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Position Opening: Virtual Trainee

For the 2017-2018 academic year

May 10, 2017

The Virtual Trainee (VT) is an enthusiastic and passionate individual who works remotely from their home Program or Center to build and enhance a network among trainees across all our AUCD member sites (LENDs and UCEDDs). The VT serves as the connection point between the national network and each Program/Center by ensuring trainees receive relevant information and opportunities related to leadership, research, grants, fellowships and more. On top of the communication responsibilities, the VT has an opportunity to learn how to manage, sustain, and evaluate an ongoing project that highlights the diverse emerging leaders in our network. Furthermore, the VT communicates with trainees regularly to solicit feedback regarding engagement and professional development opportunities, and represents the trainee voice in interactions with the AUCD national office, Board and Councils.

The AUCD VT has an exciting opportunity to:

  • Develop their leadership and communication skills
  • Innovate and implement communication strategies that promote the meaningful exchange of information related to people with disabilities and special health care needs to the network
  • Learn how to collect information from focus groups, surveys, etc. to evaluate effectiveness of communications and outreach, and then adapt strategies based on data
  • Work and collaborate with diverse stakeholders on webinars, in-person activities, and other initiatives
  • Connect with the broader AUCD Network while having a national impact on the disability field

The VT position spans one full academic year (August through May). The VT receives direct supervision from AUCD's MCH Program Specialist. AUCD will provide a $1,000 stipend each semester, paid to the individual or program based on Program/Center policies, plus funding appropriate travel costs and accommodations to attend the AUCD Conference (typically in November) and the Disability Policy Seminar (typically in March); both events are held in Washington, D.C.

The primary responsibilities of the VT include:
  • Enhancing communication, collaboration, and dissemination of topical and relevant information among trainees nationwide by using a variety of web-based platforms (e.g. social media, e-mail listservs, websites, and webinars)
  • Recruiting, collaborating with, and following up with Trainee Liaisons (trainee representatives from each Center and Program) to enhance the reach and impact of communications
  • Assisting with the planning and execution of trainee-focused activities at AUCD in-person meetings, and attending other relevant events as allowable
  • Serving as a trainee representative to the broader AUCD network; interacting with leaders at Board, Director, and Council meetings, plus other gatherings of network members that may take place during the year
  • In late Fall, assisting the MCH Program Specialist with recruiting and interviewing candidates for the Assistant Virtual Trainee (AVT) position
  • Organizing and coordinating the efforts to orient trainees (e.g. "Welcome" webinar in September) and help them leverage their experiences (e.g. "End of the Year" webinar in April)
  • Showcasing our diverse network through an interactive virtual map project, to include: participant recruitment, information dissemination, and evaluating its effectiveness/relevance on an ongoing basis
Qualifications
  • Already completed one academic year of training at an AUCD member site (LEND or UCEDD)
  • Be a current AUCD Trainee for the upcoming academic year
  • Capacity to work remotely from your home Center or Program for 4-5 hours a week
  • Can attend the scheduled AUCD Conference and the Disability Policy Seminar
  • Foundational knowledge of the AUCD network and a desire to learn more
  • Interest in national issues related to leadership and people with disabilities
  • Cultural and linguistic competence in interactions with colleagues and professionals from around the country representing a wide range of abilities, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and cultural identities
  • Exceptional communication skills
  • Familiarity with using a variety of web-based communication platforms (e.g. social media)
  • Ability to work independently 
  • Availability for one-hour weekly supervision during daytime business hours (i.e. 9:00am - 5:00pm ET)
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit their application by visiting the application webpage, creating an account and submitting the following items by June 23, 2017 at 11:59pm EST:

  • Your resume or CV (brief: no more than 2 pages)
  • A letter of interest that describes your motivation to serve in this role and how you will use the VT position to expand your current skill set
  • A statement of support from your UCEDD or LEND Director or Training Director
Questions
If you have any questions or need additional clarification, please contact Christine Liao by email or phone at 240-821-9462.

Apply for the Virtual Trainee position

Directors and faculty are encouraged to recommend eligible trainees to apply for this leadership opportunity and to allow the selected trainee use the position as his/her leadership activity for the coming year.