Assistant Director of Neurodiversity Initiative and Pathways Programs

Aurora University, United States

Updated: about 3 hours ago
Location: Aurora, ILLINOIS

Aurora University (AU) is committed to the transformative power of learning by creating a student-centered environment and an equity of experience and opportunity, to ensure that students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel welcome and included. Our culture of collaboration, generosity, and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty, and staff.

AU is grounded in the transformative opportunity it provides to a diverse student body. As a private university with a public mission and a commitment to making a difference in peoples’ lives, AU has a long history of resilience and of providing access to an education that values innovation, focuses on continuous improvement, and has a positive impact on the communities we serve. We are proud of our service to and economic impact on the state of Illinois, where over 80% of our students stay to live and work, where 90% of our students come from, and where we foster strong community partnerships to develop the workforce in areas such as nursing, education, business, technology, and social work.

We are looking for passionate and purposeful individuals who represent the full diversity of Aurora and who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, ability, identity, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at AU, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative, and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice requiring broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students, and community partners.

At AU we believe that continuous learning is a fundamental part of working life, and our goal is for all colleagues on our campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support our community by providing all employees with opportunities to engage in professional development activities, as well as a range of tuition and employee benefits that can be found here .

Position Purpose:

The Assistant Director of Neurodiversity Initiative and Pathways Programs supports learning by working with the Director of Neurodiversity Initiative and Pathways Programs, as well as other members of Aurora University, and local community to plan and implement supports and services in the Pathways Collegiate Program, Pathways College Connections Program, and Pathways Summer Camps. This position includes participation and commitment to the ongoing development of the Neurodiversity Initiative at Aurora University.

Core Competencies:

  • Represents Aurora University in the most positive manner with prospective, former and current students, clients, suppliers, and the community we serve. Interacts effectively with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students and other customers of our service, learns and uses operating practices of the department and Aurora University.
  • Upholds the Mission Statement: Aurora University is an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning. As a teaching-centered institution, we encourage undergraduate and graduate students to discover what it takes to build meaningful and examined lives. We empower our students to achieve lasting personal and professional success.
  • Handles all information with tact and discretion and recognizes the confidential nature of university business.
  • Supports learning through performance of essential job functions and performing other duties and functions as necessary or as assigned.

    • Essential Job Functions:

  • Conduct weekly check-in meetings with Pathways Collegiate Program participants, including ongoing documentation of formal and informal meetings.
  • Provide regular updates to the Director of the Neurodiversity Initiative and Pathways Program on student progress and behavioral or academic concerns.
  • Oversee the planning and supervision for on- and off-campus activities for Pathways Program participants through researching local businesses and organizations for outings, creating a schedule that ensures activities and outings are adequately staffed, coordinating transportation for off-campus outings, reserving spaces for on-campus activities, and delegating tasks to Pathways staff and social work interns during social and leisure activities.
  • Serve as a "bridge" between Pathways Collegiate Program participants and campus/community resources.
  • Collaborate with Aurora University faculty and staff to create and implement programing that supports the executive function, social pragmatics, recreational, and college-living skills for neurodiverse students within the Pathways Program.
  • Lead the Pathways Camp Spartan Summer Camp, including overseeing all planning and implementation of activities, development of the master staff and event schedule, as well as the application, interview, and registration process.
  • Communicate with Aurora University faculty, staff, and families of Pathways participants as needed.
  • Oversee the development and delivery of weekly seminars for students in the Pathways Collegiate Program, including collaboration with other Aurora University departments, outside organizations, and student perspectives. Teach, guide, and provide constructive feedback to MSW interns as they facilitate portions of the seminar.
  • Supervise MSW interns, including conducting weekly supervision, creating schedule and delegating tasks, researching evidenced-based articles and resources to provide interns in order to assist in expanding their knowledge of neurodiversity and to assist in their own professional development, communicating with MSW liaison as needed.
  • Collect data and conduct focus groups to report to the assessment plan of the Pathways Programs.
  • Conduct research and participate in ongoing professional development to help contribute to the growth of the Neurodiversity Initiative at Aurora University.
  • Participate in recruiting and educational activities and events for the Pathways Programs at Aurora University.
  • Execute other projects and responsibilities as assigned.

    • Essential Job Requirements:

    Education:

    • Candidate must hold a master's degree in a field related to advising (i.e. Social Work, Education, Speech and Language Therapy, Psychology, Therapeutic Recreation.) Will consider degree in-progress with an anticipated graduation date within one year of employment start date. Additional certification such as LSW, LCSW, or CTRS preferred, but not required.

    Experience:

    • Experience working with neurodiverse populations and individuals with disabilities is required. Experience working with high school and college-age individuals is preferred.

    Skills:

    • Candidate must have strong problem-solving skills and communication skills as well as the ability to collaborate with others. Basic computer (email, Microsoft Office, etc.) skills are necessary.

    Physical Requirements:

    • Must be able to sit at a desk for extended periods of time, stand and move around campus as well as other community locations, use a computer, lift and carry approximately 20-30 lbs. of equipment, and drive a campus vehicle (when given training.)

    Benefit-eligible positions offer excellent benefits including health, dental, life, vision, long term disability, a 403(b) retirement plan through TIAA, and tuition remission.

    To apply, please send resume, cover letter, and contact information for three references including name, telephone, and email address.

    Aurora University
    Human Resources
    347 South Gladstone Ave
    Aurora, IL 60506
    [email protected] - email

    Aurora University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.


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