Accessibility Specialist, Student Disability Access Center

UVA Health•Charlottesville, VA

4d•$60,000 - $63,000•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Virginia’s Student Disability Access Center (SDAC), a unit within the Department of Student Health and Wellness, is seeking an Accessibility Specialist. The Student Disability Access Center (SDAC) at the University of Virginia strives to build an equitable academic experience for students with disabilities and provide creative solutions to any physical, digital, and attitudinal barriers. SDAC works to empower students with disabilities by taking a proactive approach to providing accommodation, working relationships with faculty, educational workshops, assistive technology, and collaboration across the university community. To that end, SDAC is seeking a highly motivated individual to serve as an Accessibility Specialist to work with undergraduate and graduate students. This position will review documentation and determine appropriate accommodations on an individual basis, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The specialist will facilitate communication between students, faculty, and staff at the University to ensure that these accommodations are met. The specialist will participate in active dialogue to troubleshoot any disability-related accommodation issues with students, parents, faculty and staff as needed. The Specialist will also provide outreach and education to the University community on disability-related topics and engage in program development as appropriate.

Requirements

Knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
Working experience in higher education (2-3 years is strongly desired), preferably with experience working with persons with disabilities.
Demonstrated universal cultural competence, and a continuing commitment to advancing support for the entire community served.
Demonstrated integrity and ability to handle complex, sensitive, and confidential issues.
Ability to build trusting relationships with all constituencies within the university community.
Experience in developing and facilitating professional training for students, faculty, and staff.
Familiarity with interpretation of psychological, developmental, and/or medical documentation.
Strong organizational and program development skills.
Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
Bachelor's degree. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degree requirement.
At least two years of experience.

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree in counseling psychology, social work, special education, rehabilitation counseling, higher education or related field is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Review documentation and approve accommodations in accordance with the American Disabilities Act, as amended, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Facilitate implementation of accommodations and other services for students with disabilities.
Collaborate with University faculty and staff, as appropriate, in support of students with disabilities.
Engage in ongoing problem-solving resolutions.
Maintain thorough and confidential records of contacts and communications with students within data management system.
Adheres to standards of confidentiality and FERPA when working with students, parents, faculty, and staff.
Meet with prospective and incoming students and their families.
Collaborate as part of overall accommodation services team on case management and program development.
Coordinate program development for department, such as academic coaching or peer mentor group, or other programs as appropriate or assigned.
Participate in the development of strategic initiatives and ongoing assessment of services.
Assist the Director and Assistant Directors in monitoring and reporting aspects of data tracking and budgeting related to accommodation service provision.
Work collaboratively with the SDAC Director and Assistant Directors on SDAC policies and initiatives for the purpose of providing advocacy, and initial problem resolution with students, faculty, staff, guests, and parents.
Work with Director and other SDAC staff in larger mission of collaborating with and education of University faculty, Dean, administrators, parents and students about disability within the context of diversity at the University.
Actively seek opportunities to provide outreach to faculty, staff and students by attending meetings, trainings and workshops to educate the University community about SDAC services.
Other duties as assigned.