Ace! Program Specialist 1 - Nisonger Center

Screen reader users may encounter difficulty with this site. For assistance with applying, please contact [email protected]. If you have questions while submitting an application, please review these frequently asked questions.

Current Employees and Students:

If you are currently employed or enrolled as a student at The Ohio State University, please log in to Workday to use the internal application process.

Welcome to The Ohio State University's career site.  We invite you to apply to positions of interest. In order to ensure your application is complete, you must complete the following:

• Ensure you have all necessary documents available when starting the application process. You can review the additional job description section on postings for documents that may be required.

• Prior to submitting your application, please review and update (if necessary) the information in your candidate profile as it will transfer to your application. 

Job Title:

Ace! Program Specialist 1 - Nisonger Center

Department:

Health Sciences | Nisonger Center

The Ohio State University Nisonger Center Learning and Interpersonal Development Skills (LIDS) program area seeks a student-centered and team-oriented candidate for the in-person position of Academic Program Services Specialist 1. Join a vibrant team of Social Workers and student affairs professionals supporting the success of Autistic and Neurodivergent college students through the Ace! program. Ace! promotes success among enrolled college students with autism, neurodivergent, and social communication differences through a range of comprehensive services. These include planning and coaching sessions, intakes/assessments, counseling, and various social groups and activities. Ace! participants receive support in many facets of college life, such as developing academic, social, and self-advocacy skills; advocating with peers, college staff, and instructors; facilitating a connection with career services; enhancing executive functioning skills; and developing independent living skills.

The Academic Program Services Specialist schedules and hosts individual and group sessions with Ace! members for academic and executive function skill building, facilitates planning and coaching sessions, provides advocacy with faculty and staff in a variety of departments across campuses, collaborates and facilitates orientation activities for students and families, and implements strengths-based instruction to support transition and development of a range of skills such as, but not limited to self-advocacy and communication; health and wellness; planning and organizational tools; financial literacy; and assessing progress of student goals.

We host activities that further promote Ace! students' social communication development and involvement on campus, in the community and other areas required for independent living; responsibilities include coordinating the social work interns and program allies who plan and facilitate these weekly events.

Additionally, this role supports the coordination of interns and volunteers to support Ace! members, as well as program growth. Other responsibilities include attending recruitment events for LIDS programs, supporting local, regional, and national professional development events, and completing/documenting intake sessions with prospective Ace! members and families.

All Ace! staff contribute to program and departmental growth by participating in student and family recruitment and orientation activities. Additional responsibilities include attending community recruitment events for all LIDS programs, and supporting local, regional, and national professional development efforts.

Due to the nature of working with students in this position, Friday evenings and/or weekend availability will be required for activities and responding to text or email communication. Program staff are expected to adhere to HIPAA, FERPA, and OSU/OSUMC requirements while ensuring adherence to the the program philosophy rooted in social work and student self-determination principles.

Candidate will have the opportunity to participate in grant writing and funding activities, conference presentations, research including publications, and program budget activities should they desire these roles.
Education, lived experience, and/or experience in working with Autistic teens and young adults is desired. Bachelor’s degree in Student Affairs, Social Work, or other related social science field or equivalent experience is required. It is preferred that the candidate also has experience in leading training and overseeing groups of students. Strong oral, written, and interpersonal skills are required. A background check and pre-employment physical will be required for the intended candidate.

Minimum Education Requirements:
Bachelors Degree in Student Affairs, Social Work, or other Social Sciences
or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Additional Education Desired (optional):
Additional education is encouraged; continuing education is encouraged.

Experience, Training and other Qualifications Required or Desired:

• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal skills required.
• Experience working with Autistic and Neurodivergent individuals or individuals diagnosed with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and other conditions desired. Lived experience could be considered as experience.
• It is preferred that the candidate has experience in facilitating training for and overseeing groups of students.
• Evening and/or weekend availability is required for activities such as group supervision, student and trainee orientation, community engagement and Friday Connections, professional development events, departmental presentations, and responding to email and text communications

Additional Information (Working Environment, Physical Activity, etc. - OPTIONAL)
This position requires working in person, in a variety of buildings across the campus, as is required to meet with students near their classrooms in libraries, and in the surrounding community rather than in Ace! office.

Function: Academic Administration

Sub-function: Academic Program Services

Career Level: S1

Additional Information:

45% -

• Provide in person, ongoing academic support, autism/neurodivergent-informed wraparound supports, and social communication group sessions to Autistic and Neurodivergent college students
• Provide planning, organization, and support for student events or activities, which will include evening or weekend hours (e.g., Friday Connections)
• Grow social opportunities for Ace! members to include more trainees and allies from fields outside of social work, move activities/opportunities, and increase member participation in existing OSU clubs and organizations
• Review grades weekly and advise or refer to other resources and accommodations accordingly
• Assist Ace! students in identifying and tracking personal and educational goals
• Assessment and referral to appropriate clinical support services for crisis cases
• Collaborate with Ace! team on appropriate actions to ensure a high degree of quality in the program, care coordination, and service delivery
• Adhere to HIPAA and FERPA regulations and OSU/OSUMC’s legal requirements relevant to the program
• Program’s philosophy is founded on person in environment, self-determination framework
• Maintain records of interactions with Ace! students including assessment, goals, behavioral contracts, resource referrals, and other pertinent information

30%

• Advocate for autistic and neurodivergent students within the university
• Communicate and consult as needed with faculty and/or staff in the Student Life, Residence Life, Dennis Learning Center, Academic Advising, Career Services, and other departments on campus
• Consult with Counseling Center, Health Center, Residence Life, ADA, and other departments on campus
• Coordinate and train intern facilitators assigned to caseload – serve as the academic liaison

15%

• Collaborate with other LIDS staff to develop and maintain community outreach and resources locally and nationally (ASU, CAN, recruitment events/activities)
• Support Autism/Neurodivergence trainings and professional development offerings provided by LIDS for OSU and local community.
• Answer program phone line on evening and/or weekends on a rotating basis
• Coordinate and staff or supervise study sessions (virtual and in-person)
• Coordinate Ace! orientation sessions (virtual and in-person) and connection events for families and students
• Supports blog and/or other external communications

10%

• Other tasks and responsibilities as requested to support student and/or program needs

Location:

McCampbell Hall (0303)

Position Type:

Regular

Scheduled Hours:

40

Shift:

First Shift

Thank you for your interest in positions at The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by visiting the Candidate Home section of this site. Please view your submitted applications by logging in and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions please review the frequently asked questions.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.