Accessibility and Accommodation Specialist
Full Time
Washington, DC 20064
Posted
Job description
Posting Title
Accessibility and Accommodation Specialist
Overview
In support of all aspects of the mission of Disability Support Services, the Division of Student Affairs, and the University, the Accessibility and Accommodation Specialist is responsible for the shared coordination and implementation of accommodations and services for students with disabilities under the mandates of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.
The Accessibility and Accommodation Specialist upholds the mission of DSS of supporting the teaching and learning environment by supporting the integration of students with disabilities into the University community and serves as a resource for faculty and staff regarding disability issues. In this capacity, the Accessibility and Accommodation Specialist works with undergraduate, graduate and Law School students, and alumnae on an as-needed basis and in accordance with the regulations established under disability law and department policy and practice. In addition, the Accessibility and Accommodation Specialist will support departmental and divisional programmatic initiatives that positively impact student persistence and retention, academic success, and enrichment.
The Accessibility and Accommodation Specialist, in collaboration with the Director and other DSS staff, shares responsible for developing and implementing programs and services to students and of the essential functions of the office. The Accessibility and Accommodation Specialist ensures that programs and services are implemented with attention to high standards, quality, consistency, student outcomes, through collaboration and fiscal soundness. The Accessibility and Accommodation Specialist reports to the Director of Disability Support Services and may represent the department in a variety of forums and University events.
Two position available.
Responsibilities
Share responsibility for the provision of the University’s accommodations for all qualified students, including the evaluation and interpretation of documentation, the creation of academic accommodation plans for registered students with disabilities, and the implementation of accommodations for students with disabilities.
- Interpret disability documentation and determine eligibility under the mandates of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Determine “appropriate and reasonable” services and accommodation. Services, accommodations and adaptations include, but are not limited to: note takers, readers, scribes, extended time on tests, computer access for testing, and separate test administration.
- Develop, monitor, adjust and evaluate educational accommodation plans; ensure proper communication and forwarding of accommodation plans to the appropriate offices including the course instructor and, at the student’s request, the Dean’s office in the appropriate school, the major advisor and the Dean of Students.
Routinely monitor, evaluate, and adjust individual accommodations for students with disabilities based on any changing individual needs, abilities, and documentation.
- Conduct individual meetings with students as needed to evaluate accommodations.
- Review and process accommodation renewal requests.
Share responsibility to plan, develop, and implement disability support systems and processes which supplement university and departmental objectives and provide support services and program access for students with disabilities.
- Establish and maintain appropriate up-to-date protocols, policies, procedures and practices that are communicated effectively to staff, students and the broader university community.
- Participate in the creation, development, and implementation of strategic plans and intentional programming to support student retention.
- Ensure compliance with national, local and university laws, regulations, standards and codes. Implement appropriate compliance measures. Maintain applicable student disability records and staff employment records.
- Develop initiatives to address student service satisfaction and continuous improvements through appropriate data collection, reports and assessments.
Provide information about disability-related services and documentation requirements to current and prospective students, parents, university administration, faculty, staff, and high school teachers/counselors.
- Informally counsel students with disabilities regarding accommodations and support services and adjustments to campus life.
- Provide consultation to administrative staff and faculty regarding requirements and procedures under disability law. Notify faculty and staff of accommodation and access needs and advise and assist in the implementation of accommodations.
- Provide case-related consultations for students, parents, deans, program administrators, faculty and other involved individuals and agencies.
- Assist with the development, coordination, and implementation of faculty and staff workshops and seminars on disability law and serving students with disabilities. Implement and maintain a system to educate and inform the campus community of departmental initiatives.
- Conduct disability workshops (provide information about disability-related services and documentation requirements) for students and parents during new student orientation and to prospective students during university admission events and in response to e-mail and phone inquiries.
Participate in the creation, development, and implementation of intentional programming to support student persistence and retention and in the review of departmental policies and procedures.
- Have a working knowledge of disability services and current trends in higher education for students with disabilities.
- Apply and share knowledge to produce fundamentally sound and creative solutions to critical student needs.
- Develop and apply best and emerging practices related to disability compliance, consistent with the Catholic Identity of the University.
Collaborate with other university departments to determine appropriate methodology and strategies in meeting the needs of students.
- Make referrals to appropriate service providers on campus including: Center for Academic and Career Success, Counseling Center, Dean of Students, Student Health Services, Housing Services, Dining Services, individual CU departments, and community resources.
- Develop and maintain strong working relationships with professional colleagues on and off campus.
Along with Director and other DSS staff, assists with the development, coordination, and implementation of faculty and staff workshops and trainings on disability services and serving students with disabilities.
- Develop a working understanding of Assistive Technology (AT) software and equipment in a manner that allows you to explain AT to faculty, guests, staff, and students.
- Serve on departmental committees and task forces, such as a case management team, and assist with University-wide initiatives, including but not limited to: Orientation, Commencement, Convocation, etc.
- Maintain high visibility and accessibility, and initiate regular communications with the university community, including students, faculty, and staff.
- Create goodwill for the University in service to families of students, visitors, patrons, government officials, community leaders and the general public. Assist with the cultivation of positive community relations.
- Contribute to the overall success of the Office of the Dean of Students, the Division of Student Life, and the university by performing all other essential duties as assigned.
Augment the direct service delivery of Test Proctoring and related logistics support at periods of increased activity.
Compile data and statistics capturing progress, trends, impact, and the use of services; makes appropriate recommendations for future enhancements and new initiatives.
- Utilize a case management system and database management tools to collect and track population data, including classification of disabilities, number of students served; retention/attrition and graduation rates.
- Cross reference retention statistics with other assessment data collected by the Office of the Dean of Students and other university departments.
- Provide regular reports on strategic priorities.
- Participate in and contribute to the strategic, operational and budget planning processes of the department.
Serve as a resource person for students, parent, faculty and administrators.
- Develop new and utilize existing communication tools related to core and departmental functions.
- Design and implement a system to educate and inform the campus community of departmental initiatives, including the development and publication of informational and educational materials.
- Serve as the liaison and provide consultation with faculty and staff to foster an understanding of departmental initiatives.
- Present training workshops and seminars for students, faculty and staff.
Share responsibility to provide training, support and direction of paraprofessional staff.
- Provide ongoing mentoring and supervision.
- Craft, delegate, and evaluate work tasks to support office operations.
Qualifications
Master’s Degree required with a minimum of one (1) to three (3) years of experience working with students at the post-secondary level; experience with working with students with disabilities preferred. Experience working with students in other student affairs, higher education student service areas may also be considered.
Experience can be used in lieu of education.
Strong computer skills, including all Microsoft Office (specifically Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Google Workspace preferred) applications and database management software (PeopleSoft, Accommodate preferred).
Knowledge of assistive technologies and resources is preferred.
Note: Please include a cover letter with your application.
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