Associate Dean of Student Affairs, Director of Accessibility

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

Accessibility Resource Center

Job Description

Job Summary

The ARC director reports to the Student Affairs Director of Care and Conduct, and develops the strategic vision of the office, manages operations based on federal expectations for ADA and Section 504 compliance, supervises professional and student staff, and is responsible for development, implementation, and evaluation of policies, procedures, programs, activities, services, and supports for students with disabilities, including neurodivergent, mental health challenges, and/or chronic health conditions. Provide one-to-one accommodations management as well as group educational opportunities for students to develop essential academic skills, self-empowerment and personal independence in coordination with Associate Director. Serves as a point of escalation for unsolved needs and accessibility-related issues brought forward by students. Work to foster conditions for academic success for students with mental health and other disabilities that affect learning through one-to-one faculty consultations and by communicating principles of universal design and trauma responsive teaching through various faculty and departmental collaborations, working closely with campus partners, including Class Deans, the Jacobson Center, Spinelli Quantitative Skills Center, Educational Technology Services, Counseling services, the Sherred Center for Faculty Development, etc. The director will serve on the student affairs leadership team and in the administrator emergency on-call system. The director of accessibility, in their work with the dean of students, should strive to create a student experience framed by the core values of the student affairs division which include inclusion, access, growth and engagement.

The director of accessibility will be expected to attend regular meetings and serve on other departmental and all campus committees, as needed. The Accessibility Resource Center, within the division of student affairs, strives to create a support system framed by the learning aims of exploring, engaging and belonging, and will take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Essential Functions

Accommodations and Support Services (35%)

Manage and oversee accommodations and support services for disabled students, including those with mental health challenges and other chronic health conditions, that impact learning and campus life. Evaluate student accommodation requests, inform students about options and develop and review accommodation plans as needed. Facilitate the process of accommodations and services delivery, including communication with various stakeholders. Management of Accessibility Resource Center services and supports, e.g. coordinating with staff members who oversee notetaking services, interpreters, etc., including hiring, training and supervising student workers. Coordinate and communicate with outside systems providing support, such as mental health networks, clinicians, vocational rehabilitation, individual coaches, learning specialists, as requested by students. Maintain student records and service data, with a strong emphasis on efficient and effective use of database system.

Disability Support and Academic Success Coordinator (20%)

Collaborate with students with disabilities, including mental health and other chronic health conditions that impact learning, to understand and manage their disability related challenges by maximizing the balance of strengths to growth edges through development of essential personal and academic skills for success. Review and interpret psycho-educational reports and other documentation, discuss test results and clinical recommendations relevant to current challenges and courses research and other activities. Develop both individualized skill development goals and accommodation plans as appropriate. Promote student self-advocacy self-care skills, developing community connections/peer support and building independent functioning. Refer and help students connect with other resources on and off campus. Provide small group and online opportunities for personal skill development, peer and community connections and/or academic support.

Accessibility Compliance Advisor (15%)

Serving as a content expert will meet regularly with faculty and administrators including residence life, class deans, academic support services, registrar’s office, dining services, facilities, individuals in Equity and Incl