Access Specialist

Universities of Wisconsin•Milwaukee, WI

2d•$56,000 - $60,000

About The Position

The Access Specialist is a Disability Services Advisor in the Accessibility Resource Center (ARC) at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. The role facilitates reasonable accommodations for prospective and enrolled students with disabilities to support equal access to the institution’s physical, educational, and social programs, services, and activities. The advisor works with students, faculty, staff, clinicians, and campus and community partners to identify access barriers, assess eligibility, determine and implement accommodations, and promote inclusive and usable learning environments. The position is full-time for ten months of the year, with one month off in summer and one month off over Winterim; exact dates are based on the academic calendar. The advisor provides student services, campus and community outreach, consultation and training, and contributes to ARC projects and initiatives. Occasional work outside standard business hours and on weekends may be needed, as may travel to various locations. Compensation is $56,000–$60,000 at the full-time rate, paid for ten months of work; the final offer depends on qualifications and experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Relevant fields may include counseling, disability studies, psychology, rehabilitation, and social work.
At least one year of experience in case management, counseling, disability services, higher education, rehabilitation, or student support services.
Experience working with individuals with disabilities or other students with access support needs, including helping them identify and/or access appropriate accommodations, resources, or services.
Work experience demonstrating effective communication, professional relationship-building, and collaboration with students, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders.
Work experience demonstrating the ability to maintain confidential records and handle sensitive student information in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and institutional policies.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as counseling, disability studies, psychology, rehabilitation, or social work.
At least two years of experience in case management, counseling, disability services, higher education, rehabilitation, or student support services.
Experience determining, developing, implementing, and/or coordinating academic accommodations for students with disabilities in higher education.
Experience applying disability-related laws, regulations, and institutional policies to individualized accommodation decisions and access-related situations in higher education.
Experience with case management, disability documentation review, interactive processes, student advocacy, and/or consultation with faculty and staff regarding accommodation implementation.
Experience with accommodation or case management systems and learning management systems.
Knowledge of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), accessibility, and inclusive practices in higher education.
Collaborative work experience with faculty, staff, and/or campus partners addressing complex access and accommodation needs.

Responsibilities

Facilitate the interactive process with prospective and enrolled students to determine reasonable accommodations for eligible students with disabilities.
Conduct intake assessments, maintain current records and data, determine eligibility for disability services, and consult with clinician professionals as needed.
Maintain student records and document communications and recommended actions while protecting confidentiality.
Collaborate with students, faculty, and staff to identify barriers in learning and living environments and determine access solutions.
Review disability documentation in accordance with ADA, Sections 504 and 508, the ADAAA, ARC documentation guidelines, and AHEAD best practices; consult with clinician professionals as needed.
Provide students with information and resources about UWM academic support services.
Provide consultation and outreach to faculty and staff about disability services and appropriate accommodations.
Coordinate with students, faculty, staff, and campus community members to develop and implement policies and procedures that support equitable, inclusive, usable, and sustainable learning environments, inclusion, and universal design.
Stay informed about current research in the field through publications, journals, technical information, professional listservs, and other resources.
Promote inclusion and universal design through education, advocacy, and creative solutions to access barriers in university programs and services.
Assist in developing programs and initiatives that promote awareness, sensitivity, advocacy, and competence in access for individuals with disabilities.
Implement ARC student programming addressing academic, social, educational, cultural, and campus community needs and supporting engagement.
Develop and deliver training programs and resource materials for faculty and staff about disability services.
Travel as needed to provide information and support to individuals with disabilities and/or their representatives at various locations.
Assist the Disability Services Manager with education, awareness, and outreach to current and prospective students, staff, faculty, and affiliated UWM community members.
Participate in information sessions, programming, and tabling events.
Attend and may present at internal, local, regional, and national professional conferences, workshops, brown bags, seminars, and training sessions.
Complete other assigned duties, projects, and committee work; help ensure ARC’s overall success by completing projects and duties assigned by the Director.
Occasionally work outside standard business hours and on weekends.