Research Associate, Center on Community Living and Careers, Indiana University

Title: Research Associate
Center on Community Living and Careers, Indiana Institute on Disability Community, Indiana University

Position Description: The Center on Community Living and Careers conducts research, training, and technical assistance related to secondary special education transition services, employment services, and community participation for individuals with disabilities.

This position will work primarily on our two Indiana Department of Education state contracts to conduct training, technical assistance, and evaluation and manage relationships with stakeholders across the state. For one of these contracts, we provide training and technical assistance on quality transition services and Individualized Education Program development to Indiana special educators supporting youth with disabilities in transition. We also monitor approximately 1,400 transition IEPs per year for compliance with Indicator 13 and provide training and technical assistance to special educators who need support. For the other contract, we conduct an annual evaluation of the post-school outcomes for youth with a disability who had an IEP when they exited school. This includes coordinating the evaluation and contacting former Indiana students and/or their parents/guardians to request completion of the Indiana Post-school Outcomes Survey: What’s Next?

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and deliver technical assistance (virtually now, in-person when health conditions allow) to organizations and/or schools on topics related to integrated employment and post-secondary education opportunities, community living, inclusive practices, person-centered planning, and secondary transition to adult life in special education.
• Develop and conduct (virtually now, in-person when health conditions allow) workshops, in-service trainings, and conference presentations.
• Facilitate meetings with a variety of stakeholders (e.g., policymakers, executive directors, school personnel, employment providers).
• Develop written products and online training modules related to the field of special education, transition from school to adult life, interagency collaboration, community participation, post-secondary education and employment.
• Evaluate transition IEPs for compliance and quality measures, using the data to inform professional development activities for Indiana educators.
• Conduct research and evaluation projects and report on the data to key stakeholders.
• Participate as a member of a collaborative team.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with parents, school administrators, teachers, community and government agencies and with Center and team colleagues.
• Participate in relevant activities, work groups, and committees of the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community and with our state level partners.
• Travel throughout the state and overnights may be required. Staff previously did a lot of face-to-face work which has all been virtual since the start of the pandemic.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in human services field, special education, vocational rehabilitation, social services or related field.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of secondary transition services and IEPs and post-secondary education and employment services and supports
• Experience implementing culturally responsive practices
• Strong self-initiation, task management, and team building skills
• Ability to work independently and collectively as a vital team member
• Experience in professional writing (manuscripts or reports) or development of staff training. (Please provide a sample of either is as an attachment with the application.)
• Minimum of 5 years of successful work in educational settings and/or community rehabilitation settings supporting competitive employment of people with disabilities
• Experience with transition to community-based services in programs for youth with disabilities aged 18-22.
• Working knowledge of Indiana education policy regarding portfolios and certificate of completion.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with inclusive education and integrated community participation
• Experience with team facilitation
• Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills
• Experience coaching/mentoring professionals in schools and/or adult services
• Experience with instructional design to develop meaningful virtual learning experiences.

Interested candidates should apply at http://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/10627

Applications received by 6/1/21 will be given full consideration. Expected start date is 8/1/21.  Please direct questions regarding this posting to: Susan Henning-Harris at skharris@indiana.edu.

Indiana University is an equal employment and affirmative action employer and a provider of ADA services.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration of employment without regard to age, ethnicity, color, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status.