Access Specialist

About the role

The Access Specialist exercises independent judgment and discretion in ensuring that all students registered with the Office of Accessible Education (OAE) receive their approved accommodations—academic or otherwise—in compliance with Federal and State laws, supporting the University’s commitment to equal opportunity for all individuals. Accommodations must be provided in a timely and effective manner.

Responsibilities

• Accommodation Student Advising - 70%

  • Exercises independent judgment and discretion in reviewing disability-related documentation (e.g., psycho-educational assessments, medical reports) to analyze and determine reasonable accommodations, strategies, and interventions that align with federal and state accessibility laws.
  • Independently conducts and oversees the interactive process, engaging with students through information sessions, interim supports, check-ins, and ongoing consultations to assess and implement appropriate accommodations (e.g., academic, housing, dining).
  • Evaluates and recommends appropriate housing and dining accommodations, collaborating with respective university departments to ensure seamless implementation.
  • Determines and advises on Assistive Technology (AT) accommodations, referring students to the Digital Access Specialist for further evaluation and training as needed.
  • Independently manages accommodation cases through ongoing case management, including tracking accommodations, conducting follow-up outreach (emails, phone calls, meetings), and making proactive adjustments throughout the academic calendar.
  • Consults with faculty and academic administrators, providing guidance on accommodation implementation, problem-solving accessibility challenges within academic spaces, and ensuring compliance with ADA regulations and institutional policies.
  • Edicates and empowers students to become effective self-advocates, reinforcing their understanding of their rights, responsibilities, and available resources.
  • Determines and communicates approved accommodations to faculty and academic administrators, ensuring timely and effective implementation of required accommodations.
  • Participates in OAE Team Meetings, contributing professional expertise to department-wide efforts, collaborative projects, and strategic goal-setting initiatives.
  • Serves as a resource for students, parents, faculty, and staff, providing guidance on OAE and Santa Clara University (SCU) policies and procedures.
  • Generates reports/queries using OAE online services for OAE and other departments as needed (e.g. Law School, Housing, etc.).
  • Uses the departmental information management platform (including but not limited to communicating with students from application to intake, managing email communication templates, accommodation-specific data gathering, and sending reminders as needed to students to request accommodations).
  • Maintains familiarity with various access-oriented software for screen reader and text-to-speech, recording technology (e.g. Glean), speech to text and voice technology (e.g. ZoomText, Dragon Naturally Speaking, Read & Write Gold, JAWS, etc.).

• Note-Taking Accommodations - 5%

  • Hires, supervises, and manages note takers for all approved student requests.
  • Acts as a liaison between note taker and the recipient when there are missing notes or issues to troubleshoot.
  • Prepares stipends or letters of recommendation for note takers.
  • Notifies note takers of payment procedures and facilitates alternate methods when necessary.
  • In collaboration with Office Manager, works with payroll for stipends for notetakers.

• OAE Operations and Outreach - 5%

  • Works collaboratively with OAE staff to ensure high-quality reception services, appointment scheduling, referrals, and issue resolution within the department.
  • Engages with students, parents, faculty, and staff professionally, maintaining sensitivity and confidentiality in all interactions.
  • Serves as a resource for new student registration and facilitates orientation for incoming students.
  • Represents OAE at university events and programs, including tabling events, resource fairs, and faculty/staff training sessions.

• Other duties as assigned - 5%

  • Provides work direction for note-takers for all approved student requests.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3-5 years of professional experience in a student services-related field required.
• 3-5 years in higher education disabilities services, Special Education, or Academic Context (K-12, Higher Ed, Educational Startup) preferred.
• 3-5 years of relevant experience in learning theory, education/special education, higher education administration, college student personnel, counseling, social work, psychology or related field preferred.
• Considerable time is spent at a desk using a computer terminal.
• May be required to travel to other buildings on the campus.
• May be required to attend conference and training sessions within the Bay Area or in- or out-of-state locations.