Director Of Accessibility Resources

Director of Accessibility Resources

We are searching for an experienced Director of Accessibility Resources at our Arapahoe Campus facility.

Position Title: Director of Accessibility Resources

of Positions to Fill:

1

Department/Program: Student ADA Support 51500

Remote Work Authorization: Hybrid On-Site/Remote

Campus Location: Arapahoe Campus

Reports to: Senior Director of Counseling & Wellness

FLSA Classification: Exempt/Sa;aried

FTE: 100% (40 hrs/week)

Compensation: $55,000 - $65,000

Application Deadline: July 1, 2024 or until position filled.

Job Summary

The Director of Accessibility Resources is a department leader and champion for creating a fully inclusive learning environment that complies with all local and state ordinances, as well as ADA, FERPA, and HIPAA regulations. This leadership role oversees all aspects of accessibility services, from developing effective programs to advocating for students and ensuring adherence to local, state, and federal disability laws.

The Director spearheads compliance efforts by interpreting ADA law and proactively addressing accessibility concerns. They also ensure equal access for students with disabilities through oversight of quality service delivery and serve as a strategic leader, guiding accessibility programs and training initiatives. By fostering collaboration across the university, the Director empowers staff and faculty to understand and implement reasonable accommodations, ultimately promoting student success within an inclusive environment.

Job Duties

Administrative (50%)

• Design and implement strategies such as faculty/staff training and resource curation to support students in determining accommodations for ADA compliance.

• Collaborate with stakeholders (academic deans, IT, academic affairs leadership and student success staff) to ensure university-wide compliance of accommodations for residential, online, and low-residency programs.

• Develop and manage OAR (Office of Accessibility Resources) operations, including development and updating of policies, procedures, and hiring, training, and supervision of staff (full-time and/or paraprofessional). Establish and maintain department budget and serve as point person for contracts and current or prospective vendors.

• Provide expert consultation to university leadership, faculty, staff, and students on university policies related to applicable laws such as ADA section 508 and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, HIPAA waivers, FERPA, Title II/Title III.

• Promote and provide advocacy for student needs as it relates to accessibility, barriers, and equity.

• Strategically plan and deliver OAR services, including student accommodations, faculty training, and education programs. Assess student satisfaction and data to ensure compliance by faculty and staff of approved accommodations.

• Develop and implement marketing and communication strategies to ensure access to OAR information for current university community as well as external community members and prospective Naropa community members.

• Other duties as assigned.

Direct Student Support (30%)

• Manage student accommodations database: Review applications, determine eligibility and reasonableness of accommodations, develop individualized accommodation plans, and maintain confidentiality (Family Education Rights and Privacy - FERPA/HIPAA). Use database to communicate accommodations to students and faculty/staff.

• Promote Systemic Accessibility and Student Success: Champion a proactive approach to ADA compliance. This includes conducting accessibility audits, developing a university-wide accessibility plan, and integrating Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles into curriculum and instruction. Collaborate with stakeholders like IT, faculty, and student success teams to identify and remove barriers across physical spaces, online platforms, and student services. Train faculty, staff, and students on using OAR services and resources.

• Support university accessibility: Analyze data, generate reports, and advise on preventing barriers in on-campus, off-campus, and online programs.

• Facilitate communication and problem-solving: Engage in customer service, mediate complaints between students, faculty, and staff, and ensure clear communication.

Direct Faculty and Staff Support (20%)

• Advise faculty and departments on appropriate and recommended reasonable academic accommodations as outlined by the ADA & Rehabilitation Act Sec. 504/508 and relevant federal and state disability laws.

• Champion University-wide ADA compliance by serving as a trusted advisor and advocate for university leadership and staff on all aspects of ADA compliance, including providing expert consultation on policy and procedures (e.g., ADA, Section 508, FERPA, HIPAA), conducting accessibility audits with other campus partners of infrastructure and facilities, proposing solutions and advocating for proactive, and fostering a culture of awareness through training programs for faculty, staff, and student leaders.

