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Act Early COVID-19 Program Specialist - Remote/Silver Spring, MD

Posted: Tuesday, June 23, 2020

Association of University Centers on Disabilities logo. Text: The Leadership, Education, Advocacy, and Research Network

 

Program Specialist - Temporary Position (11 months)
 Association of University Centers on Disabilities

 

Reports to: Program Manager, AUCD's National Center on Disability in Public Health

The Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD), a leading national disability organization, is seeking a qualified, 11-month temporary, full-time Program Specialist to assist and carryout work under AUCD's National Center on Disability in Public Health. This position will provide support on all activities related to our Act Early Initiative response to COVID-19. These activities further the mission and goals of members of the AUCD network and connect with public health partners by assisting with the coordination of a range of project activities including meetings, webinars, materials development, technical assistance, and information exchange and dissemination.

AUCD promotes and supports a national network of interdisciplinary centers on disabilities. Its members represent every U.S. state and territory, including: 67 University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), 52 Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) training programs, and 14 Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Centers (IDDRC). Together, these organizations advance policy and practice through research, education, leadership, and services for and with individuals with developmental and other disabilities, their families and communities.

During the current pandemic, this position will be remote as all AUCD staff are teleworking until COVID-19 restrictions start to lift. If necessary, this can become an in-office position once AUCD begins a phased return to the office. At this time, we do not know when that phased return will occur. The AUCD office is in downtown Silver Spring, MD, one block from the red line Silver Spring Metro station and next to a county-maintained parking garage.


Job Responsibilities

In response to emerging needs resulting in part from COVID-19, a nationwide Act Early State/Territorial Team initiative focused on building resilience among families with young children served by early childhood systems is under development. These state/territorial teams will focus on parent-engaged developmental monitoring, screening, and referral initiatives to ensure that children with developmental delays are identified early and connected with services that can help them as early as possible.

This position will:

  • Assist in carrying out duties of AUCD's federal cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD).
  • Assist in developing project materials, biweekly State/Territorial Team call coordination, project reports, and publications in collaboration with colleagues and relevant stakeholders.
  • Maintain effective communication with AUCD, CDC/NCBDDD, and Act Early state/territorial teams regarding technical assistance, program assessment, review and development.
  • Respond to requests for information from federal officials, AUCD member centers and programs, individuals with disabilities, community support/advocacy organizations, and partner organizations, providing referral to AUCD network Centers and other resources as appropriate.
  • Provide support and information on a wide range of activities that further the mission and goals of members of the AUCD network.
  • Coordinate all communication platforms (website, direct mail lists, social media, etc.) in accordance with AUCD protocols
  • Collaborate with the AUCD communications team to develop and implement strategies for disseminating publications and resources to a variety of disability community and other stakeholders
  • Support AUCD events and represent AUCD at various meetings and events as needed.

 

Required Qualifications

Completion of a graduate program (MPH, MS, MSW, MA, etc.) in the social or health sciences (e.g., public health, public policy, psychology, social work, education, allied health) or completion of a bachelor's degree with 1-3 years of experience in human services.

 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Good organizational skills with the ability to work on multiple tasks in an orderly, accountable, and professional manner.
  • A professional and resourceful style; the ability to take initiative, work independently and as a team player.
  • Demonstrated proficiency using electronic tools (e-mail, website, social media, etc.) to communicate and exchange information, as well as in word processing, web posting, and spreadsheet software.
  • Demonstrated strong communication skills across multiple mediums (writing for various audiences and intentions, conference calls, webinars, online and in-person meetings, public events, etc.)
  • Aptitude in working with individuals with diverse abilities and from different cultures and committed to promoting full participation and cultural competence of service systems.
  • Excellence in organizational, analytical, time management/productivity, and problem-solving skills
  • Interest in the fields of disability and health, health disparities, and the public health role in reaching underserved populations.

 

Desired Qualifications

  •   Experience working with grants or subcontracts at federal or state/territorial levels
  •   Research, teaching, training, direct service, technical assistance or administrative support experience in a UCEDD, LEND or similar organization
  •   Completion of a LEND or UCEDD traineeship and/or familiarity with the AUCD network
  •   CHES certification
  •   Experience with social media efforts and online training platforms
  •   Basic knowledge of program implementation and evaluation
  •   Familiarity with the Act Early Initiative or Act Early Ambassador Program

 

Benefits

This position is available to be performed remotely and compensated for 11 months at a range of $51,000-$53,000 over the funded term. AUCD provides a family-friendly work environment; a competitive salary based on education and experience; generous health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance benefits, as well as vacation, sick, personal, and paid holidays are available for this temporary position. This position provides a unique opportunity to exercise your expertise, creativity, and initiative in a fast-paced yet relaxed office atmosphere. AUCD is committed to an inclusive culture that values all types of diversity, and as such has experience accommodating a wide range of disability and related workplace needs.

 

Application Procedures

Interested applicants should submit: (1) a letter of interest, (2) a resume of relevant experience, (3) names and contact information of at least three professional references, and (4) any accommodations needed for the application and interview process to:

Danielle Webber, MSW
Public Health Program Manager
Association of University Centers on Disabilities
Email: [email protected]

Letters of interest should concisely present relevant knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of this contract. Ideally, references would reflect the perspectives of a supervisor, a colleague, and a supervisee. Applications are due July 6, 2020.

 

For more information about AUCD, visit: www.aucd.org.

 

Questions can be directed to Danielle Webber at [email protected]

 

Applications will be accepted immediately and will remain open until the position is filled. The position is supported in part by federal funds.

 

AUCD is an equal opportunity employer. Persons from traditionally underrepresented or unrepresented cultural backgrounds and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.