Assistant Director, Community Programs #606135

Job Description

The Assistant Director for Community Programs is tasked with providing organizational leadership for the creation of a new community service initiative within the Institute for Human Development (IHD). Key responsibilities include the development, implementation and oversight of the Assistive Technology for Employment and Independence Project (ATEI) at IHD and the development of new and innovative AT initiatives and the supporting funding streams.

ATEI, funded through a contract with Arizona Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), provides comprehensive assistive technology (AT) services to RSA’s vocational rehabilitation clients statewide. ATEI’s AT services include provision of comprehensive assistive technology (AT) evaluations, client AT device implementation training, technical assistance and product installation services, client-specific AT and bulk product purchases, product distribution to clients and the management of an employment-related, dedicated assistive technology inventory for device demonstrations, short term product loans and on demand AT distribution of AT device inventory for RSA clients, staff and community-based AT specialists.

IHD is an interdisciplinary unit and the oldest Institute at NAU. IHD is housed in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences on the campus of NAU in Flagstaff, Arizona. Designated as a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) with core funding provided by the Administration on Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, emphasis is placed on four core function areas: Research and Evaluation, Interdisciplinary Education and Training, Community Services, and Information Dissemination. The ATEI program falls under the Community Service area.

Project Leadership and Oversight 45%

• Provides project leadership; allocates resources, establishes goals and prioritizes program activities. Oversees all facets of the daily operations of the program ensuring compliance with university, state, and federal laws, policies, and regulations.
• Establishes, implements, and reviews policies and procedures for program activities in accordance with the contract Scope of Work including the critical assistive technology service areas described above.
• Evaluates program performance including effectiveness, impact, and outcomes on clients referred to the program.
• Serves as the primary point of contact between the program and funding agency (RSA) and communicates regularly with key RSA staff regarding program status, changes, issues, etc.
• Coordinates overlapping IHD assistive technology services (e.g., equipment inventory, device demonstrations, loans, etc.) with the Arizona Technology Access Program Director.
• Develops and sustains collaborative relationships and activities with other disability-related organizations.
• Networks with local, state and national agencies for future program development, expansion and collaboration.
• Works with NAU leadership to determine and pursue additional office space as needed to support program requirements.

Strategic Talent Management - 20%

• Develops and/or maintains the strategic talent management plan for assigned program(s); oversees recruiting and hiring decisions; supervises and motivates employees; conducts and submits annual employee performance appraisals.
• Trains and orients new employees.
• Recruits and requests contracts for qualified contractors (Assistive Technology Providers). Liaises with contractors and monitors contractor performance.

Financial Planning and Budget Management - 10%

• Participates in the development and maintenance of annual budgets for the program and performs periodic cost and productivity analyses.
• Identifies and responds to new funding opportunities relevant to this project and/or other IHD initiatives (assistive technology & others)

Compliance and Data Collection - 10%

• Monitors timely data collection to ensure that relevant data is collected and entered into the appropriate project-specific and other data collection systems used at the Institute for Human Development.
• Prepares and submits reports in compliance with state, federal and/or private funder requirements and timelines.

Management Internal and External Communications - 10%

• Oversees development and ongoing updates to the ATEI webpages on the IHD and AzTAP websites.
• Oversees the development of program literature and marketing materials in accessible electronic and print formats in collaboration with IHD staff and/or vendors.

Other duties as assigned - 5%

• Provides direct assistive technology services/consultation (as time and expertise permits) to clients and staff at the Rehabilitation Services Administration and to staff at the Institute for Human Development.
• Travels as needed and as health conditions permit to all regions of the state to carry out job dues.
• Works collaboratively with other IHD/AzUCD projects/personnel to address and support the academic/research/community service mission of NAU.
• Reports to and meets regularly with the IHD Executive Director.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation/disability related field such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, special education, social work, public policy or disability law.
• 5 years of relevant work experience with assistive technology devices, working in a training and/or service delivery, health, education, rehabilitation, or social services related field.
• 2-4 years of management or supervisory experience.
• Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in related field.
• 7-10 years of experience working in an Assistive Technology Center/Program with progressive levels of responsibility.
• Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) credential or Assistive Technology (AT) Certificate from an accredited university (or willingness to obtain within 12 months); Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) credential.
• Experience working with individuals with a broad range of disabilities and/or functional limitations across the life span.
• Broad-based knowledge and advanced application skills relevant to assistive technology products and services, including with youth/adult employment and independent living.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please click on the "Apply" button on this page. You must submit your application by clicking on the "Submit" button by midnight of the application deadline. If you need assistance completing your application there are instructions available on the Human Resources website or in person in the Human Resources Department located in Building 91 on the NAU Campus - on the corner of Beaver and DuPont Streets.

Complete applications will include:

1. Resume
2. Cover letter, addressing your specific qualifications to the position needs

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process please contact the Office of Equity and Access at: 928-523-3312/TDD - 928-523-1006 or PO Box 4083, Flagstaff AZ 86011.

Please see nau.jobs for full job descriptions and details on how to apply online!  NAU is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.