AUCD-CDC Fellow, 11-month Fellowship - Atlanta, Georgia

-Position Announcement-
11 Month Fellowship

AUCD-CDC Fellow
 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) 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.

In response to emerging needs resulting in part from COVID-19, a nationwide Act Early State/Territorial Team intiative 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 work will be done through an existing cooperative agreement between AUCD and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD).  

The individual in this position will sit at the CDC/NCBDDD office in Atlanta, GA. However, during the current pandemic, this position will be remote as all NCBDDD/CDC staff are teleworking until COVID-19 restrictions start to lift. This will be an in-office position once NCBDDD/CDC begins a phased return to the office. At this time, we do not know when that phased return will occur. CDC/NCBDDD is located at 4770 Buford Highway, Atlanta, GA 30341.

Job Responsibilities

This fellowship is an opportunity for a graduate, post-doctoral, or mid-career professional enrolled or employed at AUCD member centers to further their professional development through direct training at CDC/NCBDDD. NCBDDD will designate a mentor who will work with the Fellow weekly and provide mentoring, guidance, and direction.

The Fellow will:

• Join an interdisciplinary team including NCBDDD's "Learn the Signs. Act Early." program team that is working to realize the potential for opportunities to engage family and child-serving programs and systems (eg. health care, early care and education, early intervention, WIC, home visiting, and others) to increase early identification and intervention for young children with developmental delays.

• Support technical assistance efforts with State/Territorial Teams across the country focused on building resilience among families connected to early childhood systems.

• Support Act Early Ambassadors and public health partners as lead for these State/Territorial Teams.

• Apply his/her background experience to engage in further development and dissemination of developmental monitoring messaging, with special attention to early childhood, education, and public health systems.

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)

• Knowledge of early childhood development and programs and systems that serve families with young children including early intervention, including Part C and Section 619 of special education programs, as well as state/territorial-level public health systems.

• Interest in applied social behavioral science and education, systems change, program evaluation, including the development and preparation of manuscripts and presentations. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge and expertise in public health promotion, child development, developmental disability, and public health systems.
  
  
• Familiarity with the Act Early Initiative.
  
  
• Familiarity with programs in the state/territory that serve young children and their families.
  
  
• Strong interest in furthering the goals of the "Learn the Signs. Act Early." campaign. 

• Commitment to improving systems and outcomes related to identifying young children with developmental disabilities so they and their families can get the help they need.
  
  
• 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.

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

• Basic knowledge of program implementation and evaluation

Benefits

This position is compensated for 11 months at a range of $65,000-$68,000 over the funded term. AUCD provides a competitive salary based on education and experience; generous pro-rated health, dental, and vision insurance benefits, as well as vacation, sick, personal, and paid holidays are available for this temporary 11-month fellow position. You will also follow CDC's holiday schedule. This position provides a unique opportunity to exercise your expertise, creativity, and initiative in direct collaboration with CDC. 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 at [email protected]. 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.