Director, Student Accessibility Services - Roger Williams University at Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island

Job Description:

Roger Williams University

Location: Bristol, RI Category: Professional and Clerical Posted On: Wed Aug 28 2024 Job Description:

The Director, Student Accessibility Services (SAS) serves as a member of the Center for Student Academic Success (CSAS) leadership team, working with team members and various campus constituents to promote academic success and student learning. The Director will lead initiatives sponsored by CSAS and SAS and represent both units on University committees including searches, retention initiatives, and other cross-functional committees in order to meet the needs, goals, and objectives of the division, department, and University. The incumbent has primary responsibility for the SAS department and the development of services, policies and procedures for students with disabilities. The incumbent is also responsible for supporting the ADA/504 Coordinator regarding compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 2008 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Management and Oversight of Operations

Direct all Student Accessibility Support (SAS) services to ensure access for and the delivery of appropriate services for population of students with various types of disabilities including learning, physical, medical and psychiatric as well as temporary disabilities.

Work with undergraduate and graduate student populations.

Provide expertise related to working with students with disabilities and provide consultation to academic deans, faculty and others across campus regarding the ADA requirements and mandates.

Provide consultation for School of Law and University College staff.

Lead the SAS team to identify and implement short- and long-range goals and objectives for the department in coordination with those identified for the Center for Student Academic Success.

Interpret and apply disability law in a higher education environment to ensure that the SAS department and the University as a whole, is following laws and regulations, including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 (ADA).

Make independent decisions related to department and University-wide compliance to these laws.

Consult with the Office of General Counsel on sensitive cases to limit legal liability and litigation.

Work with University constituents in creating a physical accessibility plan for the campus that allows for easy access to buildings, pathways and activity spaces.

Write and manage SAS policies/procedures statements to ensure they reflect the current needs of the SAS student body. Review policies regularly and work with other departments to ensure access and inclusion.

Keep current on best practices in the field, implementing improvements to policies and procedures that promote student success and the ease of accessing support.

Ensure the confidentiality and security of SAS records. Consult in the development and improvement of electronic records maintained by SAS.

Work with faculty and department chairs to determine delivery method of reasonable accommodations in complex situations.

Provide expertise related to working with students with disabilities and provide consultation to academic deans, faculty and others across campus regarding the ADA requirements and mandates.

Provide on-going training to members of the University community on philosophy and responsibilities of working with this population of students.

Manage classroom re-assignments with the Registrar's Office to meet the needs of students with disabilities.

Manage department budget lines and allocate resources to serve in the best interest of students with disabilities.

Work with supervisor on recommendations for annual budget requests and allocations.

Assess services and departmental functions on a regular basis.

Access data, create reports and document services provided. Use data for informed decision making. Utilize data for student success work as it related to this population.

Direct Outreach Efforts and Activities

Work with Enrollment Management on prospective student and family outreach, ensuring students are informed of SAS services.

Participate in enrollment events such as Open Houses, Accepted Student Days and other recruitment events.

Participate in the diversity and inclusion efforts on campus by advocating for the needs of students with disabilities as they relate to access and equity and make recommendations for addressing these needs. Partner with the DEI unit and serve as a strong voice and advocate for the values of diversity and inclusion as they relate to disability.

Prepare documentation for the provision of academic accommodations as well as other forms of verification/notification required for meeting students' needs.

Create materials that educate the campus community and invite consultation with SAS.

Act as primary liaison between Counseling Center and Student Accessibility Services to further support the well-being of students with disabilities and to share information.

Work closely with the Department of Residence Life and Housing to ensure housing accommodations and ADA requirements are met.

Administer on-going training for a wide variety of campus constituents including faculty and staff and provide specialized training by request.

Continue to assess the current model for service delivery, identify opportunity areas, and make recommendations for necessary changes to adapt to the increasing needs of this specialized population.

Advising, Coaching and Student Success

Direct all facets of providing reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities such as note taking assistance, priority registration, accessible housing and parking requests, extended time for test-taking, alternate text requests and requests for service or emotional support animals.

Provide leadership in assessing student performance, retention and graduation for students with disabilities in the context of supporting under-served students.

Meet individually with students, providing individualized coaching and advising to assist them with identifying their areas of challenge, strategy development, and academic goals.

Work directly with students, managing a case- load of students and serve as Academic Skills Enrichment Program (ASEP) advisor for first year students with disabilities.

Interpret complex evaluations and disability documentation to determine eligibility, needs for services, associated accommodations and/or auxiliary aids to ensure equal access.

Consult with health care providers, psychologists, physicians and educational personnel to understand documentation and needs.

Identify and supervise outside vendors providing services for students with disabilities.

Oversee all administrative tasks related to relationships with vendors, including vetting, reviewing and authorizing contracts and/or service agreements, negotiating contracts, and evaluating quality of services.

Continue to develop programs such as the SAS Summer Start-Up Experience to address current needs of students.

Staff Oversight

Supervise SAS staff to ensure proper delivery of services, response to issues and referrals for additional support.

Consult with and supervise staff determining reasonable accommodations.

Train office staff in addressing emergency or high-risk situations and provide corrective guidance and re-training, as needed.

Work with staff to set priorities and accomplish tasks and projects in a timely manner.

Delegate, provide direction and supervise staff in specific tasks and projects in support of meeting these goals/objectives.

Job Requirements:

Master's Degree in Special Education, Rehabilitation Counseling, Social Sciences, Higher Education Administration or a related field.

Five years of experience and in-depth knowledge of disability support services in the higher education environment, including service provision and case management.

Three to five to seven years of experience in supervising professional staff in a disability services or related environment.

Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a variety of academic skill support areas: such as, advising and mentoring, tutoring, and counseling services.

Intermediate computer software skills including Microsoft Office applications and database software.

Ability to function independently, maintain high level of productivity, provide attention to detail, prioritize, and schedule/organize multiple projects.

Excellent organizational, problem solving, conflict management and time management skills.

Demonstrated ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.

Excellent presentation skills and demonstrated ability to interact and communicate effectively (both orally and in written context) with a variety of audiences.

Demonstrated experience with budget management.

Available to work some nights and weekends.

Preferred Qualifications

Terminal degree in Special Education, Higher Education, Rehabilitation Counseling, Social Sciences, or a related field.

Experience working with a variety of diverse student populations, including adult learners, graduate students, students and students from under-served populations.

At the University's discretion, the education and experience prerequisites may be excepted where the candidate can demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the University, an equivalent combination of education and experience specifically preparing the candidate for success in the position.

Additional Information:

Roger Williams University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and committed to a diverse workforce. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable state and federal law. For information on our Non-discrimination policy, visit here.

RWU prohibits all forms of discrimination on the basis of sex in its education programs and activities and is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) and its implementing regulations not to discriminate in such a manner. Complaints of Title IX sexual harassment should be reported to the Title IX Coordinator at the contact information listed below. Details regarding the formal complaint process can be found here: Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedures. All complaints of sexual harassment will be taken seriously and responded to promptly. TITLE IX COORDINATOR: Dr. Jen Stanley, 1 Old Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809 / Phone Number: (401) 254-3123 /Email Address: jstanley@rwu.edu

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