Assistant Director, Disability Support & Assistive Technology (4749)

Location: Washington, DC, US, 20016

Company: American University

Summary/Objective
The Assistant Director, Disability Support and Assistive Technology provides support to the full range of students accessing ASAC services with a primary focus on determining reasonable accommodations for students with sensory (hearing and vision) and upper-body mobility impairments. The Assistant Director is the ASAC’s primary point person for all assistive technology (AT) needs and assists students, faculty and staff with the implementation and use of assistive technologies to meet student accessibility needs. The incumbent recommends, evaluates, installs and maintains assistive technology for registered ASAC students. The incumbent trains individual students with disabilities in the use of appropriate AT and how to adapt their learning strategies to make optimal use of technology. The Assistant Director oversees the coordination and provision of captioning, alternative text, note-taking and interpreting services for students with disabilities. The Assistant Director oversees the coordination and implementation of all ASAC accommodated tests and ASAC front desk operations. This position consults as needed with campus partners regarding the accessibility of websites, hardware, and software systems. The incumbent initiates and assists in the development of policies and procedures related to assistive technology, accommodated testing, interpreting services, and front desk operations.

Essential Functions
Direct Student Support: supports and determines reasonable accommodations for students with sensory (vision and hearing) and upper body mobility impairments. Evaluates the assistive technology (AT) needs of individual students with a full range of disabilities and consults with students with diverse abilities on AT to create greater access. Trains individual students with disabilities in the use of appropriate AT and how to adapt their learning strategies to make optimal use of technology. Oversees the provision of alternative format textbooks and materials as well as the implementation of closed captioning, note-taking, and interpreting services; in addition, oversees the coordination and implementation of all ASAC accommodated tests.
Outreach and Consultation: serves as disability liaison to the Office of Information Technology (OIT) regarding the ASAC website and student database. Consults with campus partners regarding the accessibility of websites, hardware, and software systems. Maintains an up-to- date working knowledge of new assistive technologies and their usefulness in the college setting. Collaborates with faculty and staff to provide assistance during exams and train ASAC staff on assistive technology resources. Provides ongoing professional development in assistive technology incorporating the principles of Universal Design for Learning. Provides workshops/presentations on assistive technology to staff, faculty and students.
Administration: assists in the development of policies and procedures related to assistive technology, accommodated testing, interpreting services and front desk operations. Compiles annual reports regarding use, recommendations, and budgetary needs for assistive technology and interpreting services. Maintains an inventory of AT and disability team equipment and assess the need for new in-house equipment in congruence with current best practices. Maintains a database for professional referrals and evaluations. Engages in professional development activities to expand skillset and knowledge of assistive technology.
Supervisory: eecruits, hires, trains, and supervises two full-time Accommodation Coordinators and one Senior Administrative Assistant. Oversees hiring, training, and supervision of part-time accommodation assistants, note-takers, readers, scribes, interpreters, proctors, work-study students and graduate assistants. Oversees all ASAC front desk operations including but not limited to, communications received via general ASAC email address, phone calls and drop-ins, processing of all accommodation requests, and external dissemination of relevant ASAC information. Responsible for these functions in the absence of the Accommodations Coordinators and Senior Administrative Assistant.
Other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibility
The Assistant Director directly supervises 2 Accommodations Coordinators and 1 Senior Administrative Assistant. The incumbent also indirectly supervises graduate students, proctors and work-study students.

Work Environment
The Assistant Director works in an environment of teamwork but also must be able to work independently, ensuring that the university is in compliance with relevant disability laws.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
Full Time
Exempt
Project Leader/Advisor B

Salary Range
Commensurate with experience

Required Education and Experience
Master's degree or equivalent
Program of study in technology, education, or related field or equivalent work experience implementing adaptive learning strategies leveraging technology required.
5-8 years of relevant experience
Five years of related professional experience, preferably in a postsecondary setting.
Purposeful experience working with people with disabilities
Demonstrated consideration for, knowledge of, and experience working with and managing a diverse team.
Leading and supporting a diverse team.
Active listening skills -- giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, and asking questions as appropriate.

Preferred Education and Experience
Experience incorporating anti-racist work in job duties and ability to implement anti-racist ideas in future work
Ability to represent and suggest diverse perspectives, values, and opinions
Experience identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills, including leadership development

Additional Eligibility Qualifications
Hands-on usability expertise in various assistive software technologies and databases.
Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot AT-related software and specialized AT-related computer hardware.
Demonstrated knowledge in various assistive hardware.
Knowledge of how assistive technology is useful for people with and without disabilities in an educational setting.
Demonstrated successful supervisory experience.
Ability to work well independently and as a member of a team.
High degree of initiative and ability to work with minimal supervision.
Demonstrated computer proficiency, including expertise in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Excellent interpersonal, communications and time management skills, and ability to work independently.
Must be detail and results oriented; have the ability to work on multiple tasks.
Problem solving skills along with the ability to prioritize tasks and exercise sound judgment.
High level of discretion in handling confidential and sensitive information
Must be able to work in a fast paced, deadline driven environment.
Hiring offers for this position are contingent on the successful completion of a background check

Benefits
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