Access Specialist

Virginia Commonwealth University•Richmond, VA

20h•$55,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Access Specialist will assist the Office of Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity to provide accommodation and coaching supports for students with disabilities to ensure equal access and promote success at Virginia Commonwealth University. The Access Specialist works with individual students to determine eligibility for reasonable accommodations and provides appropriate follow-up and disability-related supports. They serve as the campus resource specialist in the development of accommodations and academic adjustments for this population, providing ongoing consultation and problem-solving assistance to faculty and staff.

Requirements

Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.
Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Special Education, Rehabilitation Counseling, Social work, Higher Education Administration, or related field.
1-2 years direct experience working with students with disabilities in a higher-ed setting.
Working knowledge and/or field experience interpreting and applying the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Experience reading and interpreting psychological, psychiatric, medical, and educational documentation.
Experience creating presentations and offering training opportunities in both virtual and in-person environments.
Excellent collaborative skills and ability to work with a diverse range of professionals from varying backgrounds.
Demonstrated ability to determine eligibility for reasonable accommodations in an academic setting.
Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so at VCU.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education in a field such as psychology, counseling, special education, vocational rehabilitation, etc.
2-3+ years direct experience working with students with disabilities in a higher-ed setting.
Experience working with students with physical, sensory, learning, psychological, and/or other disabilities in a higher education setting.
Experience and familiarity with graduate programs, field placements, and flexible arrangements.
Basic experience with assistive technology, hardware or software, and auxiliary aids used by students with disabilities to support educational access.

Responsibilities

Review medical, psychological, educational, and other appropriate documentation to determine students’ eligibility for accommodations.
Conduct initial intake interviews with students to identify barriers to full participation in the curricular and co-curricular environments.
Provide guidance for students on how to initiate and maintain services (e.g., completing intake forms, requesting accommodations, scheduling with the Testing Access Center, communicating with faculty, etc.).
Serves as a resource for faculty, staff, and advisors on all matters related to student accessibility.
Maintain comprehensive records of accommodation process and interaction with students, faculty, and staff.
Input meeting notes and communications into a database system.
Assists with Student Access Office workshops and conferences presented to faculty, students, and other professionals.
Occasional assistance with the Testing Access Center, as needed (proctoring, final exam support, reading and scribing for exams, etc.).
Serves on the various VCU committees.
Assist in the development and implementation of programs.
Performs other duties as assigned by Director and Assistant Director.
Represent the SAEO office at various campus events (occasionally during evening or weekend hours).