering individuals of all ages to live independently and participate in all aspects of community life.
RCAL operates in accordance with the conviction that people with disabilities can and should make their own choices and decisions and take control of all aspects of daily living including education, employment, housing, health care, and recreation. Our Independent Living Philosophy is who we are as an Independent Living Center. Please click here to find out more about Independent Living Centers.
Full-Time Benefits:
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Dental insurance
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Employee assistance program
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Flexible schedule
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Flexible spending account
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Health insurance
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Paid time off
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Long Term Disability/Life Insurance
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Professional development assistance
RCAL is currently seeking talented individuals for the following positions:
Pre-Vocational Counselor
Location: Kingston/Ulster County
Employment Type: Full-Time – 35 hour work week
Department: Department Name or Vocational Services
Reports To: Director of Vocational Services
Position Summary:
The Pre-Vocational Counselor is responsible for preparing individuals with disabilities, special needs, or other employment barriers for successful entry into the workforce. This position involves assessing client needs, developing individualized pre-employment plans, teaching job-readiness skills, and coordinating with support services to ensure comprehensive client development and success.
Qualifications:
Required:
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Associates and 1–2 years of experience in vocational counseling, special education, workforce development, or related human services roles.
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Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
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Ability to motivate and support individuals with varying abilities and backgrounds.
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Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities, mental health challenges, or other special needs.
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Knowledge of ADA, IEP/Transition Planning, and workforce readiness best practices.
Key Responsibilities:
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Conduct comprehensive vocational assessments to evaluate client interests, strengths, limitations, and work readiness.
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Develop and implement individualized pre-vocational training plans based on each client’s goals and needs.
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Facilitate workshops or one-on-one sessions focused on resume writing, job applications, interviewing, workplace behavior, and communication skills.
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Provide ongoing coaching and motivational support to help clients build confidence and independence.
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Identify and address barriers to employment such as transportation, health, social skills, or mental health concerns.
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Coordinate with case managers, job coaches, employers, schools, and community agencies to deliver wraparound services.
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Maintain accurate and timely case documentation, reports, and progress tracking in compliance with agency and funder guidelines.
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Participate in team meetings, client case reviews, and professional development training.
Work Environment & Schedule:
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Primarily in the community
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May involve travel to schools, local businesses and client homes, to provide transportation
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Standard business hours 9:00-4:00
Compensation:
Hourly wage range: $19.00-$21.00
Benefits: Holiday pay, Health insurance, Dental and Eye insurance, life Insurance, PTO, Sick time and professional development, etc.
To Apply, email Leah Gherardi at Lgherardi@rcal.org.
Systems Advocate (SSAN) - Part-time
The Role:
Are you passionate about creating meaningful change and amplifying the voices of the disability community? As a Systems Advocate at RCAL, you will lead advocacy efforts, build partnerships, and keep the community informed through public education and dynamic content creation. Candidates must be members of the disabled community, bringing their lived experience and unique perspective to this critical role.
Key Responsibilities:
Policy Advocacy and Community Engagement:
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Educate the public and elected officials about key disability policy priorities, including healthcare, education, employment, housing, transportation, and election reform.
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Establish and maintain at least five strategic partnerships with organizations aligned with the Independent Living philosophy.
Educational Campaigns and Alerts:
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Develop and distribute 44 educational alerts annually to keep local volunteers informed about pressing policy issues.
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Organize and lead six grassroots community organizing activities to mobilize volunteers and community members around advocacy efforts.
Public Testimonies and Statements:
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Deliver six impactful oral or written testimonies annually to state and local government bodies on disability-related issues.
Newsletter Creation and Design:
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Manage and produce RCAL’s monthly newsletter, providing updates on advocacy efforts, events, and community resources.
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Use Canva or similar design tools to create visually appealing, accessible, and engaging newsletters.
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Content Development and Publication Activities:
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Facilitate educational training events, deliver presentations, and secure media coverage to elevate disability advocacy in the community.
Collaboration and Reporting:
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Work with Housing Specialists, Transition Specialists, and other staff to ensure effective collaboration on shared initiatives.
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Track and report all activities using the statewide project database.
Qualifications:
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Membership in the disabled community and the ability to draw on lived experience to guide advocacy work.
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Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to inspire and mobilize others.
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Familiarity with Canva or similar design tools to create professional-quality materials.
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Proficiency with social media platforms, PowerPoint, Excel, and other modern communication tools.
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A deep understanding of local, state, and federal government operations and how they impact people with disabilities.
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A passion for disability advocacy and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities effectively.
