National Center for Systemic Improvement (NCSI) Temporary Part Time Position

About WestEd

As a community of over 1,400 researchers, practitioners, consultants, and administrative professionals from all backgrounds and life experiences, we are committed to making a qualitative difference in the lives of youth, children, and adults. We conduct and apply research, develop evidence-based solutions, and provide consulting services across the country in both rural and urban communities to improve equitable outcomes for individuals from infancy through adulthood. Serving as trusted partners in the areas of education, health, and justice, our teams enhance capacity within communities and school districts to prioritize impact — asking the right questions, customizing methodologies, developing relevant tools, and implementing best practices specific to a diverse range of stakeholder needs.

WestEd supports individual initiative, excellence, and hard work of all individuals in our hiring and work practices. WestEd complies with all applicable federal and state anti-discrimination laws, as well as OFCCP requirements. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, or status as a protected veteran.

SPECIAL NOTICE REGARDING THE WORK LOCATION OF THIS POSITION—Although WestEd provides the option of working at one of its facilities for employees, many roles allow employees to choose to work remotely for their own convenience. The decision to allow remote work at the employee's convenience is based on the requirements of the position or project in question.

Brief Description:

This temporary part time position would support a project for the National Center for Systemic Improvement (NCSI). The NCSI supports state education agencies (SEAs) to best use their general supervision and professional development systems to establish and meet high expectations for every student with a disability by providing universal, targeted, and intensive technical assistance. NCSI is funded by the U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and hosted at WestEd.
The scope of this temporary part time position is designed to expand and strengthen the pipeline of future leaders in the fields related to the education of students with disabilities, with a particular emphasis on state education agencies (SEA) and special education systems-level work. This experience with WestEd will support the  development of practical skills for leadership roles within state-level education systems. The internship will provide graduate students with structured opportunities to build leadership competencies, explore career pathways, and apply evidence-based resources to priorities and problems of practice in the field. Temporary staff will engage in guided professional learning, mentorship by leaders in special education, and a culminating project aligned to the priorities of the National Center for Systemic Improvement.

Position Overview:

The National Center for Systemic Improvement at WestEd seeks a graduate student currently enrolled in master’s or doctoral-level program related to the education of
students with disabilities. This part-time temporary position is designed for graduate students interested in special education leadership, state education agency work,
systems-level improvement, and evidence-based practices that improve outcomes for children and youth with disabilities. This staff person will contribute to ongoing projects, participate in structured professional learning and mentorship, and complete a culminating project aligned to NCSI priorities. (https://ncsi.wested.org/

Responsibilities

• Support projects related to the education of students with disabilities, with emphasis on state education agencies and special education systems-level work.
• Assist with reviewing, synthesizing, and organizing research, policy, guidance, and other resources relevant to special education leadership and improvement efforts.
• Contribute to the development of tools, materials, presentations, briefs, and other products for internal and external audiences. 
• Participate in team meetings, professional learning opportunities, and mentorship activities with leaders in special education and related fields. 
• Help analyze problems of practice and identify evidence-based strategies that support improved services, systems, and outcomes for children and youth with disabilities. 
• Collaborate with project staff to complete assigned tasks, monitor timelines, and communicate progress on internship activities.
• Complete a culminating project aligned with the priorities of NCSI.
• Perform other related duties in support of learning goals and organizational needs. 

Candidate Requirements:

Successful candidates will demonstrate the following requirements through their educational professional, personal and volunteer experiences:

• Must currently enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program in special education, educational leadership, public policy, disability studies, education policy, or a closely related field focused on the education and development of students with disabilities.
• Demonstrated interest in leadership, policy, systems improvement, or state-level work related to special education.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize information clearly for different audiences.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a hybrid or remote professional environment.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Experience with literature reviews, policy analysis, data-informed decision-making, or program support is preferred.
• Commitment to improving outcomes for students with disabilities, their families, and the systems that serve them.

*Note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Successful candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

WestEd conducts a criminal background check and education verification for all new hires. Any offers of employment will be contingent on receiving a clear background check in accordance with applicable law.

Hourly: $30

For more details about our benefits, go to: https://www.wested.org/work-at-wested/#benefits WestEd is a Drug Free Employer and maintains a drug-free workplace. #LI-Remote   #Circa-Remote

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)