Coordinator, ADA

Position Summary:

At Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, students with disabilities are welcomed and supported in reaching their full academic potential. Disability is regarded as a form of the rich human diversity that we celebrate as a university. Students with disabilities should feel respected, safe, and protected in all elements of their educational experience.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Coordinator in the Office of Academic Support works collaboratively with the Executive Director of Academic and Accessibility Services, as well as faculty/staff to ensure that academic accommodations and services for Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science students and trainees who have disabilities are implemented as required by state and federal law. The ADA Coordinator will report directly to the Executive Director of Academic and Accessibility Services and work as a team member in the Division of Student Success and Wellness.

Who We Are:

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFU) is a graduate health sciences university committed to serving the population through the interprofessional education of health and biomedical professionals and the discovery of knowledge dedicated to improving wellness. The university embodies the spirit of inquiry and excellence modeled by its namesake Dr. Rosalind Franklin, whose Photo 51 was crucial to solving the structure of DNA.

Today, the university's 6 colleges continue Dr Franklin's legacy through rigorous academics, pioneering research, and innovative community service. Our unique interprofessional education model allows students to learn from and with each other in a variety of settings, including our simulation labs, the student-led Interprofessional Community Clinic, and through partnerships with area hospitals and clinics. RFU is a national leader in interprofessional research and practices, and is nationally recognized for its research in areas including neuroscience, brain-related diseases, inherited disorders, proteomics, cancer cell biology and immunology, and gait and balance.

Academic and Accessibility Services is within the Division of Student Success and Wellness. The office works cooperatively as a team with the Office of Student Life and the Office of Student Housing. The office of Academic and Accessibility Services strives to enhance the academic success of all RFUMS students, serving over 2000 full-time graduate students.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The ADA Coordinator will work to provide support and outreach for students and trainees with disabilities, including but not limited to disability-related academic coaching, resolving accommodation-related issues, and providing referrals. In collaboration with the Executive Director of Academic and Accessibility Services, the Coordinator will work to promote and market the services provided by Accessibility Services. The Coordinator will also maintain regional and national professional affiliations with disability-related organizations.

• Assist the Executive Director in processing accommodation applications, determining eligibility and reasonable accommodations, and providing intakes for students with disabilities. Accommodation determinations may require consultation with students, student health-care providers (as needed), faculty, and Program Liaisons across all RFUMS academic programs.
• Review comprehensive medical, psychological, and education records to determine eligibility for accommodations. Determine and assist in implementing reasonable accommodations, auxiliary services, accessible furniture, university design, and assistive technology. Aid in identifying and eliminating potential and real barriers to access.
• Maintain confidential student records, including documents pertaining to disability documentation, the interactive process, reasonable accommodations, case notes, and the implementation of reasonable accommodations.
• Serve as a resource to students by providing proactive disability related academic support, coaching, referrals, and informal resolution of accommodation issues.
• In collaboration with the Executive Director, prepare annual reports and participate in departmental assessment activities.
• In collaboration with the Executive Director, participate in projects that promote continual improvement in delivery of departmental services and accessibility at RFUMS.
• Proactively work with faculty, students, and program liaisons to implement accommodations and to understand each program's technical standards and options to facilitate accommodations within each program.
• Advise and assist students preparing to take board or licensure exams on the process to request accommodations from the necessary licensing boards and review accommodations applications prior to submission.
• Supervise student-hired note-takers and provide annual training, weekly timesheet reviews, note distribution to necessary students and oversee the annual hiring process for note-takers.
• Participate in educational programming for the University, communicate on cognitive diversity through educational programs, information, and advocacy within the University community.
• Maintain knowledge regarding the use of assistive technology for students in health professions higher education programs.
• In all job duties, maintain and promote compliance with RFUMS policies, state, and federal laws related to equal access for students with disabilities by keeping apprised of applicable legal case law, OCR decisions, and DOJ recommendations, as well as elevating compliance-related issues to the attention of the Executive Director.

Conditions of Employment:

• Must achieve satisfactory results from a background check.

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in related field with experience in working within higher education and student services.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic program design and implementation.

• An in-depth understanding of complex educational administration issues.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Possess a strong foundation in student development theory, academic development, and education support structures.
• Knowledge and application of counseling and advising concepts, methods, and techniques.
• Knowledge and application of group facilitation and conflict management methods.
• Knowledge of current trends, issues, and policies affecting students.
• Ability to analyze complex issues and develop appropriate goals and strategies for solution.
• Knowledge of applicable University, state, and federal laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with students with specific training for work with diverse populations.
• Knowledge of events planning, marketing, and implementation concepts and techniques.
• Proficiency and knowledge of personal computer applications and applicable information technology applications for Student Affairs administration.
• Proven ability to lead in a changing environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Student Personnel, Education, or related field with five years of progressively more responsible experience required, including primary responsibility for academic support of students.
• Experience in supervision of staff in the area of professional and/or graduate student affairs or service preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic program design and implementation.

Typical Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

• Selected candidate must have the mental and physical capabilities to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Work is performed in a typical office environment and will be conducted in a climate-controlled office with extensive use of computers, telephones, and other office equipment.
• Work is of a light physical demand with duties being performed while sitting, standing, or occasionally stooping.

EOE, including Disability / Vets