Department Summary

The College of Health and Public Service (HPS) at the University of North Texas, distinguished as one of the few Tier One research universities designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), prepares graduates to address diverse and complex social issues such as aging, disability, disaster management and recovery, criminal justice, health disparities, and public safety, and find solutions to challenges in public administration, public health, and urban design. We have seven academic departments with undergraduate and graduate programs, the Center for Public Management, the UNT Speech and Hearing Center, the UNT Work Inclusion and Supported Employment (UNT WISE) program, and a number of professional development and clinical training programs to facilitate careers to address a global society.

HPS students are trained to lead nonprofits, become educators, researchers and professionals who strengthen the diverse communities we serve, with thoughtful, inclusive, and equitable practices as audiologists, behavior analysts, city managers, emergency managers, health care administrators, public safety administrators, public health specialists, rehabilitation counselors, speech language pathologists, social workers, urban planners, and more.

UNT ELEVAR (Empower, Learn, Excel, enVision, Advance, Rise) is a four-year inclusive postsecondary education program for students with intellectual disabilities (ID). Following the definition of the program’s name, ELEVAR [lift, soar, rise, in Spanish], the program’s vision is to empower young adults with ID who wish to continue postsecondary education (PSE) to become self-determined, independent, and healthy adults readied for integrated competitive employment.

Position Overview

The UNT ELEVAR Program Associate Director is responsible for assessing the needs of the students and the UNT ELEVAR program then planning, implementing, coordinating, and organizing activities and services that support these needs along with the mission of the UNT ELEVAR program. The position ensures continuous quality improvement and creativity of all UNT ELEVAR activities and services including meeting postsecondary education program standards. The position has the responsibility to develop, implement, and assess daily UNT ELEVAR activities, practices, procedures, supports, and services including academic, living, health, social and employment activities.

This position will focus on program development, implementation, and continuous improvement. Along with an emphasis on the review and development of program processes, procedures, marketing, and assessment of outcomes to ensure comprehensive and integrated service delivery to students leading to student success and completion. This position will work collaboratively with the UNT ELEVAR faculty lead on budgets, grant procurement, and fundraising activities.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in related field and four years' of professional related experience; substitute education for experience only.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

At least two years' experience in a relevant position supporting young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Experience collaborating with employers and/or organizations supporting young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Demonstrated ability to develop, implement, and evaluate effective plans, programs, policies, and practices related to academic, living, social, emotional, health, and employment of students/young adults with disabilities.
Ability to plan, conduct, and implement evidence-based practices and assessments for students with varying abilities.
Strong written and oral communication skills, including excellent interpersonal communication, written reports and correspondence, and presentations for large and small audiences.
Preferred Qualifications

Masters Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Special Education, Social Work, or related field.
Experience working in an inclusive postsecondary education program with students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
Strong background supporting students with intellectual/developmental disabilities in higher education, K12 schools, or in the community.
Experience carrying out, managing, or coordinating transition projects or programs for individuals with disabilities.
Experience in collaborating with state and local Vocational Rehabilitation agencies to support employment for people with disabilities.
Knowledge of research, theories, literature, and trends in educational programs for students with disabilities and demonstrated ability to apply this knowledge in practice.
Job Duties:

Program Coordination

Coordinate and implement daily program activities associated with implementing and maintaining the UNT ELEVAR Program, including but not limited to supporting students, facilitating person centered planning, coordinating course enrollment (twice a year), presenting at open houses, communicating with families and other stakeholders.
Programming

Coordinate, and oversee all activities of the UNT ELEVAR program admissions, orientations, and overall programming.
Employment and Career Student Support

Support UNT ELEVAR students in securing inclusive competitive employment positions that align with their person-centered planning goals prior to graduating from the program. Support UNT ELEVAR students in their employment readiness by teaching, coaching, and providing other related activities to increase job skills. Facilitate partnerships with vocational rehabilitation agencies to provide employment related supports for students (e.g., job coaching, funding for vocational training). Assist in maintaining a positive and productive relationship with UNT ELEVAR students, their families, and UNT partners. Support UNT ELEVAR students at the end of their program in transitioning to a more independent adult life per UNT ELEVAR program goals.
Implementation and Evaluation

Develops methods and ensures utilization of evaluation/assessment data to determine effectiveness of the program and student growth.
Supervision

Plans, assigns, and supervises hourly student support staff including hiring and selection, assigning work, performance evaluation, personnel and discipline actions, and scheduling/leave approval. Support staff include job coaches and academic support specialists).
Collaboration

Collaborates with UNT ELEVAR Program and campus partners (e.g., principal investigators, leadership team, faculty, Residence Life staff, Office of the Registrar, Student Affairs staff, communications, Financial Aid Office of Undergraduate Education, Dean of Students) to ensure effective and timely implementation of all aspects of the UNT ELEVAR Program.