Direct Support Assistant - Graduate or Undergraduate Level; Practicum, Internship or Fieldwork Placement
HANDS in Autism® Interdisciplinary Training and Resource Center
Department of Psychiatry, IU School of Medicine
Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health
With a longstanding history in translating science to practice within IU Health and other medical and community sites as well as a facilitator of state and community-level interdisciplinary teams, the HANDS in Autism® Interdisciplinary Training and Resource Center is making a significant impact in the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other special needs as well as their families and caregivers statewide and beyond. The evidence-based behavioral and educational practices at the core of the HANDS Model have had noted feasibility and practicality to providers and other stakeholders across settings (educational, medical/clinical, home/community). In addition, though the focus and expertise of HANDS is well recognized in ASD and related disabilities, consumers and stakeholders alike appreciate that the same behavioral and educational principles and practices are relevant and useful to a wide range of individuals across functioning levels and the lifespan.
Learn more about the HANDS in Autism® Center, its mission and vision, and the breadth of opportunities that are facilitated through our work at https://handsinautism.iupui.edu/about-us/.
Direct Support Assistant - Graduate or Undergraduate Level; Practicum, Internship, or Fieldwork Placement
Position overview
Are you looking for an immersive experience working alongside individuals with disabilities?
HANDS in Autism® provides Direct Support Assistants with real-world experiences and opportunities to engage with adolescent through adult individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related disabilities within community-based settings and as aligned with both the interests and skills of the student or volunteer as well as the needs of HANDS in Autism®.
Preference for 15 hour per week commitment across at least two semesters and/or an academic year.
Duties
Direct Support Assistants will engage up to 15 hours/week across at least two semesters and/or an academic year. Ongoing responsibilities are overseen and supported by the HANDS leadership and training team; however, various duties will provide opportunity to work within the dynamic team-based environment.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:
- setting-based consultations & evaluations across home, school, medical, work and community settings;
- web conferences and teleconsultations;
- individual and group programming sessions;
- direct support of HANDSmade™ interns;
- training, evaluation, and consultation with individuals with ASD, families/caregivers, school personnel, community and medical providers, and regional community networks
Learning Outcomes
In accordance with the IUPUI Profiles of Learning for Undergraduate Success, student support assistants will gain insights, applied practice, and ongoing mentoring to gain skills as an effective:
- Communicator – The ability to listen, write, and speak effectively.
- Innovator – The ability to design, plan, organize, and implement projects and tasks within a specific timeframe.
- Problem Solver – The ability to manage multiple assignments and tasks, set priorities, and adapt to changing conditions and work assignments.
- Community Contributor – The ability to demonstrate a sensitivity and awareness to other people and cultures.
Preferred Qualifications
Desired Minimum Qualifications:
- Availability: Requires weekly availability of up to 15 hours/week from 8:00am - 5:00pm with blocks of at least 3 hours duration
- Ability to travel will provide additional opportunities to support services and training across settings statewide
Education and Experience:
- Enrollment as a student within Indiana University and access to or ability to work on the IUPUI campus
- Candidates with experience in health services field are encouraged to apply
- Applications from universities across Indiana will be considered if participation is part of a coursework or program requirement