Student Accessibility Coordinator at Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT

Job description

Job Description: Department: Office of Accessibility Primary Work Location: North Benson Road, Fairfield Direct Supervisor: Director of the Office of Accessibility Basic Function: Reporting to the Director of Accessibility, the Student Accessibility Coordinator is responsible for supporting and coordinating tasks that pertain to students with disabilities. Primary responsibilities include determining, coordinating, and ensuring compliance with federally mandated accommodations and support services for students with disabilities through the interactive request process. The Student Accessibility Coordinator works collaboratively with the Office of Accessibility team to oversee student accommodations, including note-taking assistance, exam proctoring, and flexibility accommodations. Further, the position requires working with students, faculty, and staff, and all campus partners, to ensure that appropriate Office policies, procedures, and processes are upheld, and accommodations are implemented. This position serves as a resource for students, families of prospective students, faculty, and staff for issues related to student disability accommodations needed to provide equal access to academics and campus life. Unusual Work Conditions: Some evening and weekend hours are required. Education, Certification, License, and Experience Requirements: KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS NEEDED: Strong verbal and written communication skills are required, as well as excellent interpersonal skills, orientation to details, and computer proficiency. Experience working with vulnerable student populations and their parents/guardians. Knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and the impact of these laws on accommodations for students with disabilities. Education: A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education, Rehabilitation Counseling, Psychology, Higher Education Administration or related field is required. A Master-level degree in a related field is highly preferred; however, commensurate professional background/experience may be considered in lieu of the advanced degree. Experience: A minimum of 1-3 years of direct experience working with students with physical, sensory, learning, psychological, and/or other disabilities in a higher education, k-12 or clinical setting. The candidate should be knowledgeable about various disabilities and accommodations in higher education and best practices regarding implementing accommodations. Essential Functions: Reviews and interprets disability documentation and evaluations Engages in the interactive request process with students with disabilities to formally approve academic and campus life accommodations Maintains detailed, timely, and confidential case notes documenting student interactions, accommodation decisions, communications, and follow-up actions Tracks accommodation requests, approvals, and outcomes using institutional case management systems Coordinates with team at Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies regarding the implementation of accommodations in classroom, clinical, and lab settings Manages campus life accommodation requests, including but not limited to, emotional support/assistance animal requests, housing accommodation requests, dining accommodation requests, and other campus accommodation requests Regularly engages and consults with Residence Life, Dining staff/ University nutritionist, and Public Safety/Parking Office. Manages existing student cases, including meeting with students, ensuring all documentation is in place, and providing necessary guidance and support regarding the implementation of the approved accommodations Acts as an advocate for students when accommodations are recommended and/ or have not been implemented Engages with faculty and academic departments to navigate academic accommodations in specific courses or programs and continue the interactiv