Visiting Community Research Specialist - Health & Kinesiology – IIRER

Visiting Community Research Specialist – Health & Kinesiology – IIRER

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Job Summary The Visiting Community Research Specialist will work to ensure full implementation of IIRER research projects. The position will support implementing at all phases of the research projects to ensure project implementation according to grant protocols. The position will provide training and technical assistance to stakeholders, demonstrate project fidelity, work with the research and evaluation team to collect and analyze data, coordinate project activities, and communicate and collaborate with project stakeholders.

• Research – Knowledge Translation and Dissemination
  • Support in implementing all phases of the research projects to ensure project implementation according to grant protocols.
  • Work with the evaluation team to collect and analyze data.
  • Develop research briefs that summarize new and emerging issues impacting competitive integrated employment.
  • Develop case studies based on project findings related to competitive integrated employment.
  • Assist with the development and implementation of the project evaluation plan including, but not limited to, data collection, analysis, and dissemination of findings.
  • Write professional publications and research reports.
  • Participate in other research activities as appropriate that contribute project and respond to needs identified by the funder and stakeholders.
• Training and Technical Assistance
  • Provide training and technical assistance to project stakeholders to ensure demonstration project fidelity.
  • Use research and evaluation findings to develop and deliver training and technical assistance to participating agencies to enhance the capacity to implement and sustain employment strategies to enable individuals with disabilities to achieve competitive integrated employment.
  • Use research and evaluation findings to develop and deliver training and technical assistance to the Illinois Division of Rehabilitation Services, community rehabilitation agencies, state and local education agencies, and other related agencies and personnel to promote competitive integrated employment.
  • Disseminate career development‑related technical assistance resources including fact sheets, article summaries, case study vignettes, literature reviews, presentations at state and national professional meetings, and manuscripts for submission to professional journals.
• Administration
  • Coordinate and facilitate logistical activities and meetings.
  • Assist with submitting reports on progress toward meeting goals and objectives.
  • Disseminate information on project activities and outcomes to stakeholders.

• Bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Special Education, or a closely related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in providing career, vocational, or employment services to individuals with disabilities.

• Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Special Education, or a closely related field.
• Five years of experience in providing career, vocational, and employment services to individuals with disabilities.

• Excellent communication skills.
• Interest and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Interest in improving the career development, employment, and well‑being of individuals with disabilities through research, evaluation, training, and technical assistance.
• Commitment to promoting competitive integrated employment for people with disabilities.
• In‑state travel is required for this full‑time (12‑month) position.
• Understanding of Illinois State Board of Education and Vocational Rehabilitation Systems.

This is a 100% full‑time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12‑month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close of the posting. The budgeted salary range for the position is $85,000 to $95,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Monday, January
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