Santa Fe College (SF) has been recognized as one of the top-rated community colleges in the United States. Santa Fe College is a student-centered institution with a commitment to open access, academic excellence, and cultural and ethnic diversity. SF enrolls over 16,000 students each semester, retains and completes over 60% of students every academic year, while over 10% transfer into the University system.

Description

The Disabilities Resource Center (DRC) at Santa Fe College is committed to providing equal access and equal opportunity for students with disabilities to ensure full and active participation in SF College life. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the mission of the DRC to provide comprehensive services to students with a wide array of disabilities, establish and facilitate reasonable academic adjustments for eligible students, and provide valuable information to students, parents, faculty, and staff related to various responsibilities, services, and programs.

The DRC is seeking an Access Specialist to work on-site with students who have a broad range of disabilities, including autistic students and those with sensory disabilities (Deaf/Hard of Hearing and Blind/Low vision). It is the responsibility of the Access Specialist to meet with students individually to assess their needs for support and service and provide comprehensive information and guidance. The Access Specialist also arranges for approved accommodations and services and acts as a liaison between students, faculty, staff, parents, secondary education institutions, and community disability service agencies. The Access Specialist contributes to the overall success of the college and the DRC by coordinating special projects and accessibility initiatives that focus on inclusion, enhancement, and compliance. Additionally, the Access Specialist works collaboratively with college faculty and staff to ensure compliance with college policies and procedures, legislative rules, and federal and state regulations related to students with disabilities.

Responsibilities and Duties

* Works well with students who have a broad range of disabilities, including autistic students and those with sensory disabilities (Deaf/Hard of Hearing and Blind/Low vision), exhibiting professionalism, a positive demeanor, cooperative attitude, respect, and sensitivity in all interactions with students and visitors at the DRC.

* Facilitates programming and support for autistic students, including the Spectrum of Success (SOS) program.

* Provides students with various information regarding institutional programs, DRC policies and procedures, as well as college and community resources available for students with disabilities.

* Advises students on concerns related to disability, self-advocacy, as well as academic/vocational preparedness and provides recommendations for achieving maximum independence.

* Conducts interviews with students seeking accommodations, interprets available documentation in an effort to identify student needs concerning academic adjustments and formulates individualized accommodation plans.

* Analyzes assistive technology needs and utilization skills of students with disabilities to recommend the most appropriate and efficient systems for students.

* Provides personalized and individualized training to students, faculty and staff on the use of adaptive technology software and devices.

* Acts as a college-wide resource to faculty and staff concerning disability legislation, compliance, assistive technology, accommodations for students, available services, and DRC procedures.

* Collaborates with college personnel concerning student accommodations, petitions, appeals and other disability related matters.

* Participates in college events and serves on college committees and work groups to promote awareness of DRC services and to further the DRC mission of physical and programmatic accessibility.

* Acts as a DRC liaison between students, faculty, staff, parents, secondary education institutions, and community disability service agencies.

* Assists with the assessment and development of guidelines and procedures regarding the provision of service for students with disabilities.

* Travels to educational centers to meet with students, faculty, and staff to ensure the availability of DRC services.

* Strictly honor the privacy, security and confidentiality of student records and other sensitive information according to appropriate state, federal and college regulations, policies, and procedures.

* Provides service excellence through courteous, informed, accessible and professional engagement.

* Performs other duties as assigned.

Reports to: Coordinator, Disabilities Resource Center

Qualifications

Required: A bachelor's degree in education or a relevant human services discipline with two (2) years of work experience in disability services and/or a combination of education and experience equal to six (6) years.

Additional Requirements: A criminal background check will be conducted.

Preferred: A master's degree in education or a relevant human services discipline. Experience working in a postsecondary educational environment with students who have disabilities (specifically autistic students and those with sensory disabilities). Experience interpreting disability documentation and familiarity with adaptive technologies. Knowledge of federal and state disability laws and familiarity with higher education requirements, programs, coursework, and policies.

General Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

* Ability to work successfully in a multi-cultural environment.

* Adaptability to Change - able to be flexible and supportive, able to positively and proactively assimilate change in rapid growth environment.

* Analytical Aptitude & Problem Solving - able to analyze information, problems, situations, practices and/or procedures, collect and interpret data, reason logically, establish facts, identify and define existing and potential issues, recognize the interrelationships among elements, draw valid conclusions, develop recommendations, as well as alternative courses of action, select appropriate course, follow up, and evaluate.

* Communication - able to effectively communicate in a professional, diplomatic, empathetic, and tactful manner using preferred method and level as applicable to the job.

* Critical Thinking & Judgement - able to make well-reasoned, sensible, and timely decisions based on careful, objective review and informed analysis of available information, considerations, and other factors.

* Customer Service - ability to respond promptly and courteously to all questions from students and faculty, demonstrating patience and persistence when helping students with little or no computer skills.

* Ethics - able to demonstrate integrity, professionalism, civility, and a high degree of ethics in all job-related actions.

* Organization & Time Management - able to plan, schedule, and organize tasks related to the job to achieve goals within or ahead of established time frames.

* Problem Solving - proven skills in identifying issues, determining their cause, developing creative solutions, and following through with implementing resolutions.

* Relationship Management - able to personally provide high level of interactive service to others, building relationships and addressing identified needs.

* Results Orientation - proven ability to set and exceed established targets.

* Systems & Software - proficient level of knowledge of Microsoft Office and/or relevant position software programs.

* Detail Oriented - Proven accuracy and attention to detail.

* Multi-task - Ability to expeditiously organize, coordinate, manage, prioritize, and perform multiple tasks simultaneously to swiftly assess a situation, determine a logical course of action, and apply the appropriate response.

Application Process: All applicants must submit a completed online application that includes a letter of intent demonstrating evidence of overcoming barriers experienced by disabled, low-income and first-generation students and having knowledge of working with underrepresented groups, an up-to-date resume, and unofficial college transcripts to be considered for this position. Unofficial transcripts are only accepted for review purposes, official transcripts are required prior to any offer of employment being made.

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.

Santa Fe College (SF) is committed to maintaining a work and educational environment that embraces diversity and where no member of the college community is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subject to discrimination in any college program or activity based on: their race, ethnicity, national origin, color, religion, age, disability, sex, pregnancy status, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, political opinions or affiliations, or veteran status. This commitment applies to employees, volunteers, students, and, to the extent possible, to third parties, applicants for admission, applicants for employment, and the general public. http://www.sfcollege.edu/eaeo/

Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies or concerns about discrimination or harassment, including concerns about sexual harassment or sexual violence under Title IX, should be directed to: equity.officer@sfcollege.edu

Santa Fe College reserves the right to extend deadlines and/or not to offer advertised positions.

Preference will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of veterans.

Santa Fe College offers a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave. Employees can also take advantage of many perks and discounts.

To learn more details, visit our Employee Benefit Information page.

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.

Santa Fe College (SF) is committed to maintaining a work and educational environment that embraces diversity and where no member of the college community is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subject to discrimination in any college program or activity based on: their race, ethnicity, national origin, color, religion, age, disability, sex, pregnancy status, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, political opinions or affiliations, or veteran status. This commitment applies to employees, volunteers, students, and, to the extent possible, to third parties, applicants for admission, applicants for employment, and the general public. http://www.sfcollege.edu/eaeo/

Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies or concerns about discrimination or harassment, including concerns about sexual harassment or sexual violence under Title IX, should be directed to: equity.officer@sfcollege.edu

Santa Fe College reserves the right to extend deadlines and/or not to offer advertised positions.

Preference will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of veterans.

Agency Santa Fe College

Address 3000 NW 83rd Street RA-100

Gainesville, Florida, 32606

Phone 3523955185

Website https://www.sfcollege.edu