DRCVI Opportunities

DRCVI Opportunities

Volunteers

Essential duties and responsibilities:

• Assists with communications and outreach
 
• Acts as principal assistant on administrative matters
 
• Greets clients and directs them to other offices or locations
 
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge and Skills: Basic knowledge of computer and data entry. Pleasant manner, patience, problem-solving ability, dependability 

Support: Training for this position will be provided

Internship Opportunity

SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVOCACY INTERNSHIP
 
Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands (DRCVI) is currently seeking a Special Education Advocate Intern to continue to assist students and parents with a strong commitment to the involvement of empowering and educating parents in becoming advocates for their child(ren)’s education.
 
The mission of the DRCVI is to advance the rights of persons with disabilities, support and empower families and provide training and information that promotes the overall health and educational development of children and youth. The Special Education Advocate Intern will work with project directors, DRCVI staff, parents, and schools, to provide high-quality, culturally competent services leading to positive outcomes for children with disabilities and their families and positive relationships with professionals.
 
Eligibility:
To be eligible to apply, the individual must be a current student at the University of the Virgin Islands, 18 years of age on or before the first day of the internship, and meet at least two of the following criteria:

• Completed the first year of college and is currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree.
• Currently enrolled as a student in the School of Education, School of Social Work, or School of Psychology.
• Strong passion to learn, serve and advocate for students in Special Education and assisting parents of students in need of special education services.
• Must have completed at least three of the following courses: EDU 221 Foundations of Education, EDU 230 Educational Psychology, EDU 250 Curriculum Development, and Instruction, PSY 120 General Psychology, PSY 202 Life Span Development, and COM 119 Interpersonal Communication and Leadership Skills.

Required Qualifications:

Demonstrate relevant training and experience with the following knowledge, abilities, and skills: 

1. Outstanding planning, communication & organizational skills. 
2. Excellent outreach, family engagement and empowerment, and community collaboration skills.
3. Ability to interact with a diverse population of families, children, youth, and professionals.
4. Strong written and verbal communication. Strong Spanish or other second language skills are a plus.
5. Capacity to use technology and software including computer skills: Microsoft Office Suite, Smartsheet, Contact Management System (CMS), etc.
6. Knowledge of local community and resources. 
7. Willing to work in a team setting, internally and externally.
8. Willing to keep highly sensitive information confidential.
9. Must currently reside in the United States Virgin Islands.
10. Must have reliable transportation.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Knowledge of students with disabilities and rights.
2. Experience volunteering or working with a nonprofit organization.

Job Responsibilities:

1. Conduct outreach and provide training and support to families who need special education services.
2. Provide information, technical assistance, and parent-to-parent support. 
3. Assist parents with receiving education and documentation needed to assist them.
4. Attend IFSP and/or IEP meetings as assigned when necessary.
5. Provide information to families about available services, resources, and supports in Special Education.  
6. Enhance family self-advocacy.
7. Present at and attend professional meetings relating to DRCVI project goals and Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN’s) mission.
8. Maintain records and information that support the project under the direction of the supervisor.
9. Other responsibilities as needed.

Special Education Advocacy Internship is a twelve-week program divided into two sessions one/two weeks in the Fall and ten weeks in the Spring:

• Fall Session One: Training will be arranged upon acceptance of the position, preferably in December (two weeks at 10 hours per week)
• Spring Session Two: January – May (ten weeks)

This post is for 2 interns- One for St. Croix and One for St. Thomas/St. John.

Pay:

Students will be required to work 10 hours per week for 12 weeks. The maximum stipend for this position is $2,500 via a 1099 statement.

DRCVI is an equal employment opportunity employer.  Candidates with a full range of diverse backgrounds and language capacities are encouraged to apply. Email your resume, current class schedule, and two references to kfrancis@drcvi.org.

The deadline to apply is December 9, 2022, by close of business.