PAY GRADE: 31E

CONTEXT OF THE JOB

The Center for Disabilities Studies (CDS) promotes increased access, opportunity and accomplishment among people with disabilities--across ages and life domains-- through its multifaceted research, training and service portfolio. CDS is one of 68 University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) nationwide, and is the largest research, training and public service center in the College of Education and Human Development. The Center's current programmatic units focus on transition to adult life, health and wellness, PreK-12 education, and assistive technology. Each unit implements a cohesive program of research, training and service, including model demonstrations, service delivery, technical assistance, academic training, professional development  community training, advocacy, and information dissemination. CDS is also the administrative home of several interdisciplinary pre-service preparation programs. CDS works in close collaboration with federal agencies and organizations, state agencies, other units at UD, community organizations, service providers, and individuals with disabilities and their families. Each unit provides opportunities to both graduate and undergraduate students to develop their knowledge, skills and dispositions and contribute to the Center’s mission. The center also manages the Disability Studies Minor, the Access:Ability Scholars program, and two large-scale leadership training programs. The Mental Health Content Specialist is a part of the Health & Wellness Unit within the Center. More information about CDS is available at www.udel.edu/cds.

In its 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, CDS identified mental health as a priority domain for research, training and system change initiatives.

Under the limited direction of the Health and Wellness Unit Director, the Mental Health Content Specialist helps provide leadership and direction to current CDS initiatives related to mental health. The Mental Health Content Specialist provides content expertise in the practices and systems that support individuals with disabilities who have mental health challenges. This individual will help design and implement new initiatives that enable a more comprehensive understanding of the mental health needs of individuals with disabilities, including effective practices and supports for this community and their families.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborates with the Health and Wellness Unit Director to: determine vision and long-term objectives; devise and implement processes and practices; and make operating decisions that positively impact the Center’s portfolio of mental health-related initiatives, with a focus on the mental health of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Maintain effective working relationships and collaborations with state and federal agencies, as well as national and community organizations, to expand influence and impact.
• Participate in the development, implementation, and maintenance of policies, objectives, and short- and long-range planning related to mental health projects.
• Collaborate with other Center staff in strategic planning, cultivation of partnerships, and development and implementation of programmatic initiatives.
• Support the maintenance of project-related data repositories.
• Support the preparation of reports and maintenance of records to meet all requirements of the institution and funding sources.
• Coordinate, design, deliver, and evaluate engaging and informative training and technical assistance to a wide variety of constituents including, but not limited to, individuals with disabilities, family members, educators, state and community providers, healthcare professionals, administrators and policymakers.
• Support the development and evaluation of curricula.
• Support systems change through participation on local, state and national councils, committees, work groups, etc.
• Exercise a high degree of creativity, foresight, and judgment in planning, organizing and guiding activities of importance.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Essential

• Master’s degree in social work and/or a discipline closely aligned with mental health and a minimum of 3 years of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their family members/caregivers, and/or mental health professionals who serve this population of individuals.
• Knowledge of evidence-based approaches for supporting the mental health of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Background in analyzing systemic barriers to effective, adequate and culturally-responsive mental health supports across the lifespan, and contributing to solutions-focused initiatives.
• Ability to support the development, organization, and implementation of impactful projects, addressing complex problems.
• Effective interpersonal and collaborative skills, particularly with community partners, and in spoken and written communication with diverse constituencies, including individuals with disabilities, those experiencing mental health challenges, and the families of these populations of individuals.
• Knowledge of training and adult learning principles, and the ability to implement a wide range of training methods, techniques, and formats.
• Excellent critical thinking, problem-solving, and presentation skills.
• Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
• Ability to make administrative, procedural, and policy decisions and judgments is essential.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (spreadsheet, database, word processing, PowerPoint).

Preferred

• Advanced skills in budget preparation and management, and the ability to develop financial plans and manage resources.
• Experience supervising and coordinating staff.

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to travel to clinics, hospitals, and other potential training audience sites throughout Delaware
• Ability to attend national conferences and other out-of-state events
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed
• Has regular access to a private means of transportation