Position Overview

University of Kansas Transition to Postsecondary Education (KU TPE) provides specialized services and supports to KU undergraduates with intellectual and developmental disabilities so they may participate in typical KU academic, employment, and student life activities.

The Student Life Specialist leads all activities related to social engagement and student life for the KU TPE program, and develops multiple means, accommodations, and methods for supporting students in TPE to find, access, and participate in KU undergraduate student life.

Examples include student clubs and organizations, Greek life, living communities, student union activities, social / emotional supports, navigating campus / town, athletic and art / music events, and student recreational activities.

This position oversees the TPE Student Navigators, a group of volunteer KU undergraduates, who are matched with students in TPE to facilitate social connections and participation across campus.

Some travel is required and occasionally work outside of typical M-F, 8-5 hours. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, manages multiple tasks within prescribed timelines, anticipates and plans for multiple situations, is a creative problem-solver, and has excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Job Description

50% - Develop program-level system and individualized supports for KU-TPE students to participate in KU student life activities and experiences.

• Work with students, KU student clubs and organization (including Greek Life) to facilitate KU TPE student participation in KU student life activities and social opportunities of their choice.
• Collaborate with KU student clubs / organizations and KU student life units to develop methods and practices for facilitating social networks for students in TPE and for creating accommodating and welcoming environments.
• Meet with each student weekly to address social problem-solving, supports to help them be independent in social networking, and identify preferred social activities and interests.
• Support students to make informed decisions about their progress and meeting their goals.
• Participate in student person-centered planning meetings and ensuring steps are taken to help students meet their goals.
• Connect students with services and resources, as needed, both within and outside of KU.
• Develop systems to support students to learn and practice executive functioning skills related to college setting. This includes appropriate use of social media, group texting, texting, emailing, using calendars and advanced planning.

25% - Recruit, train and support paid and volunteer Student Navigators.

• Recruit and onboard Student Navigators.
• Teach 1 hour course / semester for Student Navigators as their ongoing training.
• Supervise a student employee to assist with Student Navigators.
• Ensure Student Navigators are matched with students in TPE and meet their obligations.

15% - Participate in student recruitment and onboarding activities.

• Represent TPE at informational events for marketing.
• Assist in organizing TPE Jump Start and supporting KU Orientation.
• Coordinate TPE Early Preparation activities each August.

5% - Maintain recordkeeping, evaluation, and reporting requirements.

5% - Other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree with minimum of one (1) year of related professional experience.

2. Minimum of one (1) year experience working with people with disabilities as personal or career experience.

3. Minimum of one (1) year of experience helping others find resources / activities.

4. Strong interpersonal, organization, and administrative skills.

5. Experience working independently and with collaborative teams.

6. Excellent written communication skills as evidenced by application materials.

7. Strong computer skills especially with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint as well as with online technologies.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Master’s degree in related field.

2. Experience working with children / youth / adults with intellectual disability.

3. Previous experience facilitating involvement.

4. Experience providing life coaching or other methods of helping others increase their social capital.

5. Creative problem-solving experience using a variety of resources.

6. Excellent verbal communication skills.

Last updated : 2024-06-30