Access Specialist

Santa Clara University • Santa Clara, CA

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Access Specialist exercises independent judgment and discretion in ensuring that all students registered with the Office of Accessible Education (OAE) receive their approved accommodations—academic or otherwise—in compliance with Federal and State laws, supporting the University’s commitment to equal opportunity for all individuals. Accommodations must be provided in a timely and effective manner. The Access Specialist is responsible for facilitating the implementation of approved accommodations, providing clear guidance on accommodation processes, and offering confidential support to disabled students. This position also serves as an advocate for students, ensuring equitable access while acting as a resource to the University community as required under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as Amended; California state law; and Santa Clara University policies.

Requirements

• Familiarity with Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008, and other applicable laws, current statutes, litigation and best practices pertaining to the provision of services to post-secondary students with disabilities is preferred with a commitment to increasing one’s knowledge.
• Understanding and support of the Jesuit tradition of education and a commitment to the fundamental values of service to others, community, and diversity as well as a commitment to and demonstration of skills, knowledge, and awareness to serve the unique needs of the diverse campus community of Santa Clara University.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate accommodation needs to students, faculty, and administrators.
• Demonstrate advanced problem-solving, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills, particularly in navigating accommodation requests and compliance challenges.
• Competency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and database management systems, with the ability to track accommodations, generate reports, and manage confidential records
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with students, faculty, and staff in a professional, sensitive, and supportive manner.
• Exercise independent judgment and discretion in reviewing documentation, determining reasonable accommodations, and advising students on self-advocacy strategies.
• Efficiently multitask, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions.
• Ability to encourage and motivate students and staff, and work effectively in a fast-paced work environment
• Maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive information, ensuring compliance with FERPA, HIPAA, and institutional privacy policies.
• Respond effectively to emergency situations, including crises related to student accommodations or accessibility barriers.
• Interpret and apply federal, state, and institutional policies, ensuring compliance and equitable access for students with disabilities.
• Advocate for students by collaborating with faculty, housing, and campus services to implement accommodations while balancing institutional policies.
• Ability to create programs that are responsive to a diverse and multicultural environment
• Ability to deal with sensitive and challenging administrative and interpersonal issues in a positive, proactive manner.
• The ability for clear, cogent written and oral communication
• Ability to advise students individually and in groups on complex student-related matters; ability to determine appropriate courses of action and proper techniques to utilize while engaged with individuals in personal interactions
• Work autonomously and collaboratively to provide seamless accommodation services while contributing to the goals of the Office of Accessible Education.
• Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 3-5 years of professional experience in a student services-related field required

Nice To Haves

• 3-5 years in higher education disabilities services, Special Education, or Academic Context (K-12, Higher Ed, Educational Startup) preferred
• 3-5 years of relevant experience in learning theory, education/special education, higher education administration, college student personnel, counseling, social work, psychology or related field preferred

Responsibilities

• Exercises independent judgment and discretion in reviewing disability-related documentation (e.g., psycho-educational assessments, medical reports) to analyze and determine reasonable accommodations, strategies, and interventions that align with federal and state accessibility laws.
• Independently conducts and oversees the interactive process, engaging with students through information sessions, interim supports, check-ins, and ongoing consultations to assess and implement appropriate accommodations (e.g., academic, housing, dining).
• Evaluates and recommends appropriate housing and dining accommodations, collaborating with respective university departments to ensure seamless implementation.
• Determines and advises on Assistive Technology (AT) accommodations, referring students to the Digital Access Specialist for further evaluation and training as needed.
• Independently manages accommodation cases through ongoing case management, including tracking accommodations, conducting follow-up outreach (emails, phone calls, meetings), and making proactive adjustments throughout the academic calendar.
• Consults with faculty and academic administrators, providing guidance on accommodation implementation, problem-solving accessibility challenges within academic spaces, and ensuring compliance with ADA regulations and institutional policies.
• Educates and empowers students to become effective self-advocates, reinforcing their understanding of their rights, responsibilities, and available resources.
• Determines and communicates approved accommodations to faculty and academic administrators, ensuring timely and effective implementation of required accommodations.
• Participates in OAE Team Meetings, contributing professional expertise to department-wide efforts, collaborative projects, and strategic goal-setting initiatives.
• Serves as a resource for students, parents, faculty, and staff, providing guidance on OAE and Santa Clara University (SCU) policies and procedures.
• Generates reports/queries using OAE online services for OAE and other departments as needed (e.g. Law School, Housing, etc.)
• Uses the departmental information management platform (including but not limited to communicating with students from application to intake, managing email communication templates, accommodation-specific data gathering, and sending reminders as needed to students to request accommodations)
• Maintains familiarity with various access-oriented software for screen reader and text-to-speech, recording technology (e.g. Glean), speech to text and voice technology (e.g. ZoomText, Dragon Naturally Speaking, Read & Write Gold, JAWS, etc.)
• Support the OAE Testing Center with timely and organized exam administration while consistently maintaining exam integrity to the highest degree.
• Hires, supervises, and manages note takers for all approved student requests
• Acts as a liaison between note taker and the recipient when there are missing notes or issues to troubleshoot
• Prepares stipends or letters of recommendation for note takers
• Notifies note takers of payment procedures and facilitates alternate methods when necessary
• In collaboration with Office Manager, works with payroll for stipends for notetakers
• Works collaboratively with OAE staff to ensure high-quality reception services, appointment scheduling, referrals, and issue resolution within the department.
• Engages with students, parents, faculty, and staff professionally, maintaining sensitivity and confidentiality in all interactions.
• Supports new student registration and facilitates orientation for incoming students.
• Represents OAE at university events and programs, including tabling events, resource fairs, and faculty/staff training sessions.
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Compensation will be based on education, experience, skills relevant to the role, and internal equity.
• Santa Clara University is committed to diversity and inclusion, therefore, it is vital all candidates seeking employment be committed to and demonstrate skills, knowledge, and awareness to serve the unique needs of our diverse campus community.
• In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, the California Fair Employment & Housing Act, and all other applicable laws, SCU provides reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities.
• Santa Clara University is registered to do business in the following states: California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, and Illinois. Employees approved to telecommute are required to perform their work within one of these states.
• Equal Opportunity/Notice of Nondiscrimination
• All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy or related conditions, reproductive health decision making, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
• Clery Notice of Availability
• Americans with Disabilities Act

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level