Manager, Disability and Access Services

The mission of Goodwin University is to educate a diverse student population in a dynamic environment that aligns education, commerce, and community. Our innovative programs of study prepare students for professional careers while promoting lifelong learning and civic responsibility. As a nurturing university community, we challenge students, faculty, staff, and administration to fully realize their highest academic, professional, and personal potential.

Position Description Summary/Purpose:

Reporting to the Senior Director of Civil Rights Compliance, the Manager of Disability and Access Services is responsible for comprehensive leadership in maintaining compliance with federal and state disability laws and regulations by providing administrative oversight for all disability-related accommodations and services for students and aiding in disability related accommodations for employees. The Manager serves as a member of the Office of Civil Rights Compliance Team and aids in supporting pregnant and parenting students with Title IX Modifications.

Essential Job Functions/Primary Responsibilities:

(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

• The work performed by the Manager is complex and confidential, requiring comprehensive knowledge of University policies, federal, state, and local laws and regulations, and a strong leadership presence on campus and within the community.
• Advocacy and Student Support
• Directs the implementation, integrity, and successful provision of reasonable accommodations for students and employees with documented disabilities.
• Conducts programming and training on disability-related topics.
• Meets with students and employees to perform intake sessions covering eligibility, process of developing and implementing accommodations plan, and documentation collection. Reviews disability-related documentation, including psychoeducational and neuropsychological reports to determine eligibility and appropriate accommodations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Develops and implements individualized accommodation plans based on diagnostic evaluation, other disability documentation, and the self-report.
• Liaises with third party service providers, such as captioning, interpreting, and orientation and mobility services to proactively implement time-sensitive accommodations.
• Represents Disability and Access Services on committees and at all orientations, open houses, and other campus and community events.
• Coordinates disability-related student outreach supports which may include peer mentoring or support groups.
• Collaborates with other student services departments to ensure that students with disabilities have equal access, including working with the Registrar and Facilities on assignment of class locations.
• Supports faculty and staff in providing reasonable accommodations to enhance learning environment for students with disabilities.
• Develops and presents training for faculty/staff on best practices for supporting students with disabilities, including effective use of assistive technology.
• Oversees orientation to Disability and Access Services within the University community by providing information on services, resources, rights, responsibilities, and channels for current and prospective students and employees to request and acquire assistance.
• Ensures the University’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and other related laws, guidelines and standards as ADA Coordinator for students.
• Responsible for the acquisition, maintenance, and coordination of the use of adaptive equipment, technology, and software used for students and employees with disabilities.
• Prepares and revises information sheets, brochures, handbooks, catalog, and relevant webpages. Maintains confidential records.
• Prepares annual outcomes assessment for the Office of Accessibility Services, and prepares reports for appropriate campus personnel regarding utilization, student outcomes, and needs assessment.
• Collaborates with the compliance officer to ensure that students’ needs are being met in accordance with federal regulations.
• Maintains liaison with local, state and national agencies to include, but not limited to, Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS), Board of Education Services for the Blind (BESB), and other colleges and universities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Other Functions: 

• Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates.
• Continues professional development and training; keeps current with trends.
• Assists other department staff as needed to promote a team effort.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill:

• Demonstrated commitment to developing and fostering best practices and policies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and build an environment in which all members of the University community are treated with respect and dignity.
• Solid skills using Microsoft Windows programs (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Professional attitude & demeanor
• Strong work ethic
• Self-motivated, self-directed, and organized
• Professional and effective telephone and written communication skills 
• Knowledge and experience with ADA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and emerging trends in disability rights and services
• A coherent philosophy of disability services within the context of post-secondary education
• Demonstrated ability to relate to students, faculty and staff
• Familiarity with professional organizations that contribute to the overall health and wellness of students with disabilities

• Minimum of a Master's Degree in Special Education, Rehabilitation Counseling or related field, Ph.D. preferred 
• Five years of administrative experience in managing and administering disability services, preferably in an academic setting

Special Requirements:

• Valid Driver License & Insured Vehicle

Physical and Mental Requirements: 

Vision requirements:

_X_     Close vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 inches or less)

_X_      Distance vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 feet or more)

_X_       Color vision (i.e. ability to identify and distinguish colors)

_X_       Peripheral vision (i.e. ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or

            left and right while the eyes are fixed on a given point)

_X_     Depth perception (i.e. three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and

            spatial relationships)

___      No special vision requirements

Full-Time Employee Benefits:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• 401k employer match
• Employee & dependent life insurance
• Great tuition benefits for employee, spouse & dependents
• PTO program
• Flexible work schedules

(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between Goodwin University and employee. It is used as a guide for personnel actions and is subject to change by the University as the needs of the University and requirements of the job change.)