Director of Accessibility & Student Inclusion

IT
July 6, 2023
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Job Description

The Director of Accessibility & Student Inclusion is responsible for providing campus leadership and translation of policy and compliance standards to ensure the delivery of student disability accommodations and services that address individual wellbeing and student success. Additionally, the Director is responsible for program, services, and support for student diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice initiatives. The Director will be responsible for being highly organized, a strong communicator, and avid campus collaborator. 

Essential Functions 

Accessibility responsibilities:  

  1. Interacts with students to review medical, psychological, and educational documentation; determine appropriate and individualized accommodations based on documentation and need. Problem solves student concerns as they relate to student access and collaborates to resolve issues. 
  2. Establish and maintain practices, policies, and procedures to serve students with various disabilities; and regularly review and update the Office’s website and marketing publications related to programs and support services.
  3. Serve as a resource to faculty and staff on disability compliance, accommodations, services and programs; and coordinates with campus partners and faculty to ensure accessibility (physical, technological, and classroom).
  4. Counsels students on disability related issues, provides study skill strategies.
  5. Researches and implements best practices related to academic accommodations, universal design and assistive technology. Continually monitors and evaluates the status of campus accessibility to include coordinating departmental responses with facilities, residential life and/or other departments to help ensure maximum access by disabled students.
  6. Develops and conducts faculty, advisor, and other campus personnel seminars, workshops, and training programs to provide awareness of compliance and equity.
  7. Convenes and oversees the campus-wide Accessibility Committee to proactively promote and advance an accessible campus. 
  8. Manages and recommends the annual operating budget for programs and support services administered to include interacting with external consultants and vendors to review and recommend the purchase of new and/or improved products and equipment.
  9. Oversees and maintains confidential records and related information in accordance with federal regulations; 
  10. Maintain up to date knowledge of current and emerging statutory and regulatory requirements and best practices as it relates to Section 504 & 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504 & 508), Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 as amended (ADA), Fair Housing Act, and other federal, state, local, and accreditation related accessibility compliance requirements. In consultation with the Title IX/504/ADA Coordinator, regularly evaluate and modify services and programs to ensure federal and state compliance; and address student grievances.
  11.  Enhances professional knowledge and skills by attending training sessions, workshops/seminars and reviewing published literature; ensures that subordinate staff knowledge and skills are enhanced through appropriate developmental tools.

Student inclusion responsibilities:  

  1. Coordinates institutional efforts that focus on student diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice initiatives. 
  2. Serves as a key advocate for advocating for historically underserved student populations. 
  3. Facilitates diversity and inclusion dialogues to build civility within the student populations. 
  4. Conducts diversity and cultural competency training for student leaders.
  5. Works collaboratively with other offices to ensure inclusion efforts are be administered, including Housing & Residence Life, Student Engagement & Community Programs, Mission & Ministry, Service & Community Engagement, Athletics, Women’s Leadership Initiative, 
  6. Works collaborating with Housing & Residence Life on identity-based Living Learning Communities.
  7. Collaborates and supports identity-based student organizations to build community on campus. 
  8. Develops and implements a programming for various heritage month celebrations such as Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Latin Heritage Month, Asian Island Pacific Month, Pride Month, etc. 

Other responsibilities:

  1. Provide annual data, information, and trends regarding utilization of services and programs; and provide data to appropriate stakeholders for the purposes of reporting, assessment, budget, etc. in accordance with FERPA and ADA/504 confidentiality requirements.
  2. Serve on University committees, taskforces, workgroups, etc. as designated.
  3. Performs such similar, comparable, or related duties as may be assigned or required.

Qualifications:

Knowledge: A Master’s degree in higher education, college student personnel, counseling, rehabilitation counseling, special education or another closely related field from an accredited college or university. Bachelor’s degree in a related field and additional years of related experience may substitute for required education. 

Experience:  A minimum of two years of professional experience administering programs and support services to disabled students and diversity, equity, and inclusion work is required.  

Skills/Aptitude:  A strong working knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion work is necessary. Demonstrated experience reviewing disability documentation, conducting interactive processes to determine and provide reasonable accommodations.

Additional requirements include the ability to work autonomously, excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong collaboration, and strong organizational skills. Experience with assistive technology and software. Demonstrated ability to work with persons from culturally diverse backgrounds. Candidates will have knowledge of the mission of the University and a demonstrated commitment and understanding of the service orientation of Notre Dame of Maryland University. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.) required. Proficiency with sign language is preferred.

Working Conditions:  Normal office environment(walking, sitting, climbing stairs, reaching, etc.). Light physical demands such as bending, carrying, kneeling, lifting, and pushing may be required. Some weekend and evening hours may be required.

Additional Information:

Notre Dame of Maryland University does not discriminate in offering equal access to its educational programs and activities or with respect to employment terms and conditions on the basis of age, ancestry, color, creed, disability, gender, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or protected veteran’s status. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policy: Greg FitzGerald, Chief of Staff, Notre Dame of Maryland University, 4701 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21210, 410-532-5109.

For all other employment inquiries, please contact Human Resources at 410-532-5898 or human_resources@ndm.edu. Notre Dame of Maryland University is an EEO/AA employer.

All applicants must submit:

  1. Cover letter
  2. Salary requirements
  3. Resume
  4. Contact information for 3 professional references

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