Sr. Program Area Specialist, Institute Human Development

Sr. Program Area Specialist, Institute for Human Development

University of Missouri‑Kansas City

Institute for Human Development, University Center on Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD)

The UMKC Institute for Human Development (IHD) is an applied research and training center for human services, exemplifying the University’s goals of engaged scholarship and community partnerships. Its core functions include interdisciplinary training, applied research, community program development, and information dissemination. The CtLC Nexus, housed at IHD, supports the intersection of Charting the Life Course (CtLC) ideas, collaboration, and transformation. It acts as a central hub that connects stakeholders, facilitates knowledge exchange, and partners with organizations using CtLC to enhance existing resources, training, and practices or to develop innovative solutions.

The Nexus disseminates these innovations through access to resources, materials, training, and technical assistance.

• Assist in managing and coordinating a portfolio of training and technical assistance projects related to long‑term services and supports, specifically person‑centered planning and support coordination—monitoring project timelines and ensuring deliverables are met.
• Provide training and technical assistance to organizations and professionals for integrating and implementing the Life Course framework and tools for support coordination/case management.
• Oversee and adapt functional plans and priorities to meet short‑ and long‑term service goals of the Nexus and IHD.
• Assist in development and maintenance of Life Course training resources and tools for practitioners and organizations.
• Support the ongoing membership and learning of a national network of professionals and organizations.
• Assist with evaluation and research of Life Course projects, programs, and evidence‑based practices focusing on support coordination/case management.
• Work collaboratively with internal and external subject‑matter experts and identify target audiences’ technical and strategic needs to develop and implement desired outcomes.
• Develop and maintain strong synergistic relationships with external partners, IHD, and Nexus team members.

NOTE:

This position may require travel. It is 100% grant‑funded and contingent on continued funding.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience, plus at least 3 years of comparable experience.

• Master’s degree in social work, human/social services, healthcare management, public administration, or equivalent education and at least 4 years of experience in social services and organizational management.
• Personal lived experience or working experience with individuals with disabilities and/or their families.
• At least 1 year of experience with project management, information dissemination, data collection, or research projects.

• Experience in best practices for person‑centered support coordination, including implementation of the CtLC framework and tools.
• Experience managing, leading, and training support coordinators/case managers and/or organizations, integrating person‑centered practices and Charting the Life Course into organizational policies and culture.
• Expertise partnering with professionals, community members, and people with disabilities.
• Self‑driven performance and initiative with strong skills in organizing and managing multiple projects.
• Experience developing training and written materials for broad dissemination (e.g., reports, publications, curriculum, tools/resources).
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse community and meet the needs of diverse learning populations.
• Ability to work well independently and with a team.
• Participation in strategic planning or process consulting for organizational change.
• Strong connection to and/or active membership in national, state, and local organizations specific to support coordination/case management and person‑centered best practices.
• Ability to work flexible hours and travel as needed.