Educational Consultant: Parent Mentoring Intervention, Vanderbilt University, Job Posting (1902088)
Posted: Tuesday, October 29, 2019
The families Educational Consultant is part of the Department of Special Education at Vanderbilt University and is a key individual contributor responsible for supporting the development, delivery, and evaluation of a new parent mentoring intervention aimed at connecting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to paid employment in their local communities. As part of the newly-funded Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) on Employment of People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, our work at Vanderbilt will focus on: (a) developing a practical and promising mentoring intervention that supports parents to pursue and obtain paid employment in the community for their daughters and sons with intellectual disability, autism, or other developmental disabilities; (b) evaluating the impact of the intervention within a rigorous study; (c) examining the perspectives and recommendations of participating parents; and (d) packaging the intervention materials in ways it can be implemented around the country. This new hire will play a key role in coordinating many aspects of this five-year project. Along with a resume, please submit a cover letter detailing your interest in this position and relevant experiences.
Ranked as the #1 Special Education Program in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for more than a decade, our department has long been a leader both in research and practice.
The mission of the Department of Special Education is to improve the lives of children and youth with disabilities through (a) the preparation of exceptionally competent teachers and researchers, (b) conducting research that informs and improves educational programs and behavioral interventions, and (c) leadership in professional associations and advocacy for persons with disabilities. We are committed to equipping students with diverse backgrounds and experiences to provide exceptional services and supports to people with disabilities and their families.
This project is housed within Vanderbilt's Department of Special Education. The Department has a history of significant and continuous impact on the field of special education and intellectual/developmental disabilities. Faculty and staff are committed to equipping students with diverse backgrounds and experiences to provide exceptional services and supports to people with disabilities and their families. The Department has been ranked first among all special education departments in the country in terms of leadership and productivity for much of the last 25 years by U.S. News and World Report. More information can be found at http://peabody.vanderbilt.edu/departments/sped/
This project also involves collaborations with the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD). More information can be found at https://vkc.mc.vanderbilt.edu/vkc/ucedd
Duties and Responsibilities
In collaboration with other team members, this person will carry out the following activities:
- Recruiting and supporting parents of adults with IDD to participate in project studies
- Recruiting parents of employed adults with IDD to serve as mentors to other participating parents
- Providing training, ongoing support, and coaching to parent mentors during their involvement
- Contributing to the development of the parent mentoring intervention package
- Contributing to the development of project evaluation measures (e.g., demographic measures, implementation measures, outcome measures)
- Managing the collection and storage of project data securely at the Vanderbilt campus
- Organizing and facilitating up to eight focus groups involving parents to obtain their input on the intervention
- Working with community partners, including employment providers and relevant state agencies
- Recruiting a 10-member project advisory board and facilitating quarterly meetings to solicit their feedback
- Representing the project throughout the state by making presentations about project recruitment and findings
- Supporting and monitoring the work of graduate students who are working on the project as research assistants
- Organizing and facilitating regular (i.e., twice monthly) project team meetings
- Contributing to project dissemination activities such as conference presentations, research briefs, and journal articles.
- Meeting weekly with the faculty Investigators to prioritize project tasks
The position requires some travel to schools and workplaces throughout Middle Tennessee.
Profile of an Ideal Candidate
- Bachelor's degree is necessary
- Strong communication skills are necessary
- Familiarity with employment services and supports available to individuals with IDD and their families is necessary
- Ability to work effectively with multiple people on a collaborative team is necessary
- Ability to prioritize and execute multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work in a fast-paced, but supportive, environment is necessary
- Prior experience in the areas of families and/or employment for individuals with disabilities is preferred
- Passion for improving outcomes and quality of life for individuals with IDD and their families is preferred
Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Vanderbilt University is committed to achieving the goal of a diverse and inclusive academic community of faculty, staff, and students. We seek individuals who are committed to this goal and our campus values.
Qualifications
Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.
Job
: Research, Extension, and Other Education Professionals
Primary Location
: United States-Tennessee-Nashville
Organization
: 21220 - Special Education
