The primary responsibilities of the Accommodations Specialist are to provide accommodations for students with disabilities and promote accessibility in courses and throughout campus. Conducts initial interviews with students and develops individualized accommodation plans including matters related to assistive technology. Helps ensure that students’ access and accommodation needs are addressed in a timely, accurate, and confidential manner. Works collaboratively within the College community to provide leadership for a comprehensive array of support services designed to ensure meaningful access and to promote retention for students with and without disabilities. Exercises strong leadership, supervisory, and technical skills that create an appropriate learning environment for students. Duties may occasionally be performed remotely.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Conducts initial intake interviews with students to determine eligibility, reviews and interprets documentation, creates accommodations plan, and provides assessment and referral services. Advises students on policies, procedures and the rights and responsibilities of the student, instructor, and Academic Success Center office within the parameters of disability laws and college policies.

Utilizes a case management system to develop individualized accommodations plans and maintains accurate and confidential records, eligibility, accommodations, and academic support services. Assists in the timely resolution of issues students may encounter in courses and on campus related to accommodations or accessibility.

Understands and articulates the laws and legal mandates of providing accommodations and promoting accessibility at the post-secondary level including Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act by staying abreast of best practices and changes in the field through ongoing professional development and participation in professional organizations.

Assists faculty and staff in implementing accommodations and in understanding rights and responsibilities to meet the needs of students with disabilities.

Coordinate assistive technology, software support, alternative text, testing, and hiring, scheduling, and supervising ASL interpreters and ASC Student Workers for Accommodations.

Collaborates across campus to provide individual and group training and awareness on topics such as confidentiality, services available, accessibility, learning strategies, disabilities, disability laws, access in the classroom, captioning, Universal Design, etc. in order to promote retention, persistence, and success for all students.

Compiles, maintains, and manages data and statistics reflecting progress, trends, use of services and makes appropriate reports and budget recommendations for future programs and initiatives.

Coordinates and provides workshops to enhance learning strategies, academic and executive functioning skills, advocacy skills, and personal development.

Presents transitional accommodations information, enrollment information, and other support services to individuals and groups such as graduating high school students within the Richland district.

Leads key initiatives advancing the institution’s Accessibility Plan by coordinating accommodations, enhancing access to student services, and ensuring equitable opportunities for all students, employees, and community members. Collaborates across departments to promote inclusivity, ensure compliance with accessibility standards, and foster a campus-wide culture of access and belonging.

Oversees the Delta Alpha Pi International Honor Society Chapter.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Bachelors’ degree in social work, human services, education, counseling, rehabilitation, or a related field. Master’s degree in a related field preferred. At least three years of successful experience, preferably in case management or in a community college disabilities service environment. Knowledge of federal, state and local laws and guidelines related to services for persons with disabilities including Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. An understanding of the comprehensive community college philosophy and knowledge of the current concepts, principles, and practices needed to successfully integrate accommodations into a robust academic program. Experience or demonstrated ability adapting to the challenging demands of disability services. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, administrators, and other members of the community. Ability to exercise independent judgement and make appropriate and compliant decisions. High level of computer literacy and ability to use technology to enhance student success.

Knowledge of assessment, accommodation, and intervention techniques for students with disabilities. Experience in determining appropriate academic and testing accommodations. Ability to plan and organize tutoring services initiatives for students with disabilities. A working knowledge of FERPA and adaptive software programs. Ability to work as a member of a team to achieve common goals. Accomplish duties in an efficient, effective, and competent manner and strive for improvement and excellence in all work performed. Ability to create documents in an accessible format preferred.