Accommodations Specialist

Position Title: Accommodations Specialist
Department: Disability Support Services (DSS)
Division: Enrollment Services (ENS)
Employee Status: Full-Time
Type: Support Staff Association (SSA)
Grade: 12
Salary: ($24.13-$26.17 hourly)
FLSA: Non-exempt
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Reporting Relationships
Reports to: Director, Disability Support Services
Supervision Exercised: Supervision may be exercised over student workers.

Job Summary
Provides direct support to individuals with disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Conducts disability eligibility analyses, provides referrals, approves reasonable accommodations, and connects individuals with services to support their personal and/or academic goals. Educates campus constituencies regarding support for students with disabilities and facilitates compliance with the ADA/ADAAA and related federal, state, and local regulations and College policies. The Specialist will work in tandem with other support staff to assist with functions that support the enrollment, persistence, retention, and completion goals of students with disabilities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Related duties may be assigned.

1. Conduct initial interviews with students and guide them through the process of registering for services
2. Review and evaluate disability-related documentation (ie., psychological evaluation reports, medical records, and other diagnostic information) to determine eligibility; make referrals and/or consults with diagnosticians, as necessary
3. Work with students to determine reasonable accommodations needed for academic, professional and/or personal success; connect students to and/or provide direct resources, auxiliary aids and services
4. Arrange for the use of assistive technology and e-text materials as part of accommodation planning
5. Explain DSS and College processes, policies, and procedures to current and prospective students, faculty and staff, parents, and high school teachers/counselors
6. Assist students with removing barriers and ensure that reasonable accommodations are provided to students with disabilities to promote equal access to College curriculum, programs, and related educational opportunities
7. Interface with campus constituencies to ensure students gain equitable access to resources and that College environments and systems are accessible and usable.
8. Serve as a resource for the campus community on disability and accessibility-related topics; Provide presentations, education and training to faculty, staff and the larger campus community on issues relating to disability compliance, research and best practices
9. Communicate with faculty and other college personnel to ensure student’s access and involvement in courses and programs; Facilitate communication with other key personnel such as parents, instructors, and RVC staff when necessary
10. Work in tandem with Access & Technology Specialist in determining, and arranging for, appropriate technology-based accommodations, services, and trainings
11. Understand, and be able to articulate to students, staff, faculty and parents, the laws and legal mandates related to the provision of accommodations at the post-secondary level
12. Record interactions with students with disabilities and analyze effectiveness of accommodations; compile reports and analyze data related to accommodations, compliance, and program efficacy
13. Maintain confidentiality of College and student records, as applicable
14. Work in tandem with other team members regarding the coordination of the DSS note taking service, management of the data, student employees, and training for students associated with the provision of this service
15. Assist with coordinating other department services when necessary, such as arranging for interpreting or captioning services
16. Collaborate with key campus personnel to ensure that the College’s information and communication technologies are accessible to all students with disabilities
17. Work in tandem with the Media Lab staff to ensure that course videos are captioned
18. Maintain currency of knowledge with respect to, accommodations, best practices, applicable laws, regulations, standards and/or systems; Make recommendations to the Director as appropriate
19. Provide support to the Testing and Tutoring Centers as necessary in matters relating to the use of accommodations and accessibility
20. Establish and maintain connections with area high school staff and community agencies who serve individuals with disabilities
21. Develop programming and engage in partnerships, whenever appropriate, that facilitate the academic success of students with disabilities
22. Assist RAISE students with getting connected to accommodations, tools and resources to promote academic success
23. Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned

Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Qualifications
1. Bachelor’s Degree in a directly related field
2. At least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:
1. Knowledge and understanding of the Federal and State laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination of individuals with disabilities
2. Effective collaboration with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community
3. Ability to assess and interpret individual client needs and to make appropriate referrals to internal or external sources
4. Knowledge of programs/services available to College constituents
5. Excellent oral and written communication skills
6. Ability to communicate with and relate to individuals of diverse disabilities and backgrounds
7. Sound critical thinking skills which contribute to identifying comprehensive solutions and implementation strategies
8. Strong listening, interpersonal and communication skills
9. Ability to use independent judgment to manage and impart confidential information
10. Strong organization skills, including the ability to initiate and complete assigned tasks with proficiency and independence
11. Ability to use tact and good judgement at all times; Ability to effectively identify problems, engage in resolution processes, and offer solutions in collaboration with appropriate individuals

Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office setting.

Physical Demands
Physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand, talk and hear.