Associate Director of Disability/Access Services

Company Description:

Framingham State University is a vibrant comprehensive liberal arts institution located in the MetroWest suburbs of Boston, which integrates an academically challenging liberal arts education with workforce preparation programs. Founded in 1839, FSU enrolls about 4,000 undergraduates and 1,200 graduate and professional students. FSU offers 35 bachelor's degrees with 55 specialized concentrations, 63 minors, and 26 master's degree programs, in a highly personalized teaching environment. Our community takes pride in empowering student success by providing a superior education, leading research and innovation opportunities, and a strong first-year experience.

At FSU, we are deeply committed to inclusive excellence, encouraging a supportive, diverse and collaborative learning environment, and providing culturally relevant education. We are honored that our commitment earned FSU six Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Awards from INSIGHT Into Diversity and that we are the only public institution in Massachusetts recognized in 2018, 2019, and 2020. FSU is designated as an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and also belongs to the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Inclusive Excellence community, providing national leadership in science education and exploring strategies that will lead to more inclusive science education. We encourage applications from those who share our commitment to promoting a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive community.

Our founding motto, LIVE TO THE TRUTH, was said at the end of each class by beloved first principal, Cyrus Peirce, who sought to discover and teach "truth in theory and principle...truth in spirit and motive...truth in manner and form...truth intellectual and truth moral." Principal Bagnall found this motto "speaks of sincerity of spirit...of intensity of effort, of resolution to succeed, of joy in achievement." LIVE TO THE TRUTH continues to guide our institution in practice and endeavor. If you share in this quest for truth and a commitment to living it fully, make the next chapter of your career the best chapter at Framingham State University.

Learn more about our career opportunities at www.framingham.edu/careers.

Job Description:

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

The Associate Director of Disability/Access Services will manage day-to-day overall operations of the office. In accordance with applicable laws, the Associate Director will manage student accommodation requests which includes conducting intakes, reviewing eligibility documentation, and assisting with the identification and timely implementation of approve accommodations. This position will have a high level of autonomy and discretion in interpreting the needs of students and determining reasonable accommodations. The Associate Director will also address accessibility needs of students and play a crucial role in educating the FSU community on the purpose and nature of academic accommodations and urgency to create an accessible campus experience for students.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Disability/Access Services Contractor for notetaking, assistive technology; Contractor for Diverse Scholars Program; student interns or graduate assistants

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Associate Dean of Academic Success/Director of CASA

EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Disability/Access Services:

• Evaluate and interpret student disability documentation to determine eligibility and appropriate accommodations; develop, implement, and oversee formal accommodation plans for each qualified student in accordant with all federal, state, department and University policies/procedures/regulations/laws.
• Conduct formal intakes with students to discuss their ability to fully participate in the educational experience at the University with particular attention to those students whose accommodation concerns are especially complex or sensitive; refer to additional campus partners and external resources as deemed appropriate
• Oversee day-to-day delivery of accommodations, including proctored exams, reduced-distraction delivery, notetakers, and sign language interpreters
• Resolve multi-dimensional matters in response to students in crisis, at risk, or who have other program issues; guide students and parents on sensitive and confidential issues
• Maintain accurate, confidential student records, including electronic records, individual student files, and student accommodation forms
• Identify appropriate assistive technology and/or auxiliary aids for students with focus on strengthening independent student learning; provide assistive technology training as needed to students and campus staff
• Provide consultation and support to faculty regarding implementation of accommodations and/or delivery of services to students with disabilities
• Facilitate ADA and accessibility trainings in both face-to-face and online delivery formats for faculty and staff
• Accountable for ensuring that affirmative action, equal opportunity, and diversity are integrally tied to all actions and decisions in areas of responsibility.
• Other duties as assigned by the Associate Dean of Academic Success.

Diverse Scholars Program

• Supervise Coordinator for the Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment program (MAICEI), known as the Diverse Scholars Program, to develop comprehensive academic and co-curricular supports for high school students in transition (ages 18-21) to promote access to campus life and college coursework in an inclusive setting.
• Assist with the recruitment, admissions and orientation of incoming Diverse Scholars, to include: developing and updating program materials, coordinating orientation programs and campus visits.
• Participate as the University's representative on all planning activities for incoming ICE students in collaboration with sending high schools/ special education collaborative.
• Ensure administrative tasks associated with the Diverse Scholars program are completed, to include: collecting and reporting of statistical data and analysis, coordinator partnership and leadership team meetings, maintain student files, assist in monitoring budget expenditures, and collaborate with the sending districts/ special education and University officials on the operational agreements in place.
• Support grant applications and, upon awarding of such grants, fulfill requirements for such by ensuring collaboration with FSU Business Office and Office of Grants and Sponsored Programs.

Other/Administrative

• Supervise Accessibility Coordinator contractor
• Utilize Starfish retention software to track faculty academic concerns and conduct appropriate outreach to students, including early alert and midterm warning outreach.
• Coach students one-on-one to identify academic goals and develop effective academic interventions
• Represent CASA and Disability/Access Services at new student orientation and other incoming student events
• Support FSU Foundations Program as a Seminar Leader
• Collaborate with CASA staff to support the academic mission of the University

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Office setting with occasional weekends required for accepted student receptions and new student orientation.

Requirements:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree and two years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant experience
• Working knowledge of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 as amended
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a team or independently
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in of counseling, higher education, social work, or related field
• Three to five years experience in higher education setting
• Ability to review medical documentation, neuropsychological reports and other evaluations to determine appropriate academic and housing accommodations
• Comprehensive knowledge of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 as amended
• Knowledge of assistive technology software and hardware

Additional Information:

This is a full-time, exempt, benefits-eligible position in the Association of Professional Administrators (APA) bargaining unit with a title of Associate Director. The salary range is $65,000-68,000.

It is the policy of Framingham State University that all employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including booster if eligible, before they begin employment. Proof of the COVID-19 vaccine is required of all individuals hired by FSU, to be verified after a verbal offer of employment has been accepted, and before employment begins. Prospective employees may submit a request for a medical or religious exemption to the COVID-19 vaccination requirement to Human Resources. Furthermore, FSU employees must wear a mask inside certain campus spaces.

Framingham State University conducts criminal history and sexual offender record checks on recommended finalists prior to final employment for all positions.

Framingham State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Members of underrepresented groups, minorities, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and all persons committed to diversity and inclusive excellence are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Instructions:

Candidates must apply online by submitting:

• Cover Letter,
• Resume/CV,
• Equity and Inclusion Statement,
• Names and contact information for three (3) professional references.

*An Equity and Inclusion Statement is a personal statement on a candidate's past efforts, as well as future plans, to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion. Regardless of personal demographic characteristics, FSU has a commitment to hiring candidates who share our commitment to the American Association of College and Universities (AAC&U) Inclusive Excellence Model. The equity and inclusion statement is an opportunity for candidates to discuss scholarship, professional skills, experience, and/or willingness to engage in activities that would enhance the university's efforts to promote a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. Equity and inclusion statements will be considered as part of a transparent and comprehensive review of candidates' application materials.

For best consideration, application materials must be received by May 23, 2022. However, applications may continue to be reviewed until the position is filled.

Framingham State University only accepts application materials through our online application system. We are unable to accept application materials through mail, email, fax, or hand delivery. If you experience technical issues with the online application process, please submit a helpdesk ticket.

Framingham State University understands that persons with specific disabilities may need assistance with the job application process and/or with the interview process. For confidential assistance, please contact the Human Resources Office at 508-626-4530 or humanresources@framingham.edu.

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