ADA Specialist

The ADA Specialist is responsible for assuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act, Section 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other federal laws, state laws and regulations pertaining to persons with disabilities. Provides direct support to individuals with disabilities. Conducts disability eligibility analyses, provides referrals, approves reasonable accommodations, and connects individuals with services to support their academic goals. The scope of responsibility includes faculty and staff training as well as assurance of access to educational programs and facilities as they relate to academics.

**Essential duties and responsibilities**

* Ensures appropriate processes are in place to provide for the prompt granting of accommodations to qualified and documented students.
* Makes determinations regarding appropriate academic accommodations.
* Serves as the first point of contact for the resolution of complaints regarding academic ADA accommodations.
* Maintains records of students requesting academic and housing requests for ADA accommodations.
* Reads and comprehends psychoeducational documentation that has been provided by student to assist in accommodations.
* Designs, provides and participates in training for faculty and staff regarding ADA compliance as requested/needed.
* Develops and maintains written materials and other informational pieces regarding Academic ADA accommodations.
* Serves as a liaison, as needed, to other departments within the university regarding ADA compliance.
* Sits on committees as requested/needed.
* Attends conferences and training to stay current with ADA best practices and procedures.
* Consult as needed/requested on ADA accommodations and accessibility with University staff and faculty.
* Consult with prospective Students, Admission and Parents regarding the ADA in Higher Education
* All other duties as assigned.

**Required knowledge, skills, and abilities**

* Knowledge and understanding of ADA, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and disability legislation as it relates to higher education.
* Ability to build and maintain rapport with students, families of students, faculty, staff and community
* Ability to interpret diagnostic/psychological assessments used to assess students with disabilities.
* Ability to assess and interpret individuals needs and to make appropriate referrals to internal or external sources
* Ability to sensitively hold difficult conversations regarding ADA accommodations and accessibility
* Knowledge of procedures for resolving disability accommodation issues.
* Ability to maintain confidentiality at a high level
* Capacity to make timely decisions in the interest of the student, SAS, and the University in conjunction with applicable laws.
* Ability to provide training and consultation to faculty and staff on best practices for the implementation of accommodations for students with disabilities.
* Ability to communicate with and relate to individuals of diverse disabilities and backgrounds.
* Demonstrated ability implementing a developmental approach to support and engage students in the interactive accommodation process.
* Strong listening, interpersonal, oral and written communication skills are required. Along with Critical thinking and logical reasoning
* Ability to work independently while having strong organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize work and multi-task are required
* Ability to gather data, compile information and prepare reports

**Minimum qualifications**

* Masters degree in education, special education, student affairs, counseling, social work, psychology, higher education administration, or related field
* 3 years post-masters experience working in higher education or K-12 ESE field
* 3 years of professional experience working in disability services at a post-secondary institution or K-12 Education
* Experience training and educating faculty
* 3 years of experience reviewing, evaluating, and determining accommodations for students with disabilities in higher education or K-12 education