Employment First Project Coordinator, Family & Community Medicine

The University of Arizona Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities is seeking a dedicated and innovative Employment First Project Coordinator to join our dynamic team committed to promoting inclusion for people with disabilities. The successful candidate will support the implementation of Employment First initiatives, aiming to set the expectation of work as a standard for everyone, including individuals with significant disabilities.

They will collaborate with national, state, and local groups to drive systems change, provide technical assistance, and actively implement Employment First practices. Their work will involve engaging with families, youth, community members, providers, schools, employers, agencies, and other stakeholders to make a tangible impact-transforming awareness into actionable steps ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate fully in their communities through meaningful work.

Candidates who are passionate about promoting employment for all and are eager to contribute to a team that values kindness, innovation, and meaningful change are encouraged to apply. Those dedicated to empowering individuals through the expectation of work and facilitating full community participation will find this role especially rewarding.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Leadership and Coordination:

• Provide strategic support for statewide leadership efforts by coordinating the Employment First Advisory Council and four specialized workgroups, ensuring effective collaboration and alignment with broader policy objectives.
• Oversee the implementation and coordination of all facets of Employment First initiatives, with a focus on adaptive management to respond to the evolution of key projects, such as customized employment pilots, ensuring sustained impact and alignment with emerging best practices.
• Champion the expectation of employment for all individuals by leading efforts to enhance awareness, facilitate education, deliver targeted training, develop innovative resources, and proactively address systemic barriers to achieving successful employment outcomes for diverse populations.
• Manage and streamline the collection, organization, and maintenance of project-related records, data, and reports, ensuring comprehensive documentation and facilitating ongoing evaluation of program effectiveness and impact.

Collaboration and Outreach:

• Collaborate with organizations at national, state, and local levels to find ways to improve employment opportunities for everyone, including people with disabilities.
• Engage employers by providing resources and information to help them hire, promote, and retain diverse workers.
• Reach out to communities to encourage the expectation of work and support active participation in career exploration.
• Work with stakeholders to develop and adapt Employment First Initiatives to meet the needs of the community and keep up with changes.

Training and Technical Assistance:

• Coordinate and implement events and trainings on Employment First and transition initiatives, highlighting the value of work for all individuals.
• Develop and deliver training that integrates person-centered thinking, trauma-informed care, brain injury-informed care, and supported decision-making.
• Provide technical assistance to stakeholders, helping them understand and apply best practices related to Employment First.
• Track and respond to requests for support, identifying common trends to improve services and resources.

Resource Development and Information Dissemination:

• Assist in evaluation efforts (e.g., focus groups and surveys) to identify needs and implement Employment First practices, using findings to drive strategic actions that promote employment for all.
• Develop and disseminate accessible resources in multiple formats (print, online, videos) related to Employment First implementation and customized employment strategies.
• Assist in the maintenance and updating of the Employment First online presence (webpages, social media) ensuring a visible and action-oriented presence through the Sonoran Center website and media channels.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

• Certification as a Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) or completion of Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE) training.
• Experience with customized employment practices and coordinating pilot projects or new initiatives.
• Experience supporting project management and collaborating with directors or senior leadership.
• Additional certifications or training in person-centered planning, trauma-informed care, work incentives, or supported decision-making.
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish or another language relevant to the communities served.