Director of Student Accessibility Services
Clark University

Category:: Staff and Administrators
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Department:: DOST-Dean of Students 3110
Locations:: Worcester, MA
Posted:: Sep 12, 2024
Closes:: Open Until Filled
Type:: Full-time - Exempt
Position ID:: 181012

About Clark University:

Founded in 1887, Clark was one of the first all-graduate institutions in the United States. Today the University is a highly-ranked, student-centered institution educating approximately 2,350 undergraduate and 1,150 graduate students to be imaginative and contributing citizens of the world and to advance the frontiers of knowledge and understanding through rigorous scholarship and creative effort. This commitment to scholarship and inquiry reflects the University's commitment to "challenge convention and change our world" and to address issues of critical importance to society. It is also reflected by Clark's many national and international distinctions, including recognition for its diversity and inclusion efforts, innovation, community engagement and impact, as a top green campus, and for having a distinguished geography and international development program. Clark has also been included in the groundbreaking Colleges that Change Lives guide since it was first published in 1996.

Clark is located in Worcester, Massachusetts, a dynamic, diverse city "on the rise." The second largest city in New England, Worcester is home to 11 institutions of higher learning and is increasingly recognized for its growing healthcare and biotechnology communities, its thriving cultural scene, and as a vibrant food hub.

Job Description:

As the Director, you will lead with a forward-thinking approach, steering the development, implementation, and strategic growth of Student Accessibility Services at Clark University. The director is a department leader who supports the Clark University community by providing guidance, expertise, empathy, and quality service.

This position serves a unique student population and is independently responsible for compliance with state and federal laws and regulations. Knowledge of FERPA, ADA, Section 504, Title IX, the Higher Education Act, and the latest Office of Civil Rights (OCR) guidance is essential to this role.

The Director oversees all aspects of the Office of Student Accessibility Services, including leading a creative, caring, and student-centered team and spearheading innovative approaches that ensure regulatory compliance for individuals requesting reasonably mandated accommodations.

In this role, the Director will oversee daily operations, including the management of two full-time staff members, budget oversight, and the ongoing process of student intake and accommodation assignment. The Director will ensure the testing administration, employee hiring, training, and scheduling and is entrusted with maintaining the security and integrity of sensitive records. The Director will work closely with the associate director for the Strategic Learning Services program in SAS on the administration of the program.

Additionally, the Director will be crucial in advising and training faculty and staff on best practices for accessibility and inclusiveness. The Director's leadership will help foster a campus-wide culture of integration and equity, ensuring all students have the support they need to thrive.

This position occasionally requires evening and weekend hours. This role is highly visible and will interact widely across university constituencies and the surrounding community. The director determines the departmental direction and leads the team to provide outstanding, timely, caring, and compliant services to students, families, faculty, staff, and guests.

Major Responsibilities:

• Directly supervise two associate/assistant directors and indirectly supervise a student team.
• Provide expert consultation to university departments and advise on disability and access issues to ensure consistency in policies, procedures, and services.
• Forge meaningful relationships with university stakeholders to build long-lasting rapport and trust.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure university-wide compliance for classroom accommodations, residence halls, and events.
• Oversee the university student grievance procedures related to any allegations of disability discrimination.
• Support the student housing accommodation process through intentional cross-campus relationship building.
• Assess the staffing needs of the office and work to expand organizational capacity.
• Serve as a liaison between the Office of Student Accessibility Services and multiple university department leaders and faculty to enhance relationships and grow partnerships.
• Create a positive organizational culture within the office based on trust and a sense of belonging and purpose.
• Forge strong partnerships throughout the university, seeking new ways to communicate the SAS's value and extant work.

Participate in the growth and development of the Office, Division, and Clark University:

• Support key initiatives and experiences within the Division of Student Success and the University, such as opening weekend, orientation, commencement, family weekend, traditional events, etc.
• Serve as a responsible committee representative as requested
• Attend necessary meetings and inform staff regarding relevant information.
• Promote efficiency and courtesy throughout the University community and ensure that is consistent with the Division of Student Success mission and values
• Remain cognizant of the University's mission and identity, the constant promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the importance of student voices
• Communicate effectively with your supervisor concerning the pertinent unit and/or University matters
• Other duties as assigned that are within the best interest of the division and department.

Requirements:

• Master's degree in Education, Disability Studies, or related field
• Minimum 5 years of professional work experience with college students
• Comprehensive knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) guidance on, as well as best practices and national trends regarding, providing services to disabled students in higher education
• Extensive experience engaging in the interactive process with disabled students who request accommodations, including reviewing documentation and conducting intake & follow-up meetings
• Strong organizational and administrative skills with the ability to work independently and demonstrated strategic decision-making capabilities
• Computer and technology skills, working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite software; electronic records management software, including electronic disability student records system (e.g., AIM) with an understanding of the need for confidentiality of student records (FERPA)
• Familiarity with current trends in assistive and adaptive technology
• Ability to work with a diverse campus population, including students, families, faculty, staff, and administrators, fostering an inclusive environment
• Ability to work some nights and weekends as needed is required.

Additional Information:

As of June 1, 2023 Clark University no longer requires employees or students to be vaccinated against COVID-19. However, Clark urges all community members to follow CDC guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination, which recommend that everyone stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines including booster doses. This is important for your own personal health as well as the health of our community.

At Clark University, we are dedicated to building a workplace that celebrates diversity and fosters inclusion. We believe that diversity of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds leads to a more innovative and productive work environment. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is reflected in our hiring practices, employee development programs, and campus culture. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to join our team and contribute their unique ideas to help us achieve our goals.

Clark University offers a generous benefit package for full and, if applicable, part-time employees that include; paid time off, generous retirement plan, group health and dental insurance, life insurance, and tuition, along with use of many campus amenities. For a complete list of benefits for eligible employees visit here.

To review the Clark University Police Department Annual Security and Fire Safety Report visit here.

Application Instructions:

To be considered for this position, you must submit your credentials online. Create a Clark University Careers Account by clicking on the APPLY NOW button below. You will be able to upload the following documents, which are required for consideration:

• Resume
• Cover letter

See the FAQ for using our online system. Please contact us if you need assistance applying through this website.

Already have a Clark University Careers Account? Login to your account to add documents or update your account.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Salary will be commensurate with skills and experience.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer.

A successful background check is required upon acceptance.