Director of Accessibility Services

Chesapeake College • Wye Mills, MD

17h • Onsite

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Director of Student Success & Retention, the Director of Accessibility Services serves as an important advocate in promoting student success. The Director provides a variety of professional services covering both accessibility and student compliance with state and federal mandates as well as college policy. The Director provides services for students with documented disabilities under the mandates of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and state and Chesapeake College policies. The Director collaborates with campus stakeholders to develop and implement a plan to work with vendors that ensures an accessibility roadmap and student support for identified accessibility needs. The Director must be able to effectively communicate (both orally and in writing); compile data and prepare reports; provide campus and community liaison activities on behalf of Chesapeake College students with documented disabilities; advocate for students with faculty, staff, and off-campus support agencies; serve on college committees; participate in affinity groups and/or professional development activities; and perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Special Education, Psychology, Higher Education Administration, Adult Basic Education or related field, and at least two years professional experience working with students with disabilities.
• Knowledge of and the ability to interpret results of psycho-educational test instruments and diagnostic tools used to diagnose different types of disabilities.
• Related administrative/programmatic experience.
• Ability to address multiple tasks and work efficiently under deadlines.
• Monitor extensive details while focusing on overall program mission.
• Working knowledge of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities act (ADA) of 1990, its 2008 amendments (ADAAA), the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and other appropriate laws pertaining to higher education and disability.
• Working knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office and database management including student tracking software systems.
• Ability to submit all documentation, reports, and other assignments according to deadlines and timelines.
• Exercises good judgment in the use of and/or management of equipment and supplies.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff and administration.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of assistive computer technology and resources.
• Experience in post-secondary educational system.
• Current knowledge of learning disabilities, and other disabilities as manifested in the post-secondary population.
• Knowledge of standard organizational practices.
• Strong ability to direct and organize work of self and others.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• Experience working with a student information system (such as Ellucian Colleague).

Responsibilities

• Implement disability services based on legal and college policies and procedures for identifying, documenting, and serving students with disabilities.
• Develop, document, and conduct specific office intake procedures for students with disabilities.
• Develop, monitor, adjust, and evaluate individual accommodation plans for students with disabilities based on individual documentation, needs, and abilities.
• Review and interpret confidential psycho-educational, psychological and medical assessments to determine eligibility for services and recommend reasonable appropriate academic accommodations for students enrolled in college credit courses, continuing education and workforce programs.
• Manage and provide direct services to a caseload of students: including training in self-advocacy, advising and learning strategy enhancement. (i.e., time management).
• Interact regularly with students to ensure accommodations are properly implemented and students are achieving access.
• Provide training, technical assistance, outreach, and consulting services to faculty, staff, administration, and students regarding reasonable accommodations, and information regarding local, state, and federal legislation.
• Provide outreach and support to faculty and staff to support universal design.
• Provide guidance and expertise to campus leadership on disability related issues, oversee comprehensive accommodation support for students who need accommodations.
• Provide information about disability-related services and documentation requirements to current and prospective students, parents, and high school teachers/counselors.
• Maintain case management practices that includes keeping current and accurate confidential records documenting interactions with students with disabilities.
• Assist with academic and career-related advising to students.
• Hire and supervise note-takers, lab aides, and sign language interpreters.
• Coordinate testing accommodations.
• Coordinate the administration of the examinations to students with disabilities when appropriate.
• Maintain professional relationships with educational and community-based agencies for ongoing referral, outreach, recruitment, and retention of college students with disabilities.
• Consult with instructors and academic advisors regarding the barriers students are experiencing and the need for services.
• Refer students with disabilities to other college services, programs, and offices and, when necessary, assist students in accessing such programs and services.
• Maintain a working knowledge of changing practices and legislation in the field of disability services.
• Assist the college in the identification of modifications of physical plant to accommodate students with various disabilities (door access, ramps, signage etc.).
• Develop interactive disability awareness professional development sessions for faculty and staff promoting inclusion, community awareness and retention of students with disabilities (i.e., Disability Etiquette, Universal Design, Learning Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorders).
• Develop/maintain working knowledge of current assistive technology i.e., Kurzweil, Zoom, Text.
• Serve on college committees and project teams; and coordinate accessibility services for the public who attend college events.
• Provide personal counseling and referrals to other agencies as needed.
• Serve on the college Behavioral Intervention Team.
• Serve on committees relating to additional academic supports for students with documented disabilities.
• Participate in professional organizations and professional development to stay current with best practices pertaining to accommodations for students with disabilities.
• Manage the grievance process explicitly related to services and accommodations for students with disabilities.
• Determines the fiscal needs of the Office of Accessibility Services; allocates resources; approves Accessibility Services’ personnel and budgetary matters: e.g., interpreters, note takers, assistive technology, supplies, etc.; monitors day-to-day office budget.
• Assist with institutional policy development related to accessibility services.
• Develop, revise and maintain accessible content on the Accessibility Services.
• Participate in required Title IX Investigator training.
• Serves as an investigator for Title IX cases.
• In coordination with the Title IX Coordinator, follow investigative requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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