Associate Director for Student Accessibility Services, Strategic Learning Services at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts

Job Description:

Category:: Staff and Administrators

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Department:: DOST-Dean of Students 3110

Locations:: Worcester, MA

Posted:: Sep 12, 2024

Closes:: Open Until Filled

Type:: Full-time - Exempt

Position ID:: 181011

About Clark University:

Founded in 1887, Clark was one of the first all-graduate institutions in the United States. Today the University is a highly-ranked, student-centered institution educating approximately 2,350 undergraduate and 1,150 graduate students to be imaginative and contributing citizens of the world and to advance the frontiers of knowledge and understanding through rigorous scholarship and creative effort. This commitment to scholarship and inquiry reflects the University's commitment to "challenge convention and change our world" and to address issues of critical importance to society. It is also reflected by Clark's many national and international distinctions, including recognition for its diversity and inclusion efforts, innovation, community engagement and impact, as a top green campus, and for having a distinguished geography and international development program. Clark has also been included in the groundbreaking Colleges that Change Lives guide since it was first published in 1996.

Clark is located in Worcester, Massachusetts, a dynamic, diverse city "on the rise." The second largest city in New England, Worcester is home to 11 institutions of higher learning and is increasingly recognized for its growing healthcare and biotechnology communities, its thriving cultural scene, and as a vibrant food hub.

Job Description:

The Associate Director assists the Director in ensuring equal access for students who are eligible to receive services. This position serves a unique student population and is independently responsible for compliance with state and federal laws and regulations. Knowledge of FERPA, ADA, Section 504, Title IX, the Higher Education Act, and the latest Office of Civil Rights (OCR) guidance is essential to this role.

The position takes the primary lead in conducting access meetings. The Associate Director for SAS reviews disability documentation holds access meetings with students and reviews requests for reasonable accommodations, including test-taking, note-taking, and alternate text accommodations. The Associate Director for Student Accessibility Services is also the lead coordinator and supervisor for the Strategic Learning Services program.

The position refers/connects students to other campus offices and resources as appropriate and consults with campus partners on students of concern as appropriate. The position will be a member of the Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT)/Care Team for consultation.

Lead the Accommodations and Access Processes

• Determines eligibility as a student with a disability for accommodations, auxiliary aides, and services by engaging in the interactive process with students, staff, and faculty, including reviewing and analyzing student's self-report and supporting documentation.


• Determines reasonable and appropriate accommodations and services that maintain essential program requirements and are consistent with the program of study and school/college policies.


• Collaborates with deans, staff, and faculty, as indicated, to develop plans for delivering and coordinating individualized accommodations and services.


• Maintains a case management system that supports accurate and confidential record-keeping for each student.


• Manages day-to-day services as indicated for students on caseload; determines priorities and maintains workflow.


• Conducts training with campus partners to provide ongoing disability-related information to educate the Clark University community on disability culture, accessibility, and inclusion.


• Provides guidance to university leadership on disability culture and issues when setting policy and making management decisions, primarily regarding diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.


• Assists with exam proctoring and proctor oversight as needed.

Strategic Learning Services Lead Coordinator

• Provide overall management and leadership for the SLS program


• Recruit, hire, and train SLS coaches


• Coordinate the enrollment process for students


• Manage Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Participate in the growth and development of the Center, Division, and Clark University:

• Support key initiatives and experiences within the Division of Student Success and the University, such as opening weekend, orientation, commencement, family weekend, traditional events, etc.


• Serve as a responsible committee representative as requested


• Attend necessary meetings and inform staff regarding relevant information.


• Promote efficiency and courtesy throughout the University community and ensure that is consistent with the Division of Student Success mission and values


• Remain cognizant of the University's mission and identity, the constant promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the importance of student voices


• Communicate effectively with your supervisor concerning the pertinent unit and/or University matters


• Other duties as assigned that are within the best interest of the division and department.

Requirements:

• 2-3 years of experience working with students with disabilities in an educational setting, preferably at the post-secondary level. Bachelor's degree in education, counseling, and disability services required; Master's degree preferred. Excellent communication skills, coupled with good judgment, are essential. Microsoft Office skills. Familiarity with effective accommodations and supports for college students with disabilities.


• Expertise or experience in executive function support/supporting students with executive function challenges.


• Experience in supervision/management of professionals.


• Experience making accommodation decisions.


• Experience developing and executing ADA guidelines and upholding Federal law as it applies to the student and institution.


• Experience in reading and interpreting disability documentation, such as special education documentation, including IEPs and 504 plans, to ensure the appropriate accommodations are being made for the student to utilize while attending Clark.


• Demonstrated technical expertise and passion for customer service and problem-solving.


• Ability to assess and analyze data to assist the Director of SAS in creating reports to measure outcomes and effectiveness.


• Strong ability to communicate effectively with people and campus partners.


• Ability to set priorities, juggle several projects at once, and know what needs to be done when.


• Team player with excellent consulting skills and a fun but professional presence required.


• Ability to work nights and weekends on an as-needed basis is required.

Additional Information:

As of June 1, 2023 Clark University no longer requires employees or students to be vaccinated against COVID-19. However, Clark urges all community members to follow CDC guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination, which recommend that everyone stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines including booster doses. This is important for your own personal health as well as the health of our community.

At Clark University, we are dedicated to building a workplace that celebrates diversity and fosters inclusion. We believe that diversity of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds leads to a more innovative and productive work environment. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is reflected in our hiring practices, employee development programs, and campus culture. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to join our team and contribute their unique ideas to help us achieve our goals.

Clark University offers a generous benefit package for full and, if applicable, part-time employees that include; paid time off, generous retirement plan, group health and dental insurance, life insurance, and tuition, along with use of many campus amenities. For a complete list of benefits for eligible employees visit here.

To review the Clark University Police Department Annual Security and Fire Safety Report visit here.

Application Instructions:

To be considered for this position, you must submit your credentials online. Create a Clark University Careers Account by clicking on the APPLY NOW button below. You will be able to upload the following documents, which are required for consideration:

• Resume


• Cover letter

See the FAQ for using our online system. Please contact us if you need assistance applying through this website.

Already have a Clark University Careers Account? Login to your account to add documents or update your account.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Salary will be commensurate with skills and experience.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer.

A successful background check is required upon acceptance.

Apply Now