Why You’ll Love This Role:
This is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to drive change and improve lives. As a Systems Advocate at RCAL, you’ll have the chance to be a leader in the disability rights movement and make a lasting impact on your community.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour
Expected hours: 21 – 35 per week, Day Shift
Benefits:
Health insurance
Compensation Package:
Hourly pay
Ability to Commute:
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Kingston, NY 12401 (Preferred)
Ability to Relocate:
Kingston, NY 12401: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
To apply, email Anthony Mignone at AMignone@rcal.org.
NHTD/TBI Service Coordinator/Adult Health Homes Case Manager
Position Overview:
RCAL is seeking a motivated, self-starting individual to fill the role of NHTD/TBI Service
Coordinator/Adult Health Homes Case Manager. In this position, you will work directly with
individuals with disabilities, assisting them in coordinating services that allow them to remain in their
homes and community-based settings. You will be responsible for providing person-centered support,
conducting assessments, and linking clients to appropriate services to meet their unique needs.
Key Responsibilities:
o Service Coordination:
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Provide case management services to individuals with disabilities, ensuring they receive the appropriate support through the NHTD/TBI Waiver and Adult Health Homes programs.
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Coordinate the development and implementation of person-centered care plans.
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Collaborate with healthcare providers, service providers, and community agencies to ensure the client’s needs are met in a timely and effective manner.
o Community Resources:
Identify, link, and refer clients to community-based services, resources, and supports.
Provide clients with information on available services and assist with the application process for eligibility determination.
Advocate for individuals to ensure they have access to the resources they need to live independently.
o Documentation & Reporting:
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Maintain accurate records of all case management activities, service plans, and interactions.
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Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, program guidelines, and reporting requirements.
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Conduct regular follow-ups to monitor client progress and adjust care plans as needed.
o Client Support:
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Provide information, education, and emotional support to clients and their families.
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Facilitate problem-solving and work with clients to address challenges related to accessing services or maintaining independence.
Qualifications:
Required:
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Bachelor's degree in human services, social work, or a related field OR a degree in nursing (Registered Nurse - RN).
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Minimum of two years of experience working as a service coordinator or case manager with individuals with disabilities.
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Strong knowledge of disability rights, person-centered planning, and community-based services such as HCBS Waiver programs.
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Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work with diverse populations.
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Ability to network with community organizations and resources to support client needs.
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Valid NYS driver’s license and automobile insurance that meets program requirements.
Benefits:
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Competitive pay ($19-$22 per hour)
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Travel reimbursement
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Flexible work schedules
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13 paid holidays per year
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2 weeks paid vacation
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2 weeks paid sick time
RCAL is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE):
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. RCAL does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, veteran status, political affiliation, or any other factor not directly related to qualifications for the position.
How to Apply:
Please submit your resume and cover letter to Katie Clayton, Director of Community Health Services
at kclayton@rcal.org. We look forward to hearing from you!
Part-Time Respite Provider
RCAL is seeking a compassionate and responsible individual to join our team as a Part-Time Respite Provider. In this role, you will provide temporary relief or support to individuals with disabilities or families who are caregivers for someone with a disability. The Respite Provider will provide direct care and supervision to individuals with disabilities, assist with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, toileting, feeding, and mobility support as needed, offer companionship and emotional support to the individual receiving care, and ensure the safety and well-being of the individual during the assigned respite period. Salary is $16.75/ hr.
If you have any questions about the position or if you are not sure if your experience can be considered please feel free to call Leah Gherardi the program Supervisor. 845-331-0541 ext. 27
Email Resume to lgherardi@rcal.org and apply here!
Part-Time Community Habilitation Support Staff
RCAL is seeking compassionate and dedicated individuals to join our team as Part-Time Community Habilitation Support Staff. In this role, you will provide direct assistance and support to individuals with developmental disabilities to help them achieve their goals, enhance their independence, and participate more fully in their communities. The Community Habilitation Support Staff will work closely with clients, their families, and other members of the support team to implement individualized plans and promote meaningful engagement and skill development.
Requirements:
- Previous experience working with individuals with disabilities or in a similar role preferred
- Knowledge of resident rights and the ability to advocate for individuals' needs
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation to transport individuals as needed
- Ability to lift and transfer individuals as required
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and respect for individual privacy
Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as assigned.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $16.50 - $18.50 per hour
Expected hours: 10 – 20 per week
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid orientation
- Paid training
If you have any questions about the position or if you're not sure if your experience can be considered please feel free to call Leah Gherardi the program Supervisor. 845-331-0541 ext. 27. Email Resume to lgherardi@rcal.org and apply here