Accommodation Specialist

Job Summary

The purpose of this position is to provide students with disabilities appropriate services and accommodations to have equal access to Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU).

Under the general guidance of the Director, Accommodations and Resource Center (AARC), the position is responsible for general program support to student as well as providing leadership to the documentation review team, responsible for monitoring students’ entry into AARC from application to orientation.

This position will also assist with the development, implementation and analysis of AARC learning goals and assessment program.

The purpose of the AARC office is to provide equivalent access to higher education for students with disabilities. The position supports the Division by actively incorporating the Campus Compact commitments into the daily activity of delivering services.

The services are designed to be supportive, ensure compliance, and promote the development of student self-advocacy skills while maintaining fundamental academic and technical standards.

AARC services and personnel interactions are designed to be purposeful, open, just, disciplined, caring and celebrative.

AARC serves the mission of WesternU by providing access and educational opportunities to a population historically disadvantaged in higher education : students with disabilities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Provides leadership for the documentation review team.

Collaboratively work with AARC Director to determine the need for academic and programmatic accommodations for students with disabilities.

Conduct intake interviews and interpreting students’ psycho-educational, psychological, medical and other professional documentations.

Research and determine reasonable accommodations that maintain essential course requirements and are consistent with the fundamental nature of a program or course of study at the university.

Evaluate and ensure the academic accommodations provided to students are consistent with their documented disabilities.

Provide leadership on AARC retention process and programs.

Conduct individual meetings with AARC students who are academically at risk to enhance retention efforts.

Conduct orientations for new AARC students.

Assist with the delivery of services as appropriate; cross-train with other programs to ensure adequate coverage in all service areas.

Participate in various office projects as assigned.

Serve on office, Division or all-University committees as assigned.

Participate and cooperate with other staff in efforts designed to accomplish specific program goals.

Work with AARC Director to develop, implement, and analyze assessment data to inform the delivery and effectiveness of services.

Assist with monitoring and updating the departmental assessment plan.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor Degree with a minimum of two years full-time professional level experience with an emphasis in working with individuals with disabilities.

Understanding of section 504 and ADA (American with Disabilities Act) as applied to post-secondary educational institutions.

Experience reading diagnostic assessments and documentation of cognitive, psychiatric and medical disorders, and understanding the functional impact with in an educational setting.

Experience collaborating with other agencies and organizations that provide disability support services.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree and three years of progressively responsible student services experience.

Experience in Higher Education

Excellent computer, communication (oral and written) and customer service skills, commitment towards continued quality improvement and institutional effectiveness

Demonstrated ability to serve as an liaison for students with disabilities and work with instructors, advisors, other university personnel and community resources to assist students in the pursuit of their educational and career goals

List comments regarding work hours

Hours to be determined (20 hours max) based on needs of the office with some over time coinciding with annual events and some non- annual events.

Posting Date 08 / 26 / 2020 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants Essential Job Duties Job Duty

Meets with Students and / or Employee to discuss needs. Collect data to make evaluation and provide documented record of outcome and follow up

Percentage Of Time 20% Job Duty

Meet with Assistant Director to discuss documentation, follow up and follow through to obtain needed services for the student or employee Accommodation

Percentage Of Time 20% Job Duty

Conduct orientations for new AARC students. Provide leadership on AARC retention process and programs.Conduct individual meetings with AARC students who are academically at risk to enhance retention efforts

Percentage Of Time 20% Job Duty

Assist with the delivery of services as appropriate; cross-train with other programs to ensure adequate coverage in all service areas.

Participate in various office projects as assigned.

Percentage Of Time 20% Job Duty

Participate and cooperate with other staff in efforts designed to accomplish specific program goals.

Percentage Of Time 20%