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Program Specialist - Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD), Silver Spring, MD

Posted: Friday, August 22, 2014


AUCD, a leading national disability organization, is currently seeking a highly-qualified individual to serve as Program Specialist of a federally-funded project providing support to State interagency efforts to improve youth transition outcomes. AUCD is a highly regarded national nonprofit organization that promotes and supports a national network of over 100 interdisciplinary and research centers on disabilities. AUCD has a direct impact at the local, state and national levels to advance policy and practice through research, education, leadership, and services for and with individuals with disabilities and their families and communities, in support of independence, productivity, and a satisfying quality of life.

This position, located in Silver Spring, MD will be the primary support for the federally-funded PROMISE TA Center, and will work in collaboration with other teams, reporting directly to the Transition Program Director. AUCD's PROMISE TA Center is funded by the US Dept. of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), and supports multiple State interagency teams in implementing their projects and increasing their capacity to improve services and supports to youth SSI recipients and their families.  Primary responsibilities include:

  • Support and assist in carrying out a range of technical assistance and information exchange activities
  • Support and assist in data collection and data analysis related to transition projects
  • Coordinate logistics for trainings, webinars, site visits, workgroups, conference calls and other events
  • Partner with PROMISE grantees, OSEP, relevant organizations, coalitions and groups concerned with youth transition

Principal Duties:

  • Provide logistical, administrative, and programmatic support for assigned projects
  • Assist in carrying out and documenting work plan and project deliverables, ensuring high quality and timeliness of activities and products
  • Coordinate the scheduling and development of technical assistance events such as trainings, webinars, site visits, conference calls , and other events
  • Schedule and participate in meetings with staff, funders, and others
  • Conduct surveillance of research, policies, practices, and other key information related to youth transition and the needs and activities of PROMISE grantees
  • Provide information to the PROMISE grantees and the general public as appropriate on project efforts through web postings, newsletters, and electronic publications
  • Assist in developing web content, social media content, educational materials, project and analytic reports, and other publications
  • Manage project website, listservs, and online shared workspace
  • Support productive and positive relationships with grantees, federal funder, national evaluator, project evaluator, content experts, advisory group, and other partners
  • Support production of issue briefs, fact sheets, and guidance documents through topical research, writing, and document formatting
  • Coordinate translation of key materials into Spanish, and other languages as needed
  • Respond to requests for information from PROMISE grantees, AUCD network members, federal agencies, policy makers, individuals with disabilities, family members, and others, and provide referrals to network members and other resources as appropriate
  • Develop new ideas and concepts related to the project and emerging issues
  • Carryout other activities that further the mission and goals of AUCD

Required Qualifications:

  • Completion of a bachelor's degree in a social science, special or regular education, administration, policy, or related field (master's degree preferred)
  • 2 years of professional experience with demonstrated success in systems supporting the transition from school to higher education and/or employment of youth experiencing disability and/or youth experiencing poverty
  • A professional and resourceful style; the ability to work independently and as a team player, to take initiative, and to manage multiple tasks and projects at a time
  • Passion for and commitment to AUCD's mission are essential

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Knowledge of issues, policy initiatives, and evidence-based strategies and practices relating to the provision and coordination of services and supports for youth SSI recipients and their families that enable them to achieve improved educational and employment outcomes
  • Demonstrated skills in supporting evidence-based, culturally competent projects and initiatives related to transitioning youth
  • Demonstrated verbal and writing skills, including reports and public presentations
  • Demonstrated group process and collaboration skills
  • Demonstrated skills in planning and facilitating logistics for training events (webinars, conferences, etc.)
  • Demonstration of cultural competence in working with individuals from diverse backgrounds
  • Proficiency in the use of information technology, including internet-based communication tools, word processing, and spreadsheet or database software
  • Demonstrated excellence in organizational, analytical, time management/productivity, and problem solving skills
  • Demonstrated ability to support a number of complex and simultaneous activities
  • Ability to travel 2-3 days per month

Benefits
AUCD provides a family-friendly work environment; a competitive salary based on education and experience; health, dental, disability, life insurance and retirement benefits; and three weeks' vacation plus sick and personal days and paid holidays. This position is an opportunity to exercise your expertise, creativity and initiative in a fast-paced yet relaxed office atmosphere, and to make a significant difference in policy and practice impacting the lives of youth living with a range of disabilities and their families.

Procedures
Via email only, submit a letter of interest, resume of relevant experiences, and names and contact information for three references to:

Dawn Rudolph, MSEd, UCEDD Technical Assistance Director
Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD)
1100 Wayne Avenue Suite 1000
Silver Spring, MD 20910
[email protected]

This position is open immediately. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The position is supported by federal funds. For additional information on AUCD go to www.aucd.org


AUCD is an equal opportunity employer.
Persons from diverse cultures and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.