Community Trainee

Application is now open for the 2024-25 URLEND Year

Applications for 2024-25 are closed

Read the sections below before applying.

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Community Trainees are valued for their experiences with people with disabilities. These trainees complete the core URLEND program alongside Professional Trainees, Self-Advocates, and Family Members.

Things to Know

Time Commitment: 300 hours over two semesters.
Semesters: Fall and Spring semesters run August thru April.
Stipend: Most trainees receive a stipend.
Acceptance: Approximately 2 openings are available per year.

Criteria

College degree/program completion from an accredited college or university (foreign acceptable).
Community experience serving individuals with disabilities: 3 or more years working within the community.
Citizen or legal resident of the United States to be eligible for a stipend.
Available Friday afternoons for fall and spring semester from 12-4 Mountain Time to attend seminars.
Commitment to complete 300 hours of training.
Must be able to provide documentation of immunity to or vaccination for: covid, flu, pertussis, varicella, and MMR; exemptions are not possible.
Must be able to successfully pass a criminal background check and drug screen.

Demonstrated Leadership Skills

Evidence of adequate written and oral communication skills to allow interacting with peers, families, and faculty.
Evidence of leadership roles/actions within community organizations or thru community work. (Example - a project/program which promotes well-being)
Evidence of the ability to work effectively in groups/teams as well as independently.
Previous or strong interest on supporting, educating, empowering, and developing activities/efforts for community wellbeing.
Able to identify community needs and possible/potential solutions.
Self-defined leadership goals for the community at the local, regional, or national level.
Evidence of flexibility and adaptability combined with persistence. (Example - challenging life experiences)
Evidence of relevant/insightful knowledge gained while working with the community.

Application Materials you will be asked to upload as part of the application.

Current Resume.
Two letters of support from supervisors or colleagues addressing the above criteria and leadership skills.
Letter of Interest (2-page, double spaced) which addresses:

Community work (include any experiences working with diverse and multicultural populations);
Leadership roles demonstrating any work within the community (examples of initiative in community work, description of previous experience)
Current interest in the field of disabilities;
Discussion of community needs related to youth and families with disabilities and areas for potential improvement;
Leadership goals in the field of community health and/or disabilities;
How you would apply URLEND into current or future work;
A description of time availability to complete required program hours.