New Positions Announced
ACT for Youth advances the well-being of children, adolescents, and young adults by connecting research to practice in the areas of positive youth development and health. A program of Cornell University, ACT for Youth is funded by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) to serve in two distinct capacities. Since 2000, the ACT for Youth Center for Community Action (CCA) has worked to advance adolescent well-being by supporting community-based organizations in the areas of positive youth development and adolescent sexual health. In October 2024, ACT for Youth is expanding our services by launching the Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) Program Center of Excellence (COE), supporting New York State local health departments and families of CYSHCN in navigating and improving systems of care.
In light of the launch of the new COE, we are excited to announce seven position openings. Each of these positions will be based at Cornell University’s main campus in Ithaca, NY. See below for brief descriptions and use the links provided to learn more and to apply. (Please do not reply to this email.)
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This position is located within the original ACT for Youth Center for Community Action (CCA). |
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ACT for Youth Evaluation Assistant
The Evaluation Assistant will provide research and evaluation support to the CCA, working closely with the Evaluation Coordinator. The primary responsibilities are to: 1) gather and manage research and evaluation data, including organizing and formatting databases; 2) conduct routine surveys, interviews, and focus groups; 3) assist with data analysis (both quantitative and qualitative); and 4) document findings and assist in the preparation of data summaries, reports, and other translational research products. The Evaluation Assistant will assist with creating and managing online surveys using Qualtrics, assist with tracking and testing changes made to the Online Reporting System (used to collect evaluation data), and assist in completing procedural compliance information for Cornell University’s Internal Review Board (IRB) as well as for the New York City Department of Education’s IRB.
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These positions have responsibilities across both the Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) Program Center of Excellence (COE) and the ACT for Youth Center for Community Action (CCA), or other grants administered by ACT for Youth. | |
ACT for Youth Communications Coordinator
This position requires expertise in writing, editing, website design, and project management. The Communications Coordinator will direct the branding process for the new center, as well as the creation and maintenance of a new website and resource database serving local health departments and families across New York State. The Coordinator will also manage the development of materials created by a marketing subcontractor. Each of these projects will involve extensive stakeholder input and collaboration. For the ACT CCA, the Coordinator will edit or develop educational content, disseminate a monthly newsletter, support the development of interactive content, and maintain online course sites. The Coordinator will ensure all content developed uses a translational research approach.
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Extension Assistant
The Extension Assistant will work closely with the project team on program planning, implementation, and evaluation; database and information management; data synthesis; and creating educational and other translational research products. This role requires communication with collaborators both on and off campus. Duties will include assistance with developing new materials, program documentation, project reports, event scheduling and logistics, and reviewing and summarizing research related to current issues and best practices for serving the needs of young people. This position will involve some NYS travel for needs assessments, meetings, and listening sessions.
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Program Assistant
The Program Assistant will work closely with the Lead Program Assistant to 1) assist with event planning (identify and book training/conference venues, develop and track event registrations, communicate event logistics to participants); 2) support ACT team travel logistics (identify and book hotel accommodations and car/bus/flight reservations); 3) assist with fiscal management (monitor accounts, track expenditures, set up purchase orders, work with consultants regarding contracts, support staff in obtaining travel reimbursement, and order supplies); and 4) assist with other project logistics (such as scheduling meetings, sending agendas, taking meeting minutes, etc.). Occasional travel to locations across New York State may be required.
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Family Engagement Specialist
The Family Engagement Specialist will ensure that the voices of families and CYSHCN are integral to the planning and implementation of improved services, information, and resources provided by local health departments (LHDs) in all 62 counties across NYS. The specialist will focus on elevating family perspectives and fostering inclusive, equitable engagement across diverse communities. The person in this role will 1) develop and update family/community engagement plans in collaboration with all NYS LHDs; 2) implement strategies to ensure diverse family/caregiver representation and engagement; 3) design, conduct, and analyze feedback from family/caregiver listening sessions and surveys; 4) develop and present summaries of family/caregiver feedback to the New York State Department of Health, LHDs, and other stakeholders; 5) establish, manage, and facilitate activities of an advisory council composed of youth with special health care needs and their families/caregivers. Travel is required for this position.
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These positions have responsibilities within the Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) Program Center of Excellence (COE). | |
COE Training Coordinator
The Training Coordinator will develop, schedule, and facilitate comprehensive training programs for local health departments (LHDs) across all 62 counties in New York State to enhance their ability to serve families, children, and youth with special health care needs. This role involves close collaboration with NYSDOH and Weill Cornell medical partners to ensure training programs are informed by research, best practices, and the specific needs of LHDs. The Training Coordinator will 1) develop, conduct, and synthesize the results of an annual needs and resources assessment of LHD program staff; 2) use this assessment as well as a synthesis of existing research and best practices to develop and deliver online and in-person training and technical assistance for LHD program staff; and 3) engage in continuous quality improvement strategies to evaluate and improve training and technical assistance provided to LHD program staff.
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COE Extension Assistant
The COE Extension Assistant will work closely with the project team on program planning, implementation, and evaluation; database and information management; data synthesis; and creating educational and other translational research products. This role requires communication with collaborators both on and off campus. Duties will include assistance with developing new materials, program documentation, project reports, event scheduling and logistics, and reviewing and summarizing research related to current issues and best practices for serving the needs of young people. This position will involve some NYS travel for needs assessments, meetings, and listening sessions.
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This newsletter was developed with funding provided by the New York State Department of Health Bureau of Perinatal, Reproductive, and Sexual Health. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the ACT for Youth Center for Community Action and do not necessarily represent the views of the New York State Department of Health. | | | | |
