ASST DIR STDNT ACAD SVCS

Reporting to the Director of the Student Accessibility Center (SAC), the Assistant Director assists in supporting day-to-day operations of the Student Accessibility Center, serving undergraduate, graduate, and professional students with disabilities with needs for academic access, testing, housing and meal-plan accommodations. The Assistant Director provides coverage and leadership in the Director's absence.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Leadership and Administration: In collaboration with Director, reviews, develops, and implements policies and procedures for providing individualized accommodations and equal access for students in accordance with legal requirements, especially focused on alternative-format materials, assistive technology and digital accessibility, testing accommodations/proctoring, and housing. Recruits, hires, and supervises full-time staff including five Accessibility Specialists, Testing Coordinator, Administrative Assistant, undergraduate and graduate student workers. Oversees hiring, training, and payroll services of staff. Directly supervises team of up to five Accessibility Specialists. Carries out supervisory responsibilities that include interviewing, hiring, and training staff; assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining staff; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Oversees provision of accommodated testing, note taking/recording services, and alternative text program in consultation with Director. Develops and maintains accessibility program materials, website, and other technology in collaboration with SAC staff. Plans and implements program assessments to ensure the quality and effectiveness of service delivery systems. Supports the development and facilitation of faculty training related to accessible materials, instruction, digital systems, and facilities. Maintains up-to-date knowledge of instructional methods/materials and emerging technologies that help students with access and learning. Learns, applies, and trains others to utilize emerging technologies as necessary to perform duties in an efficient, organized, and timely manner. Participates in Student Academic Services signature programs, events, and activities, including but not limited to: Orientation, New Student Convocation, finals week proctoring, and Undergraduate Admission open houses.
• Direct Student Service: Provides guidance for interpreting disability documentation used to determine eligibility. Provides staff with an understanding of the interactive process. Supports the provision of reasonable accommodations consistent with current law and identified best practices within the field. Ensures confidentiality of records. Monitors the timeliness of approving accommodations and onboarding new students. Develops training and consultation sessions about the interactive process to orient and train new staff, covering best practices, legal paradigms, consistent and timely communication, and the development and revision of process documents. Empowers and educates staff to meet individually with students to discuss current accommodations, assess the need for reevaluation of accommodations, foster student self-advocacy, and to ensure and improve communication with instructors/staff. Monitors communication between faculty, staff, and prospective and enrolled students with disabilities. Provides ongoing consultation and technical assistance to facilitate services and accommodations. Organizes individual and group case review sessions to foster sound decision making. Makes direct referrals to students for evaluations and on-campus academic and wellness resources. Plans and facilitates student accessibility workshops. Facilitates accessibility participation at various campus events.
• Collaboration/Consultation: Serves as a member on internal and university-wide work groups and committees, as needed. Works closely with the Department of Residence Life regarding housing and dining accommodation needs and for Emotional Support Animals, requested by students with disabilities. Consults and collaborates with staff in other units to foster campus accessibility. Serves as a liaison to the faculty and campus community on issues related to students with disabilities, classroom and curriculum accommodations, and laws related to ADA compliance for students. Works directly with Facilities Management to maintain and improve accessibility on campus. Oversees coordination of accommodated testing, note taking program, and alternative text program. Oversees the provision of Communication Access Real-time Translation (CART), ASL Interpreter services, and Assistive Listening Devices.

Minimum Education and/or Work Experience

Master's Degree in higher education or related field and knowledge of learning and tutoring theory. Three years' experience working directly with college students with disabilities preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience(s) should demonstrate the ability to work with college age students who have been diagnosed with physical, medical, psychological, and learning differences.
• Considerable knowledge regarding learning differences, ADD, physical disabilities, sensory impairments, and other conditions; determining and applying appropriate accommodations is necessary.
• Requires independent professional judgment in the handling and use of highly confidential material and sensitivity to issues of diversity.
• Must have experience with the use and interpretation of standardized test results and psycho-educational evaluations.
• Strong working knowledge of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990; the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2009; Section 508, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and other federal and state laws pertaining to higher education and disability.
• Must have working knowledge of current adaptive technology software programs and assistive technology.
• Excellent written, verbal, and electronic communication skills and organizational skills.

Certificates/Credentials/Licenses

Master's degree in Higher Education, Educational Psychology, Rehabilitation Counseling, Social Work, Special Education, or related field.

Computer Skills

Technical proficiency in use of computers, software applications such as Microsoft Office Suite. Proficiency in case management systems; familiarity with Symplicity Accommodate preferred. Proficiency in student information systems; Oracle PeopleSoft is preferred. Proficiency in data reporting tools, dashboards, and information retrieval systems; familiarity with Microsoft PowerBI and WebFOCUS preferred.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Yes

Physical Demands

None

Working Conditions

Irregular Hours

Diversity and Inclusion Statement

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion As one of the nation's largest Jesuit, Catholic universities, Loyola University Chicago fosters a transformative cultural experience that honors diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to not only recruiting, but also retaining a diverse, mission driven workforce and enabling a culture of inclusiveness in an environment that values service excellence, stewardship, personal well-being, and professional development for all of our employees.