Manager of Accessibility Services

Columbia College•Columbia, SC

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The primary role of the Manager of Accessibility Services is to support the needs of students with disabilities by ensuring equal access to educational programs, services, and facilities at Columbia College. The Manager of Accessibility Services manages the approval process for accommodation and works with faculty and staff to improve accessibility services. The Manager of Accessibility Services ensures that Columbia College maintains compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) accreditation. The Manager of Accessibility Services is responsible for conducting needs assessments, reporting on program effectiveness and providing assessments for all accreditations. The Manager of Accessibility Services also works closely with the leadership of Student Success, Faculty and Staff to ensure all students are provided with academic and professional development resources that foster successful behaviors and habits, while also increasing access to resources at Columbia College and in the community. Student Success supports the Columbia College mission by providing services and resources that empower all Columbia College students to explore and identify their academic and professional passions while acquiring the skills, experiences and connections needed to thrive academically and graduate prepared for their postgraduation goals. The department comprises three functional areas: Accessibility Services, Academic Advising, and Career Services. This position plays an important role in Columbia College’s retention efforts, and focuses on creating an academically, socially, and physically accessible environment for all students by removing barriers to learning.

Requirements

Master’s degree in disability services, special education, social work, human services, or counseling preferred; degree in a closely related field with relevant work experience required.
At least one year of related professional experience working with students with disabilities; 3-5 years of experience working with students with disabilities in a higher education setting preferred.
Deep knowledge of and experience with ADA compliance and knowledge of disability laws, including knowledge of the Rehabilitation Act (1973), the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990), and the ADA Amendments Act (2008), and associated case law as they relate to higher education.
Ability to communicate and work collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, and community.
Resourceful in researching and implementing best practices in disability services, including new approaches or technologies that may be applicable to supporting our students.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Strong attention to detail and follow through.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Experience with EAB Navigate is a plus.
Experience working with learners of all ages and backgrounds.
Experience as a manager with programmatic oversight of accessibility services and accommodations preferred.
Must be able to work some evening hours and occasional weekends.
Proficient in technology, such as, deep knowledge Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and assistive technology.
Proficient in understanding tools to automate testing.
Communication & Advocacy Skills.
Time Management Skills.
Leadership and Team building skills.
Listening and Critical thinking skills.

Nice To Haves

Disability Services Provider (DSP) through AHEAD
Digital accessibility basics: WCAG 2.1 standards, web accessibility evaluation tools

Responsibilities

Serve as the campus’s ADA Manager: In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Columbia College recognizes a student with a disability as anyone who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
Manage the accommodation process: Reviewing and interpreting documentation that substantiates disabilities. Conducting intake interviews. Determining eligibility for services and appropriate accommodation for students with faculty for classroom modifications. Mange the processing of accommodation letters for new applicants and returning students each semester.
Manage the provision of services that may include, but are not limited to: Academic accommodation. Accessible housing. Interpreter and reader services. Specialized testing accommodations. Digital and audio book needs. Faculty consultations. Orientation to campus. Use of assistive devices. Resource information & referrals. Professional Development for faculty, staff, and students.
Assessment Management: Conducting needs assessment. Tracking overall success of campus’s ADA program. Keeping current with all the latest regulations and policies. Contributing to accreditation reports.
Manage resources to ensure academic access and retention of students with disabilities.
Serve as a liaison with faculty and various campus offices in providing community resources for students.
Manages the testing center.
Document, evaluate, & implement accommodations for short-term illnesses and injuries.
Manage and maintain medical documentation for students with accommodations.
Manage and maintain the database systems for the Office of Accessibility including a data dashboard, and tables for housing and ESA accommodations solely for Resident Life.
Manage and generate Jenzabar, Navigate and Slate reports to help identify at risk students.
Manage the SC Assistive Technology Program that includes testing equipment that would benefit students.
Manage the hardship accommodations process, including but not limited to the review and response to hardship notifications and sending of hardship notifications letters.
Collaborate with the Title IX coordinator on accessibility, accommodation, and hardship cases, when appropriate.
Communicate all pertinent information to any necessary party (faculty, staff, student, committee, facilities, etc.) regarding accessibility and accommodations issues/outcomes/prevention.
Supervises, trains, develops, and evaluates designated faculty and staff as assigned by the Dean.
Manages assigned budget areas and recommends resource allocation.
Leads special projects and strategic initiatives assigned by the Dean and/or AD.
Represents the school in internal committees and external meetings when appropriate.