Director, Office of Accessibility Services

Director, Office of Accessibility Services

Main Campus - Boston, MA
R09266

Located in Boston's historic Fenway area, Simmons has a strong tradition of empowering women and challenging traditional gender roles. Simmons University was one of the first higher education institutions to prepare women to become leaders and has evolved to become a university offering a women's undergraduate program and graduate programs open to all.

You're joining our community at an especially exciting time as one of our strategic goals is to become the most inclusive campus in New England. You'll find that people who work here are truly committed to our mission of preparing students to become champions of social justice and leaders in their professions and their communities. This commitment and pride make for a dynamic workplace. Simmons University is committed to inclusive excellence in all aspects of an individual's community experience.

Simmons University is looking to hire a Director of the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS). Reporting to the Assistant Provost, the Director will oversee and provide strategic leadership on accessibility services at Simmons University. The Director will ensure that students needing accommodations are responded to quickly and thoroughly. The Director will also drive within OAS on diversity, equity and inclusion, creating an environment free from bias, prejudice and discrimination.

Simmons is committed to the full participation of all students, regardless of ability, in its programs and activities. In this commitment, Simmons provides support services and reasonable accommodations when requested by students who qualify for them. OAS ensures that these accommodations are put into place in a timely manner, and that each student is treated with dignity and respect.

Responsibilities:

Leadership and Program Management

• Develop strategic priorities for the Office and the University as it relates to accessibility;
  
• Create and implement policies and procedures on issues of disability and accessibility;
  
• Consult on University construction, building, technology, and web design projects, as well as University policies and procedures specific to access for students with disabilities;
  
• Provide leadership experiences and other opportunities for students with disabilities to facilitate community engagement as well as personal growth;
  
• Manage the assessment process of offered services to improve student experience and support;
  
• Act as the primary resource to the institution and the public regarding accessibility information specific to Simmons University;
  
• Oversee and manage the OAS budget;
  
• Maintain information regarding state and federal laws and regulations as well as industry best practices in providing reasonable accommodations while maintaining program technical standards;
  
• Represent the OAS industry conferences and events as well as in University meetings and committees;
  
• Supervise and manage OAS staff;
  
• Other responsibilities as necessary.
  

Compliance and Accommodations

• Manage time sensitive and complex cases involving partner offices in the Simmons community;
  
• Collaborate with General Counsel on guidelines and compliance regulations for reviewing and delivering accommodations;
  
• Ensure University compliance with related state and federal regulations as they pertain to students;
  
• Oversee the coordination and provision of all reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Collaborate with faculty and staff as needed to ensure the timely delivery of the accommodations. Reasonable accommodations may be requested by students for academics, residence life, dining, fieldwork and clinicals, for both on-the-ground and online programs.
  
• Work closely with the 2U accessibility team to ensure that online programs are accessible;
  
• Serve on the Accessibility Services documentation review team, reviewing and determining appropriate accommodations and services for students;
  
• Meet with students, parents or guardians to discuss the services and accommodations offered by the OAS and review the accommodations and services the student has been approved to receive;
  
• Oversee the management of student case files, completing and filing required reports and case notes.
  

Education and Outreach

• Develop and oversee educational programs to support the academic progress of students with disabilities;
  
• Train new and current faculty and staff on best practices for working with students with disabilities;
  
• Provide programming during University orientation sessions for new students and for orientation staff leaders;
  
• Provide periodic trainings to the University community on trends and developments in the disability services area and at Simmons specifically;
  
• Work with students to provide support, advocacy, and coaching specific to issues related to accessibility.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Education, Psychology, Rehabilitation, Counseling, or a related field;
  
• A minimum of five years of experience in a learning center and/or disability services office in a higher education, nonprofit, or government agency;
  
• Experience working with the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the ADA Amendments Act, as well as other relevant local, state and federal laws;
  
• Ability to work some evening and weekend events if necessary.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Understanding of student development and accessibility issues;
  
• Strong supervisory, management, and budgetary skills;
  
• Broad knowledge of and experience with assistive and/or instructional technologies;
  
• Experience reviewing and interpreting test results and reports, as well as medical documentation;
  
• Knowledge of and experience with the challenges facing underrepresented populations in obtaining access to learning accommodations;
  
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential situations with professionalism;
  
• Familiarity with the Microsoft Office suite and an ability to learn new technology;
  
• Experience assessing clinical standards for programs with practical requirements (e.g. nursing and social work);
  
• Experience identifying and resolving complex problems or issues that require detailed investigation, analysis and interpretation;
  
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with an ability to work across a diverse community of students, staff, faculty and external constituents.
  

This position may be eligible for partial remote work.

Required Application Materials:

• Resume
  
• Cover Letter
  

Salary Grade
S08

Instructions to Applicants: Please upload all applicable application materials (e.g. resume/cv, cover letter, writing sample, teaching philosophy, etc.) in the Application Materials box on page 2 ("My Experience") of this application. Documents can be uploaded individually or as a combined document (e.g. PDF).

Simmons University is committed to inclusive excellence in all aspects of an individual's community experience. As a university committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Simmons encourages applications from all under-represented groups. Simmons is committed to creating, developing, promoting, and enhancing inclusive hiring practices-at all levels, for all positions-ensuring diverse talent pools and the delivery of a consistent positive candidate experience. Simmons is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to continuing to develop a more diverse faculty, staff, student body, and curriculum.


To apply, visit https://simmons.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Simmons-Careers/job/Main-Campus---Boston-MA/Director--Office-of-Accessibility-Services_R09266

Located in Boston’s historic Fenway area, Simmons College is a small, private, non-sectarian College which has educated students for enriching careers and purposeful lives since 1899. Working at Simmons means joining a collaborative, diverse and mission-driven community of educators and professionals.

We prepare students to be leaders for themselves, their communities and the world. Our faculty and staff members lead by example - sharing a commitment to excellence and putting the students first.