Access Consultant

Department: University Life,Disability Services Classification: Professional Faculty Job Category: Administrative or Professional Faculty Job Type: Full-Time Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk) Location: Fairfax, VA Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship Salary: Anticipated salary range starting low $60k; commensurate with education and experience Criminal Background Check: Yes About the Department: Disability Services supports qualified students with disabilities in participating fully in George Mason University’s programs and services. A qualified student with a disability is a student with a disability who meets the academic and technical standards required for admission or participation in the university's education program and services. As defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a person has a disability if the person has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a record of such an impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment. Disability Services is committed to upholding the letter and spirit of the laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Disability Services strives to foster partnerships with students, faculty, and staff to create welcoming and supportive environments that enable all members of the university community to participate. About the Position: The Access Consultant reports directly to the Assistant Director of Disability Services and works collaboratively with students to determine reasonable and appropriate accommodations and services to which they are entitled under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Using independent judgment and professional expertise, the Access Consultant works closely with students, faculty, university stakeholders, parents and families, and community members to support an accessible environment. The Access Consultant also serves on university committees, representing disability and accessibility-related issues and concerns, and contributes to initiatives that promote campus accessibility, disability awareness, and effective practices that support participation for individuals with disabilities. Responsibilities: Access and Accommodations: Establishes and manages individualized accommodation plans for students with disabilities by reviewing and interpreting confidential medical and psychological documentation, determining eligibility, and identifying reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws and university policies; Monitors the effectiveness of approved accommodations through communication with students and relevant university stakeholders and modifies accommodation plans as appropriate based on changes in student needs; Maintains accurate and confidential student records in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) to protect student privacy and support regulatory compliance; and Facilitates the implementation of approved accommodations by collaborating with students, faculty, and university stakeholders to reduce barriers and ensure students with disabilities have equitable opportunities to participate and succeed. Consultation, Education, and Outreach: Serves as a subject matter resource and liaison to faculty, staff, students, and campus partners on disability-related accommodations, accessibility, and Disability Services processes and effective practices; Responds to questions and concerns and consults on the implementation of approved accommodations to clarify roles and responsibilities and supports compliance with applicable disability laws and university policies; Collaborates with campus partners to assess accommodation and accessibility concerns, evaluates available options, recommends appropriate solutions that address identified needs, and supports students’ participation in university programs, services, and activities; Develops and delivers presentations, training sessions, workshops, and other educational programs for faculty, staff, students, and campus and community partners on disability services, accommodation processes, disability-related responsibilities, universal design, accessibility, and effective practices to increase understanding and promote consistent application of appropriate practices; and Conducts outreach activities and engages with campus and community partners to share information about disability-related resources, identifies accessibility concerns and opportunities and areas for improvement, and supports meaningful participation in university programs, services, and activities. Administrative Tasks and Unit Collaboration: Completes required administrative and case management responsibilities independently and in a timely manner, including case notes, correspondence, documentation, and student communication, to maintain accurate records, ensure timely follow-up, and support effective service delivery; and Collaborates with Disability Services staff and campus partners on complex accommodation and access concerns, unit and university projects, and continuous improvement efforts by sharing information, managing assigned responsibilities, evaluating operational processes, and developing solutions that strengthen Disability Services programs and services. Departmental and Divisional Responsibilities: Supports divisional planning initiatives and other special projects assigned; Actively participates in University Life divisional meetings, initiatives, and in-person events to stay connected with divisional and institutional priorities, and to foster a cross-unit collaboration; Participates in professional development workshops and training sessions for staff across the division to promote continuous learning and skill enhancement; Stays informed about best practices, research, and emerging trends in higher education and student support services to ensure Disability Services remains innovative and responsive to the evolving needs of the student body; and Supports divisional initiatives and other special projects as assigned, actively participating at in-person events and volunteer opportunities to represent Disability Services and University Life effectively to the campus community. Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in related field or the equivalent combination of education and experience; Experience providing support or services to individuals with disabilities, including experience addressing accessibility and accommodations; Experience reading/interpreting psycho-educational, neuropsychological and other assessment-based reports; Experience documenting written decisions, maintaining confidential records, and managing case related documentation; Knowledge of relevant disability laws such as Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA and ADAAA), the Fair Housing Act, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and other relevant federal and state compliance requirements; Knowledge about disability related assessments, accessibility-related issues and accommodation processes; Ability to work collaboratively in a group and/or independently with various stakeholders; Ability to analyze and evaluate information to support effective problem solving; Ability to communicate clearly and professionally both verbally and in writing, while maintaining accurate and detailed records; and Ability to effectively prioritize and meet deadlines when managing multiple priorities. Preferred Qualifications: Experience working with students with disabilities in a post-secondary education environment; Experience with creating presentations or workshops and presenting to internal and external stakeholders/partners; Experience with various Assistive Technologies; Knowledge of accommodation processes and practices in higher education; Demonstrated knowledge of assistive technology, including evaluating, implementing, and supporting tools that enhance accessibility for students with disabilities; Ability to deliver effective presentations to various campus stakeholders and community partners; Understanding best practices for collaborating with disability services and accessibility resources in higher education; and Adaptability to changing laws, institutional policies, and student needs. #J-18808-Ljbffr Cooperative Education