Accommodations Assistant

Summary of Responsibilities

The Part-Time Accommodations Assistant provides direct coordination and support for academic and medical accommodations for students enrolled at Highland’s College. Under the supervision of the Director of Accommodations, the coordinator ensures that accommodation requests and plans are implemented accurately, timely, and in alignment with HC procedures. By serving students and teammates, this position strengthens Highlands College’s commitment to holistic student success and resourcing students’ learning opportunities. The role contributes to the mission of the College by helping students overcome barriers so they can thrive academically, spiritually, and personally.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities: 

This may include but is not limited to:

• Coordinate academic and medical accommodation processes by receiving documentation, reviewing requests, and communicating approvals to students and faculty.
• Maintain accurate accommodation records in the College’s student information system and internal databases to ensure compliance and timely implementation.
• Meet with students to discuss needs, explain accommodation procedures, and provide support in navigating academic adjustments.
• Communicate accommodation directives to instructors by preparing letters, clarifying accommodation expectations, and serving as a liaison throughout the term.
• Support medical accommodation needs by gathering documentation, coordinating temporary adjustments, and following up with students and faculty regarding recovery timelines.
• Track deadlines, renewals, and expiring accommodation plans to ensure students remain supported throughout their enrollment.
• Collaborate with the Student Success, Registrar’s Office, Faculty, Rec and Fit, and Pillar teams to ensure consistent processes and timely response to student needs.
• Maintain confidentiality and compliance with ADA, FERPA, and institutional policies.
• Provide administrative support such as scheduling student appointments, responding to email inquiries, and updating internal resources.
• Offer guidance to faculty and staff on accommodation best practices and processes.

Other Duties:

• Work day-to-day with the Director of Accommodations and the Executive Director of Student Success to coordinate student appointments, information, and HC resources.
• Affirm and uphold the Statement of Faith and the Core Values and DNA of the College, exemplifying all by word and lifestyle.

Qualifications

Personal Characteristics:

• Demonstrates compassion, patience, and a genuine desire to support students navigating academic or medical challenges.
• Approaches work with humility, discretion, and strong ethical judgment.
• Highly organized, dependable, and able to manage sensitive information with care.
• Remains steady and adaptable when working under deadlines or handling multiple student needs simultaneously.

Leadership Traits:

• Conveys accurate information clearly and professionally to ensure mutual understanding between students, faculty, and pillars.
• Anticipates student needs and proactively plans follow-up actions to maintain consistent support.
• Influences others using sound reasoning and promotes a collaborative approach when resolving accommodation concerns.
• Sets clear expectations when communicating accommodation requirements to instructors and students.

Essential Traits:

• Strong attention to detail.
• Problem-solving and critical thinking.
• Initiative and follow-through.
• High level of confidentiality.
• Customer service capacity.

Abilities & Skills:

• Ability to clearly explain accommodation processes, expectations, and limits to students and faculty.
• Ability to assess documentation and determine eligibility based on established guidelines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple requests, track deadlines, and maintain orderly systems.
• Proficiency in and ability to learn student information systems.
• Ability to remain calm, empathetic, and professional in sensitive situations.

Knowledge:

• Familiarity with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504, Individualized Education Plans (IEP) and best practices for accommodations in higher education.
• Basic understanding of medical documentation and how it supports temporary or ongoing accommodations.
• Knowledge of confidentiality laws, including FERPA.
• Understanding of academic structures, course delivery formats, and institutional processes within a college environment.

 Education: 

Coursework or associate’s degree in education, counseling, student affairs, or related field preferred. Equivalent experience in disability services or student support roles may be considered.

Experience:

• 1–2 years of experience in student services, academic support, case management, or disability accommodations preferred.
• Experience working with students or in an educational environment is beneficial.
• Experience interpreting