Director for Accessibility Services

The mission of Holy Family University’s Office of Accessibility Services is to adhere to a commitment for equitable access and opportunity for all, and to establish a well-informed environment of inclusion, propelled by the upholding of our University’s core values of Integrity and Respect. The Director for the Office of Accessibility Services will provide expert-level guidance when University need arises and is responsible for ongoing efforts to establish an accessible, equitable, and inclusive higher education experience including all University offerings -- academics, events, and services -- that may involve housing, dietary, and/or academic accommodations to otherwise qualified individuals with documented disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

The position is 12 months with occasional additional weekend and evening hours for promotional and mission-centered events. Employees must understand the mission of Catholic Higher education and be committed to the core values, mission, goals, and objectives of Holy Family University.

Essential Functions

This position is responsible for coordinating and providing accessibility services for all students attending HFU. This job description is illustrative and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents in this position.
Case Management and Related Responsibilities

Reviews confidential psych-educational evaluations and health documentation to determine eligibility for reasonable accommodations for courses, programs, and other services.
Develops individual accommodation plans for students with approved and documented disabilities based on individual needs.
Provides evaluation, assessment, guidance, and case management related to academic and non-academic student concerns.
Coordinates and provides assistive technology as needed.
Ensures complete confidentiality of student records and other information of a confidential nature.
Serves as a liaison and a resource for students with accommodations, University faculty and staff.
Collaborates and consults with faculty and staff regarding academic accommodations, compliance with responsibilities as well as instructional, programmatic, and curriculum modifications.
Ensures that all constituencies, internal and external, have accurate information about resources and services offered (including website, LMS-based resources, and all other materials).
Notifies faculty of required accommodations in compliance with ADA/Section 504.
Works with all offices who have a role in supporting students with accommodations to coordinate and provide appropriate resources and/or services.
Coordinates testing accommodations and administers examinations (with the exclusion of proctoring).

Outreach Programming

This will be carried out through various means -- including the office’s webpage, the Admission’s process, regular ongoing communication (emails, etc.), the early alert system (CRM Advise), events such as First-Year Orientations, Open Houses, Welcome Week events, Health Fairs, as well as off-campus event opportunities. Many initiatives will be in collaboration with the Center for Teaching & Learning.

Lead structured groups, workshops, and presentations.

Administrative

Prepares and maintains accurate records usable for evidence-based decision-making.
Prepares records in compliance with ADA, 504, and University standards (using appropriate databases and other recordkeeping systems).
Submits annual reports to the Dean of Academic Student Success.
Maintains detailed meeting notes, accommodation plans, records of curricular and co-curricular events, etc.).
Develops and implements the goals, objectives, evaluations, and assessments of the office.
Oversees the budget for this office (maintaining records, allocating resources judiciously).
Maintains and updates the policies and procedures manual.
Maintains and updates all communication.

Professional Development

Participates in continuing education.
Partakes, in an ongoing manner, in training, staff development workshops, conferences, and seminars.
Stays up to date with the best-practices and legal regulations. The incumbent is expected to maintain currency in the fields of professional expertise and competencies related to this position.
Conducts professional development each semester for the benefit of HFU colleagues (faculty and staff).
Serves on assigned university committees.

Off-site services and meetings are expected to occur as necessary and specifically at the two Newtown Campuses. Occasional on-call responsibilities may be expected and will require telephone access. Travel to conferences and/or regional meetings will occasionally be required.

General Expectations

Employees are expected to accomplish assigned duties in an efficient, effective, and competent manner and to strive for improvement and excellence in all work performed. Employees must understand the mission and demonstrate the Core Values of the University. Additionally, demonstrate the ability to work with diverse personalities, and harmoniously with students, faculty, and staff, and the public. Employees are expected to follow and abide by all University policies, rules, regulations, and guidelines.

Education & Experience Requirements

Bachelor's degree in related fields such as rehabilitation counseling, special education, disability studies, higher education, counseling, or psychology plus a minimum of 2 years of experience working directly with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973/ADAAA. Master's degree preferred. Experience with case management, counseling, and/or programming in higher education or a comparable setting with a comparable population of individuals with disabilities.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Ability to apply working knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations, laws, and policies as well as best practices as indicated by the Association for Higher Education and Disability.
Familiarity with diagnostic assessments, including psychological evaluations and educational testing. Understanding of Universal Design for Learning.
Ability to plan, schedule, implement, and manage a comprehensive array of accommodation services.
Ability to partner with and provide guidance to students, faculty, and staff to ensure accommodation-fulfillment and equitable access.
Experience with case management, counseling, and/or programming in higher education
Knowledge of and ability to use software, data collection, and assessment systems needed to build and maintain records.
Possession of high-level oral and written communication skills.
Knowledge of and ability to follow university policies and procedures.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the campus community.
Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with a population who possess a wide variety of communication styles.
Ability to serve as an ally to students advocating for disability awareness, inclusion, and equitable access.
Ability to mentor students to grow their self-advocacy skills.

Physical Requirements

Communicates frequently, in person, over the phone, or via a computer. Hearing is needed for extensive telephone and in person communication. Regularly required to sit for long periods of time; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms. Manual dexterity is needed in order to operate a computer keyboard. Operates standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and other office machines.

For consideration, qualified candidates should submit a cover letter with desired salary and resume to careers@holyfamily.edu.

Director for Accessibility Services