Accommodation Specialist

St. John’s, established in 1870, has two New York City campuses; international locations in Rome, Italy; Limerick, Ireland; and Paris, France; and study abroad locations around the world. The Princeton Review and other top rankings consistently recognize the University’s outstanding academics, diverse student body, dynamic internship, and volunteer opportunities, focus on student life, and diverse study abroad offerings. St. John’s University offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs in its six colleges and schools, with a growing number of programs offered online. The University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and 12 other major academic and professional associations.

A dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion is at the heart of our mission. As a Catholic and Vincentian university, St. John’s is committed to institutionalizing practices of inclusive excellence to ensure that we welcome and celebrate the intrinsic worth of all members of our community. We will become an even stronger university as we enhance equity at every level of our institution. Our graduates will excel in the competencies and values needed for leadership and service in a rapidly evolving world.

Department: Student Success

Specific Job Title: Accommodation Specialist

Reports to : Director, Office of Disability Services

Campus: Queens

Job Summary:

St. John's University's Office of Disability Services is looking for a dynamic and passionate individual to serve as a full-time, in-person Accommodation Specialist. The Accommodation Specialist works directly with students registered with the office to provide individualized support and accommodations, fostering an inclusive learning environment that promotes academic success and personal growth. The Accommodation Specialist performs educational, instructional, and administrative work associated with ensuring compliance with applicable policies and laws.

The Office of Disability Services (ODS) is part of the Department of Student Wellness at St. John’s University. The Department of Student Wellness takes an integrated approach to wellness, consisting of Student Health Services, Wellness Education and Prevention, the Center for Counseling and Consultation (CCC), the Office of Disability Services (ODS), Campus Recreation (CREC), and Sexual Violence Outreach, Awareness, and Response (SOAR).

**Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: **

• Reviewing/evaluating diagnostic information and documentation of student learning disabilities; determining eligibility for protection under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), Section 504, and other applicable legislation.

• Determining reasonable accommodation or course substitution; consulting with students, faculty, administrators, and other campus personnel regarding students' instructional needs, the status of disability, and reasonable accommodations.

• Developing customized accommodations in collaboration with students based on assessment results and documentation of disabilities.

• Assisting in the coordination and implementation of accommodations, such as extended test time, note-taking support, accessible materials, and assistive technology.

• Providing ongoing support and guidance to students to implement and utilize accommodations effectively.

• Developing and delivering workshops, seminars, and training sessions for students, faculty, and staff on topics related to learning disabilities, inclusive teaching practices, and assistive technology.

• Collaborating with faculty to promote awareness of diverse learning needs and effective instructional strategies to support students with disabilities.

• Researching and compiling resources, including academic support services, community resources, and assistive technology tools, to enhance student learning and success.

• Maintaining an up-to-date database of resources and referral networks for students with disabilities.

• Providing guidance and recommendations for the acquisition of assistive technology and learning resources.

• Working with academic advisors, counselors, and other support services to ensure holistic support for students' academic and personal success.

• Participating in college, division, department meetings, events, and training as recommended and approved by the supervisor.

• Engaging in professional development opportunities, college committees, work groups and task forces, and other professional organizations as approved by the supervisor.

• Performing other duties as assigned.

**Work Environment : **

This position operates in a professional office environment. This position requires the use of standard office equipment such as personal computers, printers, etc.

**Position Type/Expected Hours of Work : **

This position is a full-time, in-person position. Typical hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with the expectation of a flex schedule of two or three days to accommodate evening appointments and programs. This position occasionally requires extended hours and weekend work. Travel is when appropriate and requested.

**Required Education and Experience: **

• Master’s degree in Special Education, Psychology, Counseling, or related fields.

• Experience working with individuals with disabilities in an educational or support services setting.

• Knowledge of disability laws and regulations, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build rapport and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

• Commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education.

• Experience with assistive technologies and adaptive learning strategies.

• Ability to maintain effective, collaborative working relationships with internal and external colleagues and constituents.

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Strong written and oral communication skills.

• Proven ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to FERPA regulations.

• Experience in serving diverse populations and a demonstrated commitment to equity.

• Strong ability to consult and collaborate with others.

**Preferred Education and Experience: **

• Certification as a Learning Disability Specialist or similar credential.

• Experience with assistive technology and accessible design principles.

• Experience in program development, workshop facilitation, or training delivery.

• Knowledge of universal design for learning (UDL) principles and instructional design methodologies.

• Experience with assistive technology and accessible design principles

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

In compliance with NYC’s Pay Transparency Act, the annual salary for this position is $66,300. St. John’s University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

***Important Note- St. John’s is NOT an E-Verify Employer **

St. John’s offers a competitive compensation program which is commensurate with your qualifications, experience, and contingent upon the departmental budget. We also offer an extremely comprehensive benefits program to meet the diverse needs of our workforce. Along with exceptional benefits such as medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability insurance, tuition remission, generous 403(b) employer contribution, employee assistance program, and liberal paid time off policies, faculty and staff can also enjoy St. John’s performing arts, libraries, bookstores, dining facilities, campus recreation and sporting events.

Any offer of employment is subject to receipt by St. John’s University of satisfactory references, verification of employment and education.

St. John’s University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Required Skills

Required Experience