What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Accessibility Services position at Bennett College?
ABOUT BENNETT COLLEGE:
As we celebrate our 150th year, Bennett College stands as a unique historically Black liberal arts college for women in Greensboro, NC. Our micro-college setting, with a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, fosters an intimate, engaging learning community that is centered on the experiences and achievements of women of color. Our traditional events and ceremonies throughout the academic year not only honor our rich history but also contribute to the holistic development of our students as scholars and leaders.
As we celebrate our 150th year, Bennett College stands as a unique historically Black liberal arts college for women in Greensboro, NC. Our micro-college setting, with a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, fosters an intimate, engaging learning community that is centered on the experiences and achievements of women of color. Our traditional events and ceremonies throughout the academic year not only honor our rich history but also contribute to the holistic development of our students as scholars and leaders.
GENERAL SUMMARY:
As the Director, you will be responsible for the overall operation and management of the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS). This includes hiring, supervising, and evaluating personnel, preparing and maintaining budgets, and overseeing the provision of auxiliary aids, services, and program modifications for students with disabilities. You will also lead campus initiatives promoting awareness of disability issues, accessibility, and inclusion, and provide technical assistance to all campus divisions in complying with applicable county, state, and federal laws.
As the Director, you will be responsible for the overall operation and management of the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS). This includes hiring, supervising, and evaluating personnel, preparing and maintaining budgets, and overseeing the provision of auxiliary aids, services, and program modifications for students with disabilities. You will also lead campus initiatives promoting awareness of disability issues, accessibility, and inclusion, and provide technical assistance to all campus divisions in complying with applicable county, state, and federal laws.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Ensures that the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS) maintains an accessible, inclusive environment that welcomes students with disabilities.
- Provides precise information and accessible materials in various formats, equipping students with the necessary tools to make important educational decisions.
- Provides leadership to OAS staff in developing tailored services for eligible students, addressing their needs on a case-by-case basis.
- Recommends learning strategies, adaptive and assistive technology, curriculum modifications, and special test accommodations to support students with disabilities.
- Collaborates with faculty to explore program modification alternatives and integrate principles of universal instructional design, which aim to minimize the need for exceptional aids and services.
- Stays informed about current adaptive and assistive technology, software, and online educational materials and works with the campus to ensure their availability to students.
- Maintains partnerships with high school transition representatives and community agencies that offer resources and opportunities for students with disabilities.
- Serves on campus and college committees, making recommendations and implementing college policies, procedures, and guidelines.
- Provides training opportunities for employees and performs other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Possess a comprehensive understanding of college organization, goals, objectives, and policies and procedures, with extensive knowledge of District Procedures for Students with Disabilities.
- Familiarity with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- Proficient in using the Accessible Information Management System (AIM), Microsoft Office software, and specialized computer programs relevant to the area of responsibility, as well as currently accessible technology, software, and applications within Apple's universal access features.
- Exhibit excellent organizational and communication skills, both verbal and written. Can effectively present information to managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
- Skilled in reading, analyzing, and interpreting general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.
- Able to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or business community members.
- Proficient in defining problems, collecting pertinent data, establishing facts, and drawing valid conclusions for reporting purposes.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- A Master’s degree in Special Education, Disability Services, Counseling, or a related field is required. A Doctoral degree is preferred.
- Five (5) to eight (8) years of relevant experience in disability and access services is preferred. This includes experience with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, ADA/ADAA compliance, and managing complex teams.
- Alternatively, an equivalent combination of certification, education, and experience may be accepted, provided it enables the individual to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
