Coordinator, Accessibility Services

Aquinas College is accepting applications for Coordinator, Accessibility Services 

Aquinas College, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, an inclusive educational community rooted in the Catholic Dominican tradition, provides a liberal arts education with a global perspective, emphasizing career preparation focused on leadership, service to others, and a lifelong passion for learning. Aquinas offers an inclusive and welcoming environment. Aquinas College is committed to recruiting talented and diverse faculty and staff who are capable of exposing its students to a wide range of cultures and perspectives and whose presence on the campus will enhance the diversity of the community in which the College resides.

Summary and Purpose:

This position facilitates efforts to provide equal access in all academic, housing, and extra-curricular activities for Aquinas College students under the mandate of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990), Americans with Disabilities Amendment Act (2008) as well as state and Aquinas College policies. This position operates with minimal supervision and with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgement. This position involves administrative and specialized work that is essential to deliver a comprehensive program to ensure access for students with disabilities.

Essential Functions:

• Assesses students’ eligibility for program services based on the review/interpretation of confidential psycho-educational and/or medical documentation in conjunction with student interviews.
•  Conducts an intake interview to assess needs.
•  Meets with eligible students to identify appropriate accommodations based on areas of need. 
• Maintains, reviews, and updates a caseload of student files (electronic) for accuracy and compliance.
•  Coordinates a Testing Center to provide extended time on tests and/or separate testing area accommodations as needed for students with disabilities.
•  Creates and updates necessary forms for documentation pertaining to disabilities, confidentiality, housing/emotional support animals, etc.). 
• Provides in-service training for faculty and staff regarding disability related information. 
• Creates and updates policies and handbooks regarding student disabilities and accommodations.
•  Maintains current knowledge regarding the state and federal laws and regulations concerning disabilities and shares that information with supervisors as appropriate.
•  Creates and monitors Accessibility webpage information to meet state and federal laws and requirements. 
• Reviews ADA caselaw, develops and makes recommendations to supervisors and the cabinet for improvement, and implements appropriate changes. 
• Hears first level appeals regarding accessibility concerns and renders a decision at this level. 
• Participates in relevant professional development activities to stay informed of state and federal regulations regarding students with disabilities. 
• Schedules and coordinates professional services required for accommodations (e.g., sign language, CART). 
• Maintains institutional membership in assistive software programs (such as Glean and Bookshare) and updates student information each semester. 
• Supervises, schedules, assigns tasks and monitors hours worked for student assistants. 
• Works with faculty, staff, and other agencies to coordinate and implement services for students with disabilities. 
•  Advocates for students with disabilities and participates in the development of an educational environment to promote their success. 
•  Maintains highest levels of protection of student rights to privacy regarding student records and confidentiality. 
• Participates in professional development activities for assistive technologies to stay informed and able to assist students with these technologies. 
•  Acts as a resource for students, faculty, campus departments, and assists students in understanding how their disabilities, rights, and responsibilities relate to their accommodations. 
• Coordinates housing and food service accommodations with Director of Residence Life. 
•  Assists department administrators in the gathering of statistical information concerning services rendered to students with disabilities. 
• Develops and manages budget for Accessibility Services.
•  Experience with Title IX procedures and regulations. 
• Works with Counseling Center to support overall student wellness.  
• Performs other job duties as assigned. 

Qualifications: 

• Must have a Master’s degree in Social Work or related field from an accredited college or university, with at least two years of experience working with post-secondary students with disabilities. Clinical licensure preferred. Candidates with Bachelor’s degrees in a relevant field will be considered with 5 years’ direct experience working with postsecondary students with disabilities. 
• Must have extensive knowledge of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990), and the Americans with Disabilities Amendment Act (2008) as well as state policies. 
• Must demonstrate professionalism and leadership.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality. 
• Must work collaboratively with different groups on campus. 
• Must have experience working effectively with diverse populations. 
• Must be experienced in data management. 
• Must demonstrate the ability to use initiative and independent judgement. 
• Must have comprehensive understanding of various assistive and educational technologies.  
• Must be able to use Microsoft Office Software, Google Suite, and Aquinas software systems. 
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. 

Aquinas College offers an excellent benefits package that includes affordable medical, dental, and vision plans, generous paid vacation each year, 16 paid holidays, paid sick time and short-term disability, and college-paid life and AD&D insurance. Additionally, Aquinas employees and their dependents are eligible for free tuition at Aquinas after one year of full-time employment.

 Aquinas College has a long-standing commitment to equal opportunity and a work environment which is free of unlawful harassment or discrimination. Aquinas College provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran or active duty military status, familial status, height, weight, genetic information or any other status protected by applicable law.