Academic Access Specialist

Chatham University

Academic Access Specialist

Founded in 1869, Chatham University has an enrollment of over 2,200 students across over 60 undergraduate and graduate programs in our areas of excellence: sustainability & health, the arts & sciences and business & communications. Chatham has consistently been named a College of Distinction and a "Best College" by U.S. News & World Report, and--as the alma mater of environmental icon, Rachel Carson (Class of '29)--is perennially ranked as one of the greenest colleges in the United States by Sierra Magazine and the Princeton Review.

Chatham's mission is: "to prepare students to build lives of purpose, value and fulfilling work...by preparing graduates to be informed and engaged citizens in their communities; to recognize and respect diversity of culture, identity, and opinion; and to live sustainably." Building on this mission, Chatham is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning, living and working environment for all members of the campus community.

Chatham consists of the School of Health Sciences; the Falk School of Sustainability & Environment; the School of Arts, Science and Business; and the School for Continuing & Professional Studies.

Located in Pittsburgh, PA--one of the country's most livable cities and great college towns--Chatham is spread across three distinct locations: the historic arboretum, Shadyside Campus; Chatham Eastside in the fast-growing East End; and Eden Hall Campus, one of the world's most sustainable campuses.

Chatham University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity. Women, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. Chatham University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, or national origin.

To help support the work of the University, we have an immediate opening for an Academic Access Specialist.

Position Reports to: Director, Office of Academic & Accessibility Resources (OAAR)

Position Summary: Responsible for the planning and provision of assistive technology services for students with diagnosed disabilities at Chatham University. The person in this position will also assist the director with: interviewing students seeking disability support services; providing reading materials in alternate formats; scheduling, monitoring, and organizing distraction-limited testing; and managing the data associated with services for students with disabilities at Chatham University.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in education, psychology, or related field required.
• Master's degree in special education or related field preferred.
• Experience in a diverse Higher Education setting in the areas of disability services and/or academic support services.
• Knowledge of best practices in disability service implementation and experience with learning disabilities and autism spectrum disorder.
• Experience working with a diverse student population.

Duties and Responsibilities: Reporting directly to the Director, the Specialist will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following:

• Assist with the coordination and implementation of appropriate and reasonable accommodations for qualified students with disabilities.
• Facilitate assistive technology training and use by students with disabilities
• Administer disability testing accommodations: Schedule exams, communicate with faculty, proctor, read/scribe, ensure confidential return of exams to instructors.
• Collaborate with instructional technology department to ensure accessibility of university resources.
• Utilize hardware and software applications to convert materials to alternative forms such as, but not limited to, enlarged text, text-to-speech; and Braille.
• Communicate with Assistive Technology companies to ensure up-to-date software and hardware purchases, receive information about webinars, and troubleshoot technical issues.
• Schedule American Sign Language Interpreters when needed.
• Remain updated on the ADA and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 for best practices and emerging technologies in the field of disability accommodations.
• Work individually with students with disabilities as well as those with academic challenges to improve their academic skills and performance.
• Represent OAAR at admissions and other campus events and meetings as needed.
• Develop and maintain a student disability policy and procedures manual.
• Serve as the liaison with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation to refer potential students to their services.
• Teach study skills course to at-risk student population.
• Maintain thorough documentation and upkeep of client database and filing system.
• Research grants and other opportunities for Accessibility Services (procurement of software/hardware, facility improvement).
• Other duties as assigned.

Chatham University offers competitive salary, an excellent benefits package, including tuition remission for qualified personnel, and a generous retirement plan.

To ensure full consideration, please submit a cover letter addressing the qualifications of the position and contact information for three professional references.

Chatham University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Actively Seeks Diverse Candidates