Director of Office of Accessibility Services

Director of Office of Accessibility Services


Full Time

Reading, PA, US

Yesterday Requisition ID: 1557

Job Summary:

The Director of the Office of Accessibility Services will be a change agent and leader,with strong academic credentials and leadership ability in the field of disabilities. Additionally, the Director will use his/her working knowledge of a full range of disabilities to advocate for the welfare of students and coordinate the provision of appropriate accommodations and support services, as well as provide administrative leadership to Accessibility Services. The Director of Accessibility Services will report to the Executive Director of Academic Success.

Essential Functions:

Mission, Culture & Leadership

* Model Alvernia’s Franciscan values through compassionate service, ethical leadership, and commitment to fostering a welcoming and respectful community for all.
* Cultivate a culture that prioritizes transparency, accessibility, and proactive communication.
* Supervise, mentor, and evaluate student-staff, including Graduate Assistants, fostering professional growth, accountability, and collaboration.

Provide ministrative oversight, leadership and broad direction for all aspects of Accessibility Services, including office staff.

* Establish annual goals for the unit in alignment with those of the Division and University.
* Effectively manage the budget for the Office of Accessibility Services, including relevant budget requests in the annual assessment process in anticipation of needs for the next fiscal year.
* Plan and implement assessment of accessibility services to ensure quality and effectiveness.

Evaluate and interpret disability documentation submitted by students for eligibility determination and implement appropriate reasonable accommodations that are consistent with current law, comply with best practices within the field, and facilitate equal opportunity for students with disabilities in their academic courses, campus services, and overall engagement with the university.

* Evaluate, review, develop, and implement policies and procedures for providing individualized accommodations and equal access to students in accordance with egal requirements.
* Meet individually with students to discuss current accommodations, assess the need for reevaluation of accommodations, foster student self-advocacy, and facilitate their communication with instructors/staff throughout the student's academic enrollment.
* Coordinate services for students with temporary disabilities.

* Oversee coordination of accommodated testing, the note-taking program, alternative academic material formats and texts, assistive technology, etc.
* Maintain up-to-date knowledge of diagnostic and instructional methods and emerging technologies that help students with access and learning, including assistive technology software and hardware, and their use. Learn, apply, and train others to administer emerging technologies and advances (e.g., computer software applications) as necessary.

Maintain strict confidentiality of all student education records, disability documentation, accommodation information, and any other personally identifiable information, in full compliance with FERPA, ADA/Section 504, and institutional policy.

* Exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive conversations with students, faculty, staff, parents/families, and external partners.
* Ensure that all recordkeeping, storage, sharing, and discussion of student information (verbal, written, email, electronic, notes) is only conducted with those who have a “legitimate educational interest” and/or an authorized need to know under applicable law.

Direction, Partnership and Collaboration:

* Facilitate faculty and staff understanding of proper operationalization of academic, program, dining, and housing accommodations.
* Plan and facilitate accessibility student workshops.
* Serve as a liaison with Facilities to provide current information on maintaining and improving accessibility on campus.
* Serve as a liaison, as needed, to the faculty and campus community on issues related to a range of disabilities, classroom and curriculum accommodations, and compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Fair Housing Act.
* Develop and maintain accessibility program materials, convey updates to the Accessibility Services website, and other technology.

Professional Development, Customer Service& Representation

* Lead or contribute to internal training and professional development initiatives that enhance compliance, service excellence, communication, and inclusive practices across the organization.
* Promote a high standard of customer service by modeling responsive, solutions-oriented interactions with students, clients, colleagues, and external partners.
* Serve as a positive ambassador for the organization by communicating its mission, values, and offerings effectively to internal and external audiences.
* Represent the university at recruitment and outreach events, including open houses, orientations, and community engagement programs.

Other Responsibilities

* Perform additional duties as assigned to support departmental and organizational needs.
* Provide services as needed at all Alvernia University satellite campuses.

Qualifications/Education:

* Commitment to the organization’s mission, values, and service-oriented culture.
* Master’s degree in special education, disability services, rehabilitation or counseling.
* Previous significant work experience in secondary education and or college setting providing or assisting with disability services.
* Significant knowledge in assistive technologies including, but not limited to, screen readers, texts in alternate formats, CART systems, and Speech to Text Software.
* Excellent written and oral skills.
* Knowledge of key legislation (Rehabilitation Act, Fair Housing Act, Title IX, ADA, state regulations, IDEA, and FERPA.)
* Commitment to maintain relationships with community Disability Services partners such as The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), Blind and Visual Services (BVS), and Berks Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services.
* Proficiency in relevant systems, databases, and software applications.
* Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, evaluate processes, and implement improvements.
* Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution abilities.
* Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing demands.
* Availability to work evenings, weekends, or travel as required.

Physical Requirements:

* Regular and reliable attendance is essential for the performance of this role.
* Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
* Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.

**Employee Benefits:**

Join a team that values your well-being! We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family:

* **Robust Health Coverage:**Choose from three offered medical plans, plus dental and vision.
* **Financial Security:**Enjoy University-paid life/AD&D insurance and long-term disability, with options for short-term disability and supplemental coverage for you and your family (including accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity plans). Flexible spending accounts are also available.
* **Exceptional Retirement:**Start saving immediately with our **403(b) Retirement Plan**. You'll get **100% immediate vesting**, a university gift contribution, and a generous match up to **5%** of your deferrals.
* **Time Off & Flexibility:**Take advantage of **18 paid holidays** each year and the possibility of **flexible or hybrid work options** for many roles.
* **Invest in Your Future:**Enjoy **tuition remission** benefits for yourself and your dependents.
* **On-Campus Wellness:**Benefit-eligible employees on our main campus receive **free** access to our Medical & Counseling Center.
* **Employee Meal Plan**: This plan provides convenient, flexible dining options on campus at a reduced cost.