GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

The Learning Specialist/Disability Services coordinates the implementation of academic strategies/accommodations to insure equal/open access to students with learning disabilities and promote successful integration of students with disabilities, as well as other diagnoses, in the college learning environment. The Learning Specialist/Disability Services performs educational, instructional, and administrative work associated with ensuring compliance with applicable policies and laws. This position is responsible for administering the college's Disability Support Services program, interpreting/implementing college policies and federal/state laws protecting rights of persons with disabilities, determining program eligibility, determining reasonable accommodation, and providing information/guidance for compliance with applicable laws and policies.

Through their work and life experiences, service to the community, and teaching and/or research, the Learning Specialist is expected to contribute to our diversity, inclusivity, and equity goals.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Coordinates development/application of academic strategies and accommodations to promote successful integration of students with disabilities within the college learning environment:
  • Reviews/evaluates diagnostic information and documentation of student learning disabilities; determines eligibility for protection under Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), Section 504, and other applicable legislation;
  • Determines reasonable accommodation or course substitution; consults with students, faculty, administrators, and other campus personnel regarding students' instructional needs, status of disability, and reasonable accommodations;
  • Designs strategic learning plans and provides one-on-one strategy instruction for students with disabilities; provides ongoing support and advocacy;
• Coordinates Disability Support Services program administration for students with learning disabilities:
  • Identifies, establishes, and evaluates program services;
  • Develops, proposes, and implements policies/procedures to ensure equal access to all academic programs and courses of study;
  • Develops/implements program handbook and brochures; provides relevant data to outside funding/oversight agencies;
  • Conducts outreach activities;
  • Compiles statistical reports on program activities/services;
  • Develops/coordinates network of academic support services for students with learning disabilities;
• Serve as the liaison to programs such as TRIO Student Support Services, the Male Initiative for Leadership and Education (MILE) and the Female Leadership & Mentoring Program (LEAD) in order to coordinate support and services for students with disabilities.
• Conducts workshops for students, parents, local high schools, and community agencies on issues of disability and higher education.
• Provides professional development training for faculty and staff on disability awareness and issues impacting students with disabilities.
• Conducts orientation sessions for incoming students with disabilities;
• Serves as student advocate; refers students to appropriate support services/resources.
• Performs administrative tasks associated with department activities:
  • Maintains records and confidentiality of records relating to students with learning disabilities;
  • Provides budgetary input;
  • Receives and/or refers to disability documentation, psychological evaluations, diagnostic reports, technical reports, educational records, student transcripts, insurance forms, etc.;
  • Operates a computer and utilizes word processing;
• Participates in college, division, department meetings, events and training as recommended and approved by supervisor.
• Participates in professional development opportunities, college committees, work groups and task forces, and other professional organizations as approved by supervisor.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities related to those listed above which do not alter the basic level of the position.

• Master's degree in Special Education, Educational Psychology, Counseling, Deaf Education, Teaching, or closely related field; with three (3) years experience and/or training that includes college-level learning disability services, learning disability assessment, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), Section 504 compliance, development of policies/procedures, teaching, or curriculum development; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Ability to maintain effective, collaborative working relationships with internal and external colleagues and constituents.
• Ability to build rapport and meaningful relationships with students, colleagues and community partners.
• Strong written and oral communications skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to FERPA regulations.
• Experience serving diverse populations and a demonstrated commitment to equity.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

Preferred Requirements:

• Working knowledge of Colleague/Datatel student information system.
• Experience working with and supporting a culturally diverse population in a Hispanic-Serving Institution

Equivalency Statement:

Applicants who do not meet the qualifications as stated above are encouraged to put in writing precisely how their background and experience have prepared them with the equivalent combination of education, training, and experience required for the responsibilities of this position.

Working Conditions/Physical Demands:

Works in an office setting. Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work. Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time. The individual needs to move about inside the office to access office machinery. Constantly operates a computer and other equipment i.e. copier. This person frequently communicates with students, faculty and staff. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.

Information Security Awareness Training:

Candidates for employment should be aware that all STCC employees are required to complete Information Awareness Security Training within thirty days of their orientation date and annually thereafter.

Salary: $64,292 - $92,174. (MCCC, Grade 5). Actual salary will be commensurate with education and experience per the MCCC Collective Bargaining Agreement. See http://www.mass.edu/shared/collbargaining/mccc.pdf

Benefits: Yes

Union: MCCC Professional

Classification Number: HB1119

Grant Funded: No

Work Schedule: 37.5 hours per week (Monday - Friday, 8am-4pm). Requires flexibility to work occasional evenings and/or weekends as demand dictates.

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

All candidates must have legal authorization to work in the United States. Springfield Technical Community College is not sponsoring H1B Visa