Coordinator of ACES Program

Program Coordinator

The Program Coordinator supports the mission of the ACES Program by coordinating academic, career, and community-based services for students with intellectual disabilities enrolled at the university. This position provides direct instruction, student support, internship and employment coordination, community outreach, and administrative oversight to ensure students successfully transition to higher education, meaningful employment, and independent adult living. The Program Coordinator serves as a liaison among students, families, faculty, university offices, employers, and community partners while promoting the goals and visibility of ACES.

Instruction and Student Support

• Teach Self-Advocacy and Self-Determination courses.
• Develop and maintain course syllabi, lesson plans, instructional materials, and assessments aligned with program objectives.
• Provide individualized academic support and coaching for ACES students enrolled in university coursework.
• Evaluate student performance and progress in both ACES and university classes.
• Obtain and incorporate constructive feedback from university faculty regarding student performance.
• Complete student progress reports and maintain accurate academic records.
• Substitute for ACES instructors as needed to ensure instructional continuity.
• Arrange and coordinate guest speakers and educational presentations to enrich student learning experiences.

Student Success and Family Communication

• Maintain regular communication with parents and families regarding students' academic progress, campus involvement, and overall success.
• Assist students in developing self-advocacy, independent living, and college readiness skills.
• Coordinate support services to promote student persistence, engagement, and successful completion of program requirements.

Internship and Employment Coordination

• Develop, coordinate, and monitor internship placements for ACES students.
• Conduct on-site evaluations of students at internship and employment locations.
• Establish and maintain relationships with local businesses and employers to secure internship and competitive employment opportunities.
• Visit businesses and community organizations to identify appropriate employment placements based on students' strengths and career interests.
• Assist students in transitioning from internships to permanent employment opportunities whenever possible.

Community Outreach and Partnership Development

• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with community agencies, businesses, and organizational partners.
• Attend community meetings, networking events, and public engagements to promote the ACES program.
• Deliver presentations to increase awareness of the program and cultivate community support, partnerships, and funding opportunities.
• Serve as an ambassador for the ACES program by educating university personnel and community stakeholders about inclusive post-secondary education.

Program Administration

• Develop and maintain program documents, including student waivers, evaluation forms, advisory committee materials, and other program resources.
• Coordinate and oversee incoming student orientation and transition activities during PREP.
• Prepare reports and provide updates to the Director of the ACES Program.
• Collaborate with the Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS), the University Registrar's Office, the University Foundation, and other university departments to ensure students receive appropriate funding, accommodations, and required documentation.
• Photograph and document program events, activities, student achievements, and significant milestones for program records, marketing, and public relations.
• Coordinate and supervise student workers and volunteers, including scheduling, training, assigning responsibilities, and evaluating performance while they assist ACES students.
• Assist with special projects, recruitment activities, and other duties as assigned to support the goals of the ACES program.

• Bachelor's degree
• Experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in educational, vocational, or community settings.
• Experience in teaching, program coordination, transition planning, or workforce development is preferred.