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Access and Technology Specialist

Access and Technology Specialist

locationUnited States
PublishedPublished: 12/20/2024
IT / Computer Engineering
Full Time
$23 - $24 per hour
Position Title: Access & Technology Specialist
Department: Disability Support Services (DSS)
Division: Enrollment Services (ENS)
Employee Status: Full-Time
Type: Support Staff Association (SSA-Union)
Grade: 11
Salary: ($23.14-$24.14 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
 
The Access & Technology Specialist will facilitate equal access and reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities registered with the Disability Support Services office in adherence to Section 504, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and other Federal and State guidelines. The Specialist will guide prospective and new students through the department’s intake and registration processes and work to facilitate a smooth onboarding experience for students who are in the process of registering with the department. Additional responsibilities will include serving as the Administrator for the department databases (AIM & CRM) and providing ongoing case management, follow-up, and support to students registered with the department, particularly in areas relating to assistive technology. 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. Ensures compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 and other non-discrimination statues.
2. Guides and supports prospective and new students through the Disability Support Services intake and registration processes and engages in communication with students regarding policies and procedures for requesting accommodations.
3. In consultation with the Director and other relevant staff, continually monitors the intake and registration process and makes changes to protocols to enhance workflow.
4. Provides ongoing case management, follow-up, and support for assigned caseload of students (particularly those who utilize AT). Conducts regular check-ins and attends case management meetings as requested.
5. Provides general training and support to students on accessing the department’s database (AIM), Canvas, and other College systems. Makes referrals to appropriate campus personnel as necessary.
6. Assists current students with accessing necessary accommodations. Works in tandem with Accommodations Specialist, Access & Interpreter Specialists, and other relevant College personnel as needed to ensure effective and timely implementation of accommodations.
7. Makes recommendations and referrals to students regarding AT-related products, resources, and tools that support their learning.
8. Provides evaluation, technical support, and training (group or one-on-one) to students with disabilities on the use of AT and strategies for effective utilization (including both Android and Apple-based products/devices). Creates training materials and posts to department website.
9. Reviews disability documentation for accuracy, completeness and compliance in relation to disability documentation guidelines: manages student's information with strict adherence to the protection and confidentiality of all student records and in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
10. Provides orientation, referral, educational planning, and support services to students who are in the process of registering or require intake interviews.
11. Provides information and support to prospective students and their parents/families in order to facilitate a smooth onboarding experience.
12. In coordination with Administrative Assistant maintains ongoing tracking and follow-up of student cases to facilitate and expedite student completion of intake and registration process.
13. Regularly inputs case notes and other relevant information in the disability services database, ensures accurate and up-to-date information and shares this information with Director as necessary.
14. Works in tandem with the Administrative Assistant regarding students who have AT equipment out on loan. Regularly monitors existing inventory, keeps data updated in AIM, and makes recommendations for upgrades & new inventory to Director when necessary.
15. Researches and keeps abreast of new products, technologies, and enhancements to existing and emerging technologies and makes recommendations to the Director and other support staff as appropriate.
16. Serves as the administrator for DSS database systems (AIM and CRM); Maintains and monitors student and service data, pulls data, generates reports, and provides this data to the Director when necessary.
17. Maintains professional expertise in matters pertaining to federal and state regulations and policies affecting persons with disabilities, including Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the American with Disabilities Act, as amended.
18. Works in tandem with other support staff and assists with functions that support that support the enrollment, persistence, retention, and completion goals of students with disabilities.
19. Serves as liaison to IT, Testing Center, Purchasing, and other staff as necessary in matters relating to accessibility and assistive technology for students receiving accommodations.
20. Works with other campus academic and student support services departments in appropriate referrals for students' needs.
21. Serves as an advocate for students with disabilities to ensure equal access.
22. Assists Accommodations Specialist with attending IEP and other transition-related meetings for prospective students when necessary.
23. Participates in cross-functional meetings and committees assigned by the Director as appropriate.
24. Participates in relevant training and professional development services to effectively support student academic success and retention.
25. Participates in internal and external outreach events (i.e., table fairs, Getting Started Days, New Student events, etc.).
26. Teach in the RAISE program as needed.
27. Performs other 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 Counselor Education, Rehabilitation Counseling, Special Education or closely related field.
2. A minimum of three years’ related experience (particularly in education, rehabilitation counseling, or closely related fields from an accredited institution of higher education).
3. Knowledge and understanding of Civil Rights laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the ADAA and other applicable laws, and their relationship to higher education.
4. Prior experience working with individuals with disabilities (post-secondary educational experience is preferred).
5. Knowledge of and familiarity with Assistive Technology programs utilized by individuals with disabilities (ex., magnification, text-to-speech and screen reading programs).
6. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
7. Highly organized with critical thinking skills and ability to work in a fast-paced environment where urgent situations often arise.
8. Ability to successfully negotiate complex systems and work successfully as part of a team.
9. Ability to take initiative, use critical thinking, and exercise astute judgment and in handling situations not covered by verbal or written Instructions.
10. Demonstrated sensitivity to, and understanding of, working with students of diverse backgrounds, academic performance, and disabilities; experience with both traditional and non-traditional students.
11. Ability to work with confidential, highly sensitive information.
 
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.

Salary range

  • $23 - $24 per hour