Accommodations Specialist

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Accommodations Specialist

Job Profile Title

Administrative Coordinator

Job Description Summary

The Accommodations Specialist serves in several capacities to support the implementation of academic accommodations in accordance with the expectations and recommendations set forth by the Disability Specialists who determine accommodations. The Accommodations Specialist collaborates with the Manager of Academic Accommodations to assist in handling the scheduling and administration of exams. The Specialist handles note-taking services, schedules communication access services (ASL interpreting and CART transcription) and interacts with the Assistive Technology Specialist in coordinating assistive technology for note-taking and test arrangements. The Accommodations Specialist represents a nexus between the implementation of a host of accommodations to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
*Note: Accommodations Specialist staff positions ensure coverage of test accommodations from 8:00am-7:30pm Monday-Thursday and 8:00am-5pm Friday during the fall and spring semesters. During final exams, the Accommodations Specialists work different shifts to ensure coverage but will not exceed the regular weekly hours. Summer hours are 8am-5pm.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

• Review daily test schedule in accordance with established criteria set by the Manager of Academic Accommodations; communicate clearly and effectively with faculty to coordinate administration of exams in accordance with professors’ expectations; handle record-keeping and assorted administrative/clerical tasks.
• Oversee note-taking system, coordinate recruitment of note-takers, and monitor the Accommodate notes portal.
• Work with Assistive Technology Specialist to coordinate use of assistive technology for exam administration, note-taking services, and assorted other assistive technology requests.
• Train and monitor proctors by providing tasks and ensuring a professional environment and academic integrity among the test takers.
• Participate in maintenance of Accommodate and training sessions offered by Symplicity to maximize the benefits of Accommodate.
• Collaborate with Disability Specialists in addressing the needs of students with disabilities through individual consultations, documentation review committee and weekly staff meetings.
• Participate in Weingarten Center and Disability Services professional development and departmental meetings.
• Coordinate the scheduling of CART transcription and ASL interpreting services. Partner with students, faculty, Disability Services and external vendors to schedule service providers for students who have approved communi