Access Specialist at Santa Fe College in Gainesville, Florida

Job Description:

The Disabilities Resource Center (DRC) at Santa Fe College is committed to providing equal access and equal opportunity for students with disabilities to ensure full and active participation in SF College life. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the mission of the DRC to provide comprehensive services to students with a wide array of disabilities, establish and facilitate reasonable academic adjustments for eligible students, and provide valuable information to students, parents, faculty, and staff related to various responsibilities, services, and programs.



The DRC is seeking an Access Specialist to work on-site with students who have a broad range of disabilities, including autistic students and those with sensory disabilities (Deaf/Hard of Hearing and Blind/Low vision). It is the responsibility of the Access Specialist to meet with students individually to assess their needs for support and service and provide comprehensive information and guidance. The Access Specialist also arranges for approved accommodations and services and acts as a liaison between students, faculty, staff, parents, secondary education institutions, and community disability service agencies. The Access Specialist contributes to the overall success of the college and the DRC by coordinating special projects and accessibility initiatives that focus on inclusion, enhancement, and compliance. Additionally, the Access Specialist works collaboratively with college faculty and staff to ensure compliance with college policies and procedures, legislative rules, and federal and state regulations related to students with disabilities.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Works well with students who have a broad range of disabilities, including autistic students and those with sensory disabilities (Deaf/Hard of Hearing and Blind/Low vision), exhibiting professionalism, a positive demeanor, cooperative attitude, respect, and sensitivity in all interactions with students and visitors at the DRC.


• Facilitates programming and support for autistic students, including the Spectrum of Success (SOS) program.


• Provides students with various information regarding institutional programs, DRC policies and procedures, as well as college and community resources available for students with disabilities.


• Advises students on concerns related to disability, self-advocacy, as well as academic/vocational preparedness and provides recommendations for achieving maximum independence.


• Conducts interviews with students seeking accommodations, interprets available documentation in an effort to identify student needs concerning academic adjustments and formulates individualized accommodation plans.


• Analyzes assistive technology needs and utilization skills of students with disabilities to recommend the most appropriate and efficient systems for students.


• Provides personalized and individualized training to students, faculty and staff on the use of adaptive technology software and devices.


• Acts as a college-wide resource to faculty and staff concerning disability legislation, compliance, assistive technology, accommodations for students, available services, and DRC procedures.


• Collaborates with college personnel concerning student accommodations, petitions, appeals and other disability related matters.


• Participates in college events and serves on college committees and work groups to promote awareness of DRC services and to further the DRC mission of physical and programmatic accessibility.


• Acts as a DRC liaison between students, faculty, staff, parents, secondary education institutions, and community disability service agencies.


• Assists with the assessment and development of guidelines and procedures regarding the provision of service for students with disabilities.


• Travels to educational centers to meet with students, faculty, and staff to ensure the availability of DRC services.


• Strictly honor the privacy, security and confidentiality of student records and other sensitive information according to appropriate state, federal and college regulations, policies, and procedures.


• Provides service excellence through courteous, informed, accessible and professional engagement.


• Performs other duties as assigned.

Reports to: Coordinator, Disabilities Resource Center

Qualifications

Required:
A bachelor's degree in education or a relevant human services discipline with two (2) years of work experience in disability services and/or a combination of education and experience equal to six (6) years.

Additional Requirements:
A criminal background check will be conducted.

Preferred:
A master's degree in education or a relevant human services discipline. Experience working in a postsecondary educational environment with students who have disabilities (specifically autistic students and those with sensory disabilities). Experience interpreting disability documentation and familiarity with adaptive technologies. Knowledge of federal and state disability laws and familiarity with higher education requirements, programs, coursework, and policies.