University of North Texas System

Title: UNT Program Associate Director

Employee Classification: Program Associate Director

Campus: University of North Texas

Division: UNT-Provost

SubDivision-Department: UNT-Col of Health & Public Servic

Department: UNT-Rehabilitation and Health Serv-135350

Job Location: Denton

Salary: Commensurate with experience

FTE: 1.000000

Retirement Eligibility: TRS Eligible

About Us - Values Overview:

Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year.

We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team.

Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values at www.UNTSystem.edu.

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.

Program Planning

• Closely collaborate with leadership team, other UNT ELEVAR staff (e.g., graduate assistants), and HPS department/college faculty and staff.
• Note: This job description is not intended to be all inclusive. The employee may perform other related duties, or the job may change over time according to the programs ongoing needs.

Work Schedule:

Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm with some flexibility

Driving University Vehicle:

Yes

Security Sensitive:

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions:

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted. Resume and cover letter required

Benefits:

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement:

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit -- and takes actions to prevent -- discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking) and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities, facilities and employment practices. The University of North Texas System promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. The University of North Texas System also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist or participate in an investigative proceeding or hearing.

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