Access Specialist

Position Summary:

The Access Specialist is part of the Student Access Office at Vanderbilt University and is a key individual contributor responsible for providing access to students who experience physical, environmental, and attitudinal barriers on campus. This position determines accommodations for students with disabilities. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Student Access, the Access Specialist will collaborate with faculty, staff, and students, regarding accommodations and reducing barriers at Vanderbilt University.

Student Access determines reasonable accommodations for students when a physical, environmental, or attitudinal barrier exists. Students with disabilities connect with SA each semester to receive any necessary accommodations. Student Access strives to serve and educate the university community on best practices regarding accessibility and universal design. 

The Access Specialist will collaborate with students to determine appropriate accommodations when a barrier arises. They will partner with faculty to provide accessible course design. 

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

• Assists in coordinating services and resources for students with disabilities. This includes, but not limited to testing accommodations, note-taking provisions, alternate format, housing, and dining accommodations.

• Determines appropriate and reasonable accommodations as required by the ADAAA (2008) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 through the review of documentation and personal statements. 

• Adheres to ADAAA, Section 504, and FERPA guidelines.

• Meets with students to assess functional limitations

• Recommends accommodations to students; assists faculty in implementation of those accommodations.

• Orients students to the Student Access office, including review of SA processes and procedures.

• Assists in the coordination of accommodations, including but not limited to hiring temporary employees to serve as note-takers, readers, and scribes.

• Trains faculty and staff through presentations and workshops regarding access, universal design, and legal requirements.

• Provide and assists students with supporting documentation to verify accommodation needs for standardized testing/licensing exams (e.g.: LSAT, GMAT, GRE, MCAT, etc). 

• Maintain accurate student records in a database including documentation of accommodations, recap of meetings, and any changes made to the student record. 

• Represents SA at university and community events.

• Engages in professional development opportunities at the local and national level.

• Assists other team members at high volume times, such as proctoring during final exams. Some evening and weekend work will be required. 

• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility, this position reports administratively and functionally to the Assistant Director.

Education and Certifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution of higher education is necessary.

• Master’s degree in higher education, counseling, rehabilitation counseling, psychology, or related field is preferred.

• Two years’ experience working with individuals with disabilities is strongly preferred.

Experience and Skills:

• Knowledge of the ADAAA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, IDEA, FERPA and other federal laws and policies. 

• Microsoft Office Applications Literacy

• Effectively communicate processes and procedures to other university stakeholders and community members

• Review documentation to identify limitations

• Staying up to date on current policies and best practices

• Knowledge of accommodation practices

• Team oriented or willing to collaborate

• Ability to take initiative/self-starter

• Can effectively manage time

• Prioritize tasks in a high-stress environment

• Excellent interpersonal skills, including demonstrated ability to listen well and demonstrate sensitivity to and respect individual needs

• Excellent judgement with the ability to manage highly sensitive, confidential data and information

• Honest, with the highest personal and professional integrity

• Flexible and open-minded, yet able to stand one’s ground when necessary

• Collaborative style that fosters cooperation and involvement