Work Study: DCC Student Ambassador

The Disability Cultural Center is a new center within the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement. Started in January 2023, the Disability Cultural Center (DCC) was created to establish, connect, promote and sustain disability community, education and advocacy at UT. The DCC is committed to advancing an understanding of disability justice and disability identity across campus using an intersectional approach. The DCC serves disabled students, faculty, alumni as well as nondisabled members of the UT and the Austin community.

The DCC Student Ambassadors will work closely with the DCC Director and Graduate Assistants to assist in development and implementation of educational, social programming, and material development. The Student Ambassadors will work closely with campus partners on collaborative programming and will help develop new connections with student groups and organizations across campus. Student Ambassadors will provide individual support to students surrounding disability related projects and navigating disability resources on campus. The Student Ambassadors will represent the DCC at tabling events and informational presentations. Work responsibilities require in person presence with the option of some remote hours. Some evening and weekend hours may be expected on a limited basis. Specific schedule will be determined at time of hiring. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with development and implementation of DCC social and educational programs
• Collaborate with campus and community partners on events, programs, classes, etc.
• Serve as a resource for DCC-related inquires and information requests
• Represent DCC at tabling events, information sessions, etc. 
• Develop disability-related educational resources and material 
• Support DCC Communication efforts (social media, newletter, etc.)

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be an enrolled student eligible for work study (undergraduate or graduate students welcome) 
• Commitment to valuing disability as a culture, identity and community 
• Previous experience with coordinating and/or assisting with student programs/events
• Experience with standard office technology and software; Microsoft Office, Survey software (Qualtrics), instant messaging platforms (Slack), social media (Facebook, Instagram), etc. 
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a team member
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills
• Flexible to work some weekend and evening hours 
• Public speaking experience (preferred)
• Knowledge of Disability Studies and Disability Justice (preferred)

STUDENT LEARNING ASSOCIATED WITH THIS POSITION

This position is an excellent opportunity for a student who is interested in program development, disability studies, disability advocacy, or student support services in higher education. The DCC Student Ambassador will enhance and/or acquire the following learning opportunities:

1. Student Ambassadors gain mentoring and/or coaching working relationships with professional practitioners;
2. Apply critical thinking skills towards effective decision-making, time management, planning, budgeting, and program evaluation;
3. Employ verbal and written communication skills, including conducting presentations and scholarly writing when completing projects and assignments;
4. Learn and apply knowledge about disability justice to assist students and inform stakeholders.
5. Be able to articulate personal leadership skills and act with professionalism and integrity while managing conflict and working collaboratively with teams.

Applications must be submitted via Handshake: https://app.joinhandshake.com/