Student Success Accessibility Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

The University of Saint Mary is conveniently located a short 30 minutes’ drive from Parkville, Shawnee, Basehor and Kansas City, Kansas. USM offer all full-time employees Medical, Dental, Vision, University Paid Basic Life & AD&D, Short and Long-Term Disability along with a generous Tuition Remission for the employee, spouse and dependents under the age of 24 years old. 

THE HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SAINT MARY:

The University of Saint Mary is a Roman Catholic, liberal arts university located in Leavenworth, Kansas, just 25 minutes away from Kansas City. For over 100 years, the University of Saint Mary has helped students find their way to meaningful lives and careers through an education that blends the liberal arts and a focus on critical thinking with the development of key professional skills. USM serves about 1,400 students at its main campus in Leavenworth, its satellite location in Overland Park, as well as online.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Student Success Accessibility Specialist supports student retention, engagement, and academic success by coordinating accessible services, connecting students with campus resources, and helping remove barriers to participation and achievement. A large part of this position supports ADA services on campus and as such develops, coordinates, and implements quality services to students with disabilities to ensure equal access to University programs, services, and activities. The Student Success Accessibility Specialist advises students with disabilities, evaluates disability-related documentation, determines reasonable accommodations, and serves as a liaison between students, faculty, staff, and campus departments. This position works collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, and campus partners to promote an inclusive and supportive learning environment. This position is a key member of the Student Success team and promotes an accessible and supportive campus environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Advise students with disabilities regarding their rights and responsibilities under the ADA, Section 504, and any related university policies and/or procedures.
• Conduct intake meetings and engage in an interactive process with students to identify barriers, evaluate accommodation needs, and determine reasonable accommodations (academic and residential, if applicable) based on appropriate documentation and individual circumstances.
• Maintain accurate, confidential records related to disability documentation, accommodation determinations, and student services in accordance with FERPA, University policies, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Develop, implement, and assess appropriate academic support services and accommodations under ADA, Section 504, and any related university policies and/or procedures.
• Connect students with tutoring, advising, counseling, financial assistance, career services, and other campus resources.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for inquiries regarding student accessibility services and university resources.
• Address questions and concerns related to disability accommodations and coordinate appropriate resolution in accordance with University policies and applicable laws. 
• Advise faculty and administrators regarding accommodations and accessibility.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to promote accessible teaching, learning materials, programs, and campus experiences.
• Coordinate and facilitate the implementation of approved accommodations by preparing and communicating accommodation notifications to appropriate faculty and University personnel.
• Coordinate the accommodated testing process for students approved for testing accommodations; communicate with faculty to obtain exam materials and clarify testing instructions as needed.
• Proctor accommodated exams in accordance with university policies and accommodation requirements.
• Support accessibility initiatives affecting physical spaces, technology, instructional design, and university programs.
• Support international students by serving as a coordinating point of contact and campus resources.
• Assist with student success initiatives focused on retention, persistence, engagement, and completion.
• Develop and facilitate workshops, presentations, and outreach activities related to accessibility, self-advocacy, student success, and inclusive practices.
• Other duties as assigned. 

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in related field required. Master’s degree in a related field preferred.
• 2-3 years related experience. 
• Experience working with students with disabilities and supporting a broad range of accommodation and accessibility needs preferred. 
• Strong verbal and written communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills, with the ability to build positive relationships and provide responsive support to diverse constituents.
• Knowledge of disability services, accessibility principles, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504, FERPA, and related regulations, policies, and procedures. 
• Ability to interpret and apply federal and institutional requirements related to disability accommodations and accessibility.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and ability to learn and effectively utilize student information systems, accommodation/testing management platforms, and other technology used to support student services.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and effectively resolve concerns with discretion, diplomacy, and professionalism.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage confidential records, multiple student cases, deadlines, and competing priorities.
• Ability and willingness to work some evening and weekend hours as needed to support University events and activities. 
• Affinity with the overall mission of the University of Saint Mary. 

TO APPLY:
Submit a cover letter, resume and contact information for at least three current professional references in the application portal. 

Saint Mary is an Equal Opportunity Employer