Field-Based 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/.
Field-Based Assistant - Graduate or Undergraduate Level; Practicum, Internship or Fieldwork Placement
Position overview
Are you looking for an immersive community experience in the disabilities field?
HANDS in Autism® develops future community leaders with student volunteer Field-Based Assistant opportunities. Successful candidates will work alongside HANDS staff and individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related disabilities within a broad range of initiatives focused on improving supports towards quality of life for individuals and families statewide. Opportunities are customizable based upon the need of HANDS as well as the unique service and/or outreach interests of students fulfilling basic service learning or more focused class/practicum requirements for field-based study.
IDEAL FOR THOSE STUDYING: Special Education, Psychology, Social Work, Public Health, Medicine Public/Environmental Affairs
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
Engagement within specific HANDS programs may include but is not limited to the following:
- School/Community Collaborative Site Development, HANDSinAutism.iupui.edu/services/consultations/: The core vison of HANDS in Autism® is building local capacity across communities and systems within Indiana and globally. One way HANDS facilitates this development is through partnerships with local sites and programs across schools, clinics and other community settings to train and support staff in the adoption of the HANDS in Autism® Model composed of a distinctive curriculum, framework and process. Through multiyear partnerships, HANDS progressively trains the Model through a combination of instruction, modeling, coaching and feedback to improve integration and implementation of evidence-based practices (EBPs) such that the community partners and site become a demonstration of effective practice and a hub for training not only with their local community but also for the state, region, and more globally.
- Autism Engagement Network, indiananetwork.org: HANDS in Autism®, sponsored and supported by the Indiana Family and Social Service Administration (FSSA), serves as facilitator of state and community stakeholders from across community systems (e.g., family, school, medical, justice and public safety) serving autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to empower and solicit collective engagement towards: (1) managing the Indiana Interagency Autism Coordinating Council (IIACC), (2) maintaining of the Indiana Comprehensive State Plan for Individuals with ASD, and (3) conducting the ongoing high-level needs assessment to determine the state of the State in ASD.
- Local Community Cadres, HANDSinAutism.iupui.edu/collaborations/lcc/: HANDS in Autism® facilitates regional community networks of diverse stakeholders (e.g., family, school, medical, justice and public safety, advocacy, early intervention, transition) involved in servicing or caregiving individuals affected by ASD and related developmental disabilities. Currently, eight regional chapters exist across the state, helping to engage local input, context and participation in live and online meetings, events and projects that align with local interests and needs while also informing state-level policy and initiatives.
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 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 public health or other related health services fields are encouraged to apply
- Applications from universities across Indiana will be considered if participation is part of a coursework or program requirement