Accommodations Specialist

Job Title: Accommodations Specialist

FLSA Status: non- exempt

Department: Office of Accessibility Services

Title of Manager/Supervisor: Assistant Dean of Students

Number of Employees Reporting to this Position:

Range: $21.00- $24.00 based on experience

Position Summary: Reporting to the Assistant Dean of Students, the Accommodations Coordinator provides services and accommodations for students with documented and temporary disabilities. The Coordinator provides planning and administrative support for the Office of Accessibility Services. The Coordinator communicates and collaborates with faculty and staff regarding necessary accommodations. The Coordinator serves as a point of contact for the Office of Accessibility Services and provides excellent customer service.

Position Responsibilities:

• Conduct intake interviews for accommodations, including for new students and families and continuing students.

• After intake interview, process and implement accommodations which eliminate barriers to education access.

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Testing Coordinator.

• Provide University wide communication regarding accommodation processes in a timely manner.

• Collaborate with Admissions to identify the documented needs of new students, communicating with prospective students, incoming students, and their families to aid in recruitment of students with disabilities and ease the transition into a higher education environment.

• Collaborate with faculty, Facilities, Grounds, Campus Safety, Residence Life, Student Health Center, Counseling Center, and Dining Services to implement appropriate accommodations.

• Refer students to community resources, such as ACCES-VR, when a student requires resources beyond what Clarkson University can internally provide.

• Maintain accurate and detailed records of student disability documentation and accommodations.

• As required, provide backup on call services to proctors, faculty, or emergency on call needs.

• Facilitates conversation between students/families and University staff when disagreements arise about accommodation needs and/or access to accommodations.

• Collaborate with the campus departments (e.g. Student Life, Residence Life, academic departments, Student Success Center, and Career Center) to educate the Clarkson community about disability issues, especially related to retention and persistence.

• Coordinate activities throughout the campus community to educate faculty on student disabilities, accessing accommodations, and the Universitys legal obligations.

• Provide training and ongoing support to students, faculty, and staff utilizing Assistive Technology.

• Represent the Office of Accessibility Services at major University events, including Orientation and Open House.

• Represents the Office of Accessibility Services on the ADA Committee.

• Liaises with the ADA/504 Coordinator on all matters of policy, grievance, and adjudication.

• Research, analyze, and evaluate disability law changes and subsequent court rulings and apply that knowledge to everyday decision-making.

• On occasion, this position may be required to flex the schedule within a given week or work overtime to cover or prepare for accommodation needs. This could include but is not limited to such needs as: Preparing for final exams, participating in disability awareness events, training proctors, or providing accommodations.

• Perform other duties from time to time as required and incidental to the work described above.

Health & Safety: All staff has a statutory responsibility to take reasonable care of themselves, others and the environment and to prevent harm by their acts or omissions. All staff is therefore required to adhere to the Universitys Health, Safety, and Environmental Policy & Procedures.

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, skills, and qualifications required of personnel so classified

Essential Skills:

Technical:

• Must have an overall sense of comfort with technology, such as reading manuals and learning how to use a new piece of technology or software.

• Must be comfortable doing research on the Internet regarding assistive technology, stay current with developing technology and contact companies with technology-related concerns.

• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office suite.

• Must be able to learn and use databases and programs such as PeopleSoft.

Time Management:

• Must work in a fast-paced environment and learn quickly.

• Must have excellent organizational skills, manage time effectively and prioritize and re- prioritize work while paying attention to detail and seeing the bigger picture.

• Must be diligent and have an excellent work ethic in order to handle the volume of time- sensitive work that must be done on a daily basis.

Judgment:

• Must work independently and be a self-directed employee while maintaining excellent communication and working in a team setting.

• Must problem solve creatively with limited resources and implement solutions effectively.

• Must exercise judgment in situations and communications which are potentially litigious.

Communication:

• Must possess excellent written and oral communication skills, including public speaking and conflict resolution.

• Must provide excellent customer service to families, students, faculty, and staff.

Education:

Minimal Qualifications: Bachelors degree in education or related field or 1 to 3 years of experience working with people with disabilities.

Experience:

Minimal Qualifications: Demonstrated experience of working effectively and efficiently in a fast- paced, time-sensitive work environment within a team setting. Demonstrated excellence in oral and written communication skills and customer service. Demonstrated computer and technology skills.

Preferred Qualifications: Masters degree in education or related field. 3-5 years of experience working with people with disabilities.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands characteristics described here 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 the essential functions.

Special Instructions to Applicants: An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, Clarkson actively seeks and encourages applications from minorities, women and people with disabilities.

All offers of employment are subject to the applicant successfully passing a background check (including, but not limited to, employment verification, educational and other credential verification, and criminal records).