Access Specialist

Unit: Student Affairs (Vice Provost) – Student Accessibility & Educational Opportunity (SAEO)

Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity (SAEO) is the designated office on VCU's Monroe Park Campus that fosters an environment where all students have equal access to the University's programs, services, and activities. SAEO champions holistic student development and success by creating a campus culture that strives to ensure equal access and inclusion.

About the role

The Access Specialist will assist the Office of Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity to provide accommodation and coaching supports for students with disabilities to ensure equal access and promote success at Virginia Commonwealth University. The Access Specialist works with individual students to determine eligibility for reasonable accommodations and provides appropriate follow-up and disability-related supports. They serve as the campus resource specialist in the development of accommodations and academic adjustments for this population, providing ongoing consultation and problem-solving assistance to faculty and staff.

Responsibilities

• Case Management
  • Review medical, psychological, educational, and other appropriate documentation to determine students’ eligibility for accommodations.
  • Conduct initial intake interviews with students to identify barriers to full participation in the curricular and co-curricular environments.
  • Provide guidance for students on how to initiate and maintain services (e.g., completing intake forms, requesting accommodations, scheduling with the Testing Access Center, communicating with faculty, etc.).
  • Serve as a resource for faculty, staff, and advisors on all matters related to student accessibility.
  • Maintain comprehensive records of accommodation process and interaction with students, faculty, and staff.
  • Input meeting notes and communications into a database system.
• Office Support
  • Assist with Student Access Office workshops and conferences presented to faculty, students, and other professionals.
  • Occasional assistance with the Testing Access Center, as needed (proctoring, final exam support, reading and scribing for exams, etc.).
  • Serve on various VCU committees.
  • Assist in the development and implementation of programs.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by Director and Assistant Director.
  • Represent the SAEO office at various campus events (occasionally during evening or weekend hours).

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Counseling, Student Affairs, Education, Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Entry-level experience providing student support, advising, case management, or program administration in a higher education or related environment.
• Working knowledge and/or field experience interpreting and applying the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
• Experience reading and interpreting psychological, psychiatric, medical, and educational documentation.
• Experience creating presentations and offering training opportunities in both virtual and in-person environments.
• Excellent collaborative skills and ability to work with a diverse range of professionals from varying backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to determine eligibility for reasonable accommodations in an academic setting.
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Higher Education, Counseling, Student Affairs, Social Work, Education, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Progressive direct experience working with students with disabilities in a higher-ed setting or related environment.
• Experience working with students with physical, sensory, learning, psychological, and/or other disabilities in a higher education setting.
• Experience and familiarity with graduate programs, field placements, and flexible arrangements.
• Basic experience with assistive technology, hardware or software, and auxiliary aids used by students with disabilities to support educational access.
• Progressive experience providing student support, advising, case management, or program administration in a higher education or related environment.

Pay

Up to $45,000 (based on experience)

Benefits

All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes:

• Comprehensive health benefits
• Paid annual and holiday leave
• Generous tuition benefits
• Retirement planning and savings options
• Tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs
• Employee discounts
• Well-being resources
• Abundant opportunities for career development and advancement