Access Assistant

Cornell University•Ithaca, NY

12d•Onsite

About The Position

Access Assistant (Full Time, Onsite) About Student Disability Services (SDS) Student Disability Services (SDS) works in partnership with Cornell faculty, staff, and students to ensure that all aspects of student life are accessible, equitable, and inclusive of individuals with disabilities. SDS establishes and disseminates criteria for disability services, meets with students to discuss access needs, receives and stores confidential disability documentation to support a student's eligibility for disability services and accommodations, collaborates with faculty and staff regarding essential course and/or program requirements and appropriate reasonable accommodations. SDS provides campus leadership of diversity efforts that promote disability equity and inclusion. The Opportunity Your work will directly support students’ equitable access to education. By joining SDS, you will contribute to a mission-driven team committed to removing barriers and creating an inclusive campus experience for all. Apply today and help advance access, inclusion, and student success at Cornell University.

Requirements

A cover letter and resume outlining your interest and how your experience and goals align with the potential for mutual success in the role are required for consideration.
Formal training beyond a HS Diploma of 2-4 years: two years of college coursework, associate degree, or equivalent combination required.
Ability to learn new software systems quickly.
Skilled with Microsoft Office software such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Bookings.
Strong oral and written communication and interpersonal skills with a proven record of providing excellent customer service.
High level of sensitivity, judgment, independent decision-making and problem-solving, including a heightened appreciation for confidentiality.
Ability to reason and use sound judgment in interpreting policies and procedures.
Excellent organizational and data management skills.
Keen attention to detail.
Able to excel in team-based work environment
Experience working directly with people from various socioeconomic backgrounds.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree or other formal 4-year training in disability studies, or a related field.
Experience working with a college-age population and in a university setting.
Experience working with individuals with disabilities.
Knowledge of Cornell systems and programs.
Knowledge of requirements for retention and confidentiality of disability and educational records.

Responsibilities

Collaborate closely with the SDS team to coordinate workflow for new applications
Review student disability application materials for completeness
Verify student information in PeopleSoft and ensure accurate data entry in SDS systems
Contact students to request additional or clarifying information
Provide timely updates on application status and next steps
Document application progress and supplemental materials in the SDS database
Serve as a primary point of contact for a wide range of inquiries (in person, phone, and email) from students, families, faculty, staff, and visitors
Respond independently to inquiries, including complex or sensitive topics, and route as appropriate
Hold confidential conversations related to disability accommodations and processes
Follow up with SDS staff to address questions or concerns
Distribute and track assistive equipment provided to students
Maintain and update confidential student records in SDS systems
Receive, scan, upload, and organize documentation from multiple sources
Audit database records regularly for accuracy and completeness
Ensure all records are handled in compliance with FERPA and confidentiality standards
Send accommodation letters to faculty
Notify and coordinate with campus partners (e.g., Residential & New Student Programs, academic departments, Environmental Health & Safety, ADA facilities partners, etc.)
Work with SDS colleagues to help facilitate auxiliary services such as interpreting or accessible course materials
Participate in special projects and perform other duties as assigned
Complete required university compliance trainings

Benefits

Comprehensive health care options
Generous retirement contributions
Access to wellness programs
Employee discounts with local and national retail brands
Health and personal leave
Three weeks of vacation
13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1.
Two additional floating holidays
Tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program
Tuition aid for external education
Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program