• Coach faculty on how to implement accommodations that are more unique or complex. Communicate with faculty and Academic Affairs to ensure timely receipt of early syllabi for students with accommodations requiring advance preparation, including auxiliary aids, interpreters, and text conversion.

What Naropa Requires…

• Five years of experience working with students with disabilities at the postsecondary level facilitating student self-advocacy and providing academic accommodations.

• Highly effective verbal and written communication with diverse populations, including students with a wide range of learning styles, academic faculty, senior and executive level university administrators, and entry level professionals

• Budget planning and management experience.

• Functional knowledge of assistive technologies.

• Experience reviewing and interpreting medical, psychiatric and psychological documentation, and providing appropriate accommodations.

• Experience collaborating with students to develop and implement individualized accommodations based on their specific needs.

• Ability to work harmoniously and effectively with faculty and support staff to promote an inclusive and accessible educational community.

• Ability to work with minimal supervision and possess a high degree of personal accountability.

• Familiarity with neuropsychological/psycho-educational instruments; demonstrated expertise in the interpretation of results to identify and implement appropriate accommodations.

• An understanding of the dynamics of privilege and oppression, and the impact these have on equity, access, and opportunity in the workplace/higher education.

• Commitment to co-create an inclusive community and actively participate in related professional development including openness to feedback and on-going self-examination.

Educational requirements:

• Master of Arts in Special Education, Psychology, Counseling or related field or an equivalent combination of a bachelor's degree and relevant experience.

• Thorough understanding of the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Fair Housing Act, relevant disability case law and the applications of the aforementioned to postsecondary education.

What We'd Like You to Have…

• Familiarity with high functioning autism spectrum disorders and knowledge of effective strategies and accommodations for this population in higher education.

• Ability to educate faculty in the creation of inclusive instructional settings.

• Conversant with recent rulings/settlements regarding direct threat, emotional support animals, use of emergent technologies, and instructional accessibility and their implications for university practice.

• Practical knowledge of the principles of accessible electronic communications and accessible document production.

Naropa recognizes the following holidays throughout the year:

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

• Memorial Day

• Juneteenth

• Independence Day

• Labor Day

• Fall Break, 4th Thursday and Friday in November

• Winter Break, the last two weeks in December encompassing the Christmas holiday as well as New Year's

Naropa's health and welfare benefits include the following: medical, dental, vision, FSA, HSA, employer-paid short-term and long-term disability, employer-paid life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment, an employer-sponsored pre-tax retirement savings plan, which includes up to 2.5% employer matching, and a variety of voluntary, employee-paid supplemental insurance plans.

A comprehensive benefits package is available to full-time employees who work a minimum of 30 hours each week. Employees who work 20 - 29 hours each week are eligible for only the employer-paid short-term & long-term disability, employer-paid life insurance & accidental death and dismemberment, and the retirement plan, which includes up to 2.5% employer matching.

Employees who work fewer than 20 hours per week are eligible to participate in Naropa's retirement plan only, which includes up to 2.5% employer matching.

All regular full-time and part-time faculty and staff, including student workers, accrue sick leave benefits. Full-time and part-time staff positions accrue vacation and personal time. All leave accrual rates vary based on the position, hours worked, and years of service.

The University recognizes the importance of including its employees in its organizational mission and values and welcomes employees into the classroom to "touch the magic." Specifically, regular employees are provided generous tuition remission opportunities for themselves and their family members.

Naropa University participates in the Council of Independent Colleges Tuition Exchange Program (CIC-TEP). CIC-TEP is a network of CIC colleges and universities willing to accept, tuition-free, students from families of full-time employees of other CIC participating institutions (full-time as designated by the employer/institution). Additional information can be found here: https://www.cic.edu/member-services/tuition-exchange-program. Naropa University's commitment to diversity aligns with its highest aspirations to apply contemplative inquiry and education to explore and embody the human qualities that facilitate collaboration to create a common humanity and a just society. Individuals who have experience with and a commitment to inclusive communities are encouraged to apply. EOE

Title IX is a federal civil rights law that prohibits gender discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual and relationship violence. This law applies to all students, faculty, and staff.