Assistant Director, Student Accessibility Services

The Assistant Director Student Accessibility Services position reports to the Director Student Accessibility Services and will support all students with disabilities in all programs at the addition this position will manage a caseload of students each semester and will ensure that the college is meeting the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act by conducting an interactive analysis of the context of accessibility and reasonable accommodations at the college. This is an important role that requires empathy for students with health learning and psychological issues as well as an exceptional ability to collaborate and communicate with a diverse population of the college community.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Work with a caseload of students with disabilities to manage their accommodations under the law and requirements of ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act in the area of housing academics and dining.

• Provide support to students when they are struggling and assist with advocating with campus partners such as faculty and other staff.

• Independently collect and review medical and neuropsychological documentation conduct intake interviews according to a discipline-specific legally mandated individualized interactive process and analyze the nexus of information gathered in conjunction with the details of the students accommodation request.

• Use theoretical knowledge of the field and programmatic/policy knowledge from the college and use judgment to determine reasonable accommodations.

• Determine and implement accommodations unless further consultation with the Director is required.

• Meet with students as required explaining expectations policies and procedures persuading them to use ancillary support resources and coaching them to communicate with faculty.

• Maintain timely confidential and detailed files of case notes.

• Maintain records by accurately listing accommodations and tracking data.

• Serve as a representative for Student Accessibility Services and students with disabilities on committees including but not limited to Post-Deposit Group Self-Care Fair and Orientation Planning.

• Provide guidance and training to other staff as required.

• Perform other miscellaneous duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS Qualifications are deemed required or preferred and represent what is needed to effectively perform job.

• Masters Degree in Higher Education Administration Disability Studies Special Education or a related field required.

• 3-5 years of experience working with a range of disabilities required.

• Experience managing high-legal-risk situations required.

• Experience of having complex stressful conversations about medical and psychological problems required.

• Exceptional accuracy and attention to detail required.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES May be representative but not all-inclusive of those knowledge skills and abilities commonly associated with the job.

• Knowledge of higher education and the colleges academic programs and policies.

• Knowledge of Americans with Disabilities Act Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Fair Housing Act.

• Knowledge of a wide range of disabilities associated symptoms functional limitations and how they relate to higher education accommodations and support.

• Knowledge of various assistive technologies and support services including high tech and low tech solutions.

• Ability to handle sensitive issues and maintain confidentiality.

• Strong cognitive flexibility and the ability to provide a high level of support to non-traditional students.

• Self-starter with excellent interpersonal communication and problem-solving skills.

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to follow through on tasks and requests.

• Ability to maintain multiple projects simultaneously and to prioritize tasks.

• Proficiency in using computer software and the ability to learn new software easily.

• Ability to collaborate and work with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES Activities commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• This position is generally sedentary in nature movement throughout the area is required from time to time.

• Ability to have continuous oral and written communication with co-workers and supervisors is essential.

• Repetitive movements occasional lifting of up to 10 pounds reaching lifting stooping and the ability to read a computer screen detect color-coding and read fine print will be expected.

WORK ENVIRONMENT Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

• General office conditions. Exposed to moderate noise levels

• All Student Affairs staff are expected to actively participate in and support major divisional and institutional programs and events including but not limited to student and staff trainings move-in move-out Commencement the Student Organization Fair and other key community-building initiatives. This may include evening and weekend commitments.

Disclaimer: This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees may be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties as requested subject to all applicable state and federal laws. Certain job duties described herein may be subject to possible modification in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.

In addition to a competitive salary Emerson College is committed to the health and well-being of our employees and family members. We offer a generous benefits package to regular staff scheduled to work 20 hours per week.

Benefits include outstanding health plans with limited out-of-pocket expenses dental plans generous time-off programs and a 403(b) retirement benefit with a 9% employer contribution once eligible. Additional benefits such as life and disability coverage as well as commuter offerings are available.

Please refer to our benefits website for a full list of benefits and eligibility requirements.