Rank:  Admin IV
Center for Academic Success and Accessibility Services

Southern Connecticut State University is a diverse and student-centered university dedicated to academic excellence, access, and service for the public good. Southern provides a supportive and welcoming environment for all members of its community through a campus wide commitment to social justice.  Founded as a teacher’s college in 1893, Southern has evolved over the past century into a comprehensive public university of more than 10,000 students, offering graduate and undergraduate programs in the liberal arts and professional disciplines. It is one of four universities in the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities System. The University is located in New Haven, a city rich with arts and culture, and less than 90 miles from New York City and 140 miles from Boston.

Under the supervision of the Director of Academic Success and Accessibility Services, the Associate Director for Accessibility Services ensures that all students with a documented disability have equal opportunity and access to the academic and nonacademic offerings of the University. The Associate Director is responsible for the delivery of a comprehensive, iterative process to coordinate supports and services for students with accessibility needs which includes reviewing disability documentation and determining appropriate accommodations.

Required Qualifications

• A Master’s degree in education or related field (i.e., school/educational psychology, learning disabilities, counseling or special education);
• Four years of experience working with students with disabilities in an educational setting;
• Demonstrated expertise interpreting diagnostic assessments and in understanding the implications of behaviors elicited by learning differences and/or attentional and psychological disabilities;
• Advanced knowledge of disability law, and understanding of HIPAA and FERPA;
• General knowledge of primary physical, cognitive and psychological disabilities and the knowledge of essential services needed and utilized by students with disabilities;
• Experience supervising students and/or staff; and,
• A demonstrated commitment to creating a just and inclusive community, intercultural competency, and enthusiasm for working at an institution committed to social justice.
     

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong communication skills for effective oral and written communication with students, faculty and parents;
• Excellent planning, problem-solving, interpersonal and organizational skills with the ability to triage, establish priorities, meet tight deadlines and navigate conflicting demands;
• Demonstrated ability to use computers/software; and,
• A proven ability to work independently, as well as with a team.

These qualifications may be waived for individuals with appropriate alternative experiences.

Essential Functions

Provide overall leadership, planning, and supervision for accessibility services within the Center for Academic Success and Accessibility Services; provides leadership and management for a dynamic, culturally responsive, iterative process to coordinate academic and non-academic accessibility  services and programs.

Collaborates with students, faculty, staff and community members to proactively create usable, equitable, inclusive, and sustainable learning environments by advising the university community about universal design, reasonable accommodations, disability rights and responsibilities, technology, architectural and programmatic barriers, and local, state, and federal legislation related to disabilities.

In collaboration with the Director, develops and maintains policies, procedures, and processes that promote inclusion and universal design as well as for the provision of appropriate accommodations in accordance with federal, state, and local laws for the implementation and coordination of a comprehensive program of services to meet students’ accessibility needs.

Provides on-going disability-related information through both individualized training and written materials and presentations to educate the community; organize and host events to highlight information about disabilities; maintain high level of visibility and influence and show support for students with disabilities within the university community by serving on committees and participating in appropriate co-curricular activities; and, represent accessibility services to constituencies on and off campus.

Reviews and analyzes supporting documentation to determine eligibility for services and reasonable accommodations and arrange classroom, testing, and other accommodations for qualified students.

Consults with faculty on accommodation decisions when there is the potential for a fundamental alteration of an academic requirement; promotes the role that faculty play in implementing accommodations; and ensures that design changes or accommodations are effective in providing access and are implemented efficiently.

Maintains an effective case management system, including case tracking, review, and analysis.

In collaboration with the Director, works to ensure that all accessibility services information and communication technologies developed, procured, and implemented provide an equitable experience for all users.

Supports the development of a culture of excellence for accessibility services grounded in values of innovation, collaboration, integrity and compassion.

Recruits, trains, supervises, and evaluates accessibility services’ professional staff, student employees, University Assistants and other staff as necessary.  

Designs and implements an assessment program for accessibility services to include the development and assessment of program goals, learning outcomes and measurable objectives to determine the effectiveness of programs, enhance the well-being of students and improve the learning of student employees. 

Serves as a pro-active thought leader in collaboration with the Associate Director for Academic Support and Associate Director for Coaching and Programming to identify opportunities beyond regulatory compliance for best/promising accessibility inclusionary supports and practices.

Assist the Director in managing departmental financial resources and budget specifically related to accessibility services.

May involve occasional work in the evenings and/or on weekends.

Performs other duties and responsibilities related to those enumerated above which do not alter the basic level of responsibility of the position. 

Application

To be considered, please submit a letter of interest, resume and contact information for three professional references to Shabrell Sherrod at sherrods2@southernct.edu, no later than March 27, 2022. The position will remain open until filled.
    

Southern Connecticut State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University seeks to enhance the diversity of its faculty and staff. People of color, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.