School-Based Teaching and Training Assistance Specialist, Institute of Educational Research

The University of Montana invites applications for a School-Based Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) Specialist for the National Native Children’s Trauma Center. This position will be split between two grant-funded projects, with responsibilities primarily including school-based training and consultation to advance culturally relevant, trauma-informed systems of care for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) children and youth in tribal communities and urban areas across the United States. The position may also provide training and consultation in child welfare, juvenile justice, and other settings that prioritize the trauma-related needs of tribal youth and families. In addition to providing training in trauma interventions and curricula developed both internally and externally, the School-Based TTA Specialist will contribute to developing new products, culturally adapting existing products for American Indian and Alaska Native children and youth, and adapting existing training modalities for virtual delivery. The successful candidate will be responsible for remaining current with developments in the field of trauma and for developing or demonstrating an understanding of wellness and mental health issues in AI/AN communities. The job may be suitable for candidates living in or willing to locate to Missoula, Montana, as well as remote candidates living in tribal communities. This position reports to the Director of the National Native Children’s Trauma Center.

The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in demonstrating its essential values of leadership, diversity, engagement and sustainability.

Position Details

• Position is full-time, Letter of Appointment and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.
• Salary for this position is $45,000-$60,000 per year commensurate with qualifications.

Required Skills

• Knowledge of mental health issues
• Knowledge of and experience with trauma-informed care efforts, especially related to AI/AN children and youth
• The ability to communicate complex information, including culturally sensitive issues, to diverse audiences including large conferences or nationally disseminated webinars
• Computer/software skills, including proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite, Access, Power Point, and virtual communications platforms such as Zoom
• Ability to travel regularly (post-COVID)

• Ability to meet deadlines and plan work according to grant timelines, goals, and objectives
• Ability to train on the impact of exposure to violence and loss in AI/AN populations
• Ability to write clearly and effectively
• Ability to work as part of a team and to assume responsibility for team projects
• Ability to integrate social science research literature into training materials

Required Experience

• An undergraduate degree in early childhood, psychology, social work, or related field
• Five years of experience in a field related to mental health counseling, social work, or psychology.
• Experience working with AI/AN programs, organizations, and/or populations

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or Doctorate in education, psychology, social work, or related field
• Certified trainer in trauma-focused interventions and curriculums
• Understanding of social science research methods

About the Institute for Educational Research, UM , and Missoula

The National Native Children's Trauma Center's mission is to co-facilitate trauma-focused healing for Native children, families, and communities. This work requires understanding, respect, and honoring of tribal sovereignty, specific community needs, and the use of traditional healing practices.

The University of Montana is a unit of the Montana University System with over 10,000 students. It is located in Missoula, a culturally vibrant community of about 72,000, surrounded by mountain grandeur which was recently ranked in the “ top 20 best college towns with a population of less than 250,000 ” by the American Institute for Economic Research and ranked 9th in Outside Magazine’s “ The 16 Greatest Places to Live in America” in 2014 . Many national publications recognize Missoula for its high quality of life . Abundant recreational opportunities in surrounding state and national forests and nearby Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park complement a thriving intellectual atmosphere. The University of Montana offers eligible employees a generous benefits package that positively separates UM from other local employers and offers many programs and policies to support work-life balance for its employees.

To learn more about the University of Montana, Missoula, and the State of Montana, please visit the links below.

• University of Montana
• Video: UM Lifestyles
• University Highlights
• City of Missoula
• Video: There's This Place
• Destination Missoula
• Missoula Area Chamber of Commerce
• The State of Montana
• Visit Montana

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the Offer of Employment In accordance with University regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations. ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing: Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions. Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).


How to Apply

Priority Application Date: Thurs day, February 11, 2021 by 11:59 PM (Mountain Time)

Complete applications received by the ‘Priority Application Date’ will be guaranteed consideration. The position will remain open until filled. Candidates are required to submit the following materials online

A complete application Includes:

1. Letter of Interest – addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position. A general letter salutation such as “Dear Search Committee” or “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable.
2. Detailed Resume – listing education and describing work experience
3. Professional References – names and contact information for three (3) professional references

Job Location Missoula, Montana, United States
Position Type Full-Time/Regular