Accommodations Specialist

St. John’s, established in 1870, has two New York City campuses; international locations in Rome, Italy; Limerick, Ireland; and Paris, France; and study abroad locations around the world. The Princeton Review and other top rankings consistently recognize the University’s outstanding academics, diverse student body, dynamic internship and volunteer opportunities, focus on student life, and diverse study abroad offerings. St. John’s University offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs in its six colleges and schools, with a growing number of programs offered online. The University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and 12 other major academic and professional associations. A dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion is at the heart of our mission. As a Catholic and Vincentian university, St. John’s is committed to institutionalizing practices of inclusive excellence to ensure that we welcome and celebrate the intrinsic worth of all members of our community.

About the Role

The Office of Disability Services is seeking a dynamic and passionate individual to serve as a full-time in-person Learning Specialist. The Learning Specialist works directly with students registered with the office to provide individualized support and accommodations, fostering an inclusive learning environment that promotes academic success and personal growth. The Learning Specialist performs educational, instructional, and administrative work associated with ensuring compliance with applicable policies and laws. The Office of Disability Services (ODS) is part of the Department of Student Wellness at St. John’s University, which takes an integrated approach to wellness, including Student Health Services, Wellness Education and Prevention, the Center for Counseling and Consultation, Campus Recreation, and Sexual Violence Outreach, Awareness, and Response.

Responsibilities

• Reviews/evaluates diagnostic information and documentation of student learning disabilities; determines eligibility for protection under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), Section 504, and other applicable legislation.
• Determines reasonable accommodation or course substitution; consults with students, faculty, administrators, and other campus personnel regarding students' instructional needs, the status of disability, and reasonable accommodations.
• Develops customized accommodations in collaboration with students based on assessment results and documentation of disabilities.
• Assists in the coordination and implementation of accommodations, such as extended test time, note-taking support, accessible materials, and assistive technology.
• Provides ongoing support and guidance to students to implement and utilize accommodations effectively.
• Develops and delivers workshops, seminars, and training sessions for students, faculty, and staff on topics related to learning disabilities, inclusive teaching practices, and assistive technology.
• Collaborates with faculty to promote awareness of diverse learning needs and effective instructional strategies to support students with disabilities.
• Researches and compiles resources, including academic support services, community resources, and assistive technology tools, to enhance student learning and success.
• Maintains an up-to-date database of resources and referral networks for students with disabilities.
• Provides guidance and recommendations for the acquisition of assistive technology and learning resources.
• Collaborates with academic advisors, counselors, and other support services to ensure holistic support for students' academic and personal success.
• Participates in college, division, department meetings, events, and training as recommended and approved by supervisor.
• Participates in professional development opportunities, college committees, work groups, task forces, and other professional organizations as approved by supervisor.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in special education, Psychology, Counseling, or related fields.
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities in an educational or support services setting.
• Knowledge of disability laws and regulations, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education.
• Experience with assistive technologies and adaptive learning strategies.
• Ability to maintain effective, collaborative working relationships with internal and external colleagues and constituents.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to FERPA regulations.
• Experience serving diverse populations and a demonstrated commitment to equity.
• Strong ability to consult and collaborate with others.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification as a Learning Disability Specialist or similar credential.
• Experience with assistive technology and accessible design principles.
• Experience in program development, workshop facilitation, or training delivery.
• Knowledge of universal design for learning (UDL) principles and instructional design methodologies.

Schedule

This is a full-time, in-person position. Typical hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with the expectation for a flex schedule of two or three days to accommodate evening appointments and programs. This position occasionally requires extended hours and weekend work.

Pay

In compliance with NYC’s Pay Transparency Act, the annual salary for this position is $66,300.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and life insurance.
• Long-term disability insurance.
• Tuition remission.
• Generous 403(b) employer contribution.
• Employee assistance program.
• Liberal paid time off policies.
• Access to St. John’s performing arts, libraries, bookstores, dining facilities, campus recreation, and sporting events.