Director of Student Accessibility Services

About the role

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. We will become an even stronger university as we enhance equity at every level of our institution. Our graduates will excel in the competencies and values needed for leadership and service in a rapidly evolving world.

Responsibilities

• Lead the administration, organization, and daily operations of the SAS office, including but not limited to scheduling the provision of services and maintaining records and tracking systems.
• Set up and maintain a database system for monitoring and reporting on the number of students with disabilities, their needs, and the effectiveness of service delivery for program improvement purposes.
• Supervise staff, including student workers and graduate assistants.
• Plan and implement effective policies and procedures to improve services and ensure compliance with state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to the rights of students with disabilities.
• Promote understanding and awareness of programs, needs, and innovative services in the field of disability including but not limited to Universal Design.
• Maintain current knowledge of legislation and technology related to disabled students’ programs and services.
• Develop a disability awareness curriculum for faculty and staff, promoting enhanced disability inclusion, community awareness, and retention for students with disabilities.
• Develop and implement a plan for promoting ODS programs and services to students, parents, and faculty, including developing marketing materials, updating the website, using social media, etc.
• Review documentation of disability, including psychological, medical, academic, and educational assessments, and recommend reasonable accommodations for students for both academic programs and residence life housing needs.
• Oversee requests for Emotional Support Animals and manage Committee on Service and Assistance Animals.
• Care for and manage requests for assistive technology, note-takers, transcription services, sign language interpreters, etc.
• Identify and implement assistive technology resources to ensure students with disabilities have access to university curricula and programs.
• Develop and implement program orientations and other transition and success activities for students with disabilities and their parents.
• Identify and collaborate with public and private entities that provide services, assistance, or information to students with disabilities, including other postsecondary institutions, social service agencies, secondary schools, etc.
• Assist in college efforts to ensure that all programs and services are accessible and consult with Human Resources, Facilities, and all other college divisions regarding campus and program accessibility.
• Act as a liaison, advocate, and resource person for students with disabilities.
• Identify sources of grant funding and scholarship programs for students with disabilities.
• Manage the annual departmental budget.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Assistant Vice President of Student Wellness.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues in an environment that promotes innovation, teaching, learning, and service to a diverse student population.
• Effectively interact with people from diverse socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds.
• Collaborate with community agencies that serve people with disabilities.
• Apply legal and policy provisions to various problems consistently and correctly.
• Manage categorical budgets and grants.
• Handle interruptions, frequent deadlines, and multiple assignments.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or JD, JD or doctoral degree preferred in Special Education, Psychology, Counseling, Rehabilitation Counseling, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in leadership developing, coordinating, and managing disability-related services.
• Proven track record of developing innovative programs that strengthen the quality of services provided to students with disabilities.
• Deep understanding of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Sections 504, and Amendments.
• Understanding of physical, cognitive, and emotional/mental impairments.
• Ability to comprehend and interpret psychological assessments, disability documentation, and diagnostic testing and to determine appropriate, reasonable accommodations.
• Awareness of best practices for adaptive technology.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Pay

The annual salary range for this position is $54,000 - $66,154.

Benefits

St. John’s University offers a competitive compensation program which is commensurate with your qualifications, experience, and contingent upon the departmental budget. We also offer an extremely comprehensive benefits program to meet the diverse needs of our workforce. Along with exceptional benefits such as medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability insurance, tuition remission, generous 403(b) employer contribution, employee assistance program, and liberal paid time off policies, faculty and staff can also enjoy St. John’s performing arts, libraries, bookstores, dining facilities, campus recreation and sporting events.