What are the responsibilities and job description for the Accessibility Specialist position at Seattle University?
FLSA Status: Nonexempt
Market Reference Range (MRR): 8
Months Per Year: 12
Employment Status: Full-Time
Work Model: Hybrid Eligible*
Seattle University will be one of the most innovative and progressive Jesuit and Catholic universities in the world, educating with excellence at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. We embrace an intersectional framework for defining diversity in its broadest sense, including differences in gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, generational history, culture, socioeconomic class, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, political perspectives, geographic origin and physical ability. Seattle University strives to be a welcome, open and safe campus climate for all who learn, live and work at Seattle University.
Seattle University's Core Competencies
Effective Team Collaboration: Works harmoniously with others towards a common goal, leveraging individual strengths to achieve shared objectives.
Emotionally Intelligent Communication: Engages in a skillful exchange of information, thoughts, and feelings, verbally and non-verbally.
Ethics and Integrity: Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to honesty, professionalism, and alignment with our Jesuit mission in all actions and decisions.
Flexibility and Innovation: Embraces change, approaching problems with curiosity adaptability, and is committed to making a positive impact.
Mindful Inclusion: Fosters mindful inclusion by consciously creating a workplace that celebrates differences, embraces cultural humility, and empowers uniqueness.
Outcomes-Driven Orientation: Sets clear objectives, pursues excellence, and delivers measurable outcomes while upholding Jesuit Catholic values.
Position Description
Position Summary:
The Accessibility Specialist is responsible for providing direct student support related to accessibility and disability accommodations within the Office of Disability Services. Under the leadership of the Director, the Disabilities Services Accessibility Specialist meets with students for Access Planning Meetings, reviews accommodation requests, supporting documentation, and approves accommodation requests in consultation with the Director and Senior Director. The position also works with students with disabilities and their faculty to problem solve access issues and ensure that accommodations are implemented.
Key Responsibilities:
Review of accommodation requests, documentation and accommodation implementation for new and continuing students: 85%
- Conduct Access Planning meetings with students to determine accommodations: review of disability documentation and determination of eligibility and reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities.
- Orient students to accommodations and services.
- Provide individual support for students with disabilities.
- Maintain accurate and confidential records of student accommodations, communications, and any related documentation, in compliance with institutional and legal requirements.
- Ensure all accommodations and services are in compliance with legal requirements and provide documentation when necessary for compliance purposes.
- Act as a liaison between students and faculty; facilitate conversations between faculty and students with understanding multiple needs and perspectives when there are questions about accommodations.
- Assist students as they navigate the transition to college.
- Provide expert knowledge regarding accommodation strategies in educational settings, disability-based needs and experiences.
- use appropriate professional judgment on when to involve others in complex situations around accommodations and law or policy-based requirements.
Participate in Admissions and orientation events to provide information for prospective and newly admitted students: 5%
Support the Disability Services team in implementing accommodation procedures, including but not limited to Accommodated Testing: 10%
Qualifications
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Disability Studies, Psychology, Higher Education, or a related field.
- At least 2 years of experience working in disability services or a similar student support role.
- Strong knowledge of federal and state disability laws and regulations (ADA, Section 504, etc.) and their application in higher education.
- Demonstrated ability to assess and implement a variety of academic accommodations and support services for students with disabilities.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with students, faculty, and staff.
- Compassionate and student-centered approach with a commitment to supporting diversity and inclusion.
- Experience working with students with various disabilities, including but not limited to learning disabilities, ADHD, physical disabilities, and mental health conditions.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master's degree in Social Work, Disability Studies, Psychology, Higher Education, or a related field
- Certification or training in disability services, higher education, or a related field.
- Experience with assistive technologies, including software, hardware, and other tools used to support students with disabilities.
- Knowledge of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles and best practices for accessible learning.
- Familiarity with accessibility tools for online learning and digital content.
Work Environment:
- This is a full-time position, with office hours during the university’s academic year. Some evening or weekend hours may be required based on student needs and academic schedules.
- Work will be primarily office-based, with occasional campus visits for meetings and coordination of accommodations.
- Full-time on-campus presence required for first 3 months of employment; 1 hybrid day/week possible after probationary period is completed.
Application Instructions
Please attach a cover letter with your resume when applying. Job postings are open until filled, unless otherwise specified.
Compensation at a Glance
Salary Range: $62,000 - $70,000
Seattle University has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, and not based on a candidate’s gender or any other protected status.
Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. Seattle University provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your total compensation package.
Benefits at a Glance
Consistent with its fundamental Jesuit values, Seattle University offers a wide range of benefits designed to care for the whole person. Choose from three different medical plans, a dental, and vision insurance programs. Protect your income with life, short & long-term disability coverage. Plan for your future with up to a 10% employer contribution for retirement benefits, comprised of a 5% nonelective employer contribution and an additional dollar-for-dollar match of your voluntary contributions up to a maximum of 5%. You may also take advantage of 100% paid tuition benefits for the employee and dependents, a subsidized transportation benefit, a wellness program with free access to an onsite fitness facility, and a wide variety of campus events. Enjoy a generous holiday schedule, including a paid Holiday break closure in December, vacation and paid sick leave, and paid community service leave. For more information explore the Benefits website at: https://www.seattleu.edu/hr/benefits/
Hybrid Eligible
This position may be eligible for a hybrid schedule after successful completion of an introductory work period of 3-6 months. This may mean that a hybrid eligible role will begin on-campus initially and then will transition to hybrid format following onboarding and training. Flexible work plans are subject to periodic review and may be changed or terminated at any time for any reason at the university’s discretion.
Salary : $62,000 - $70,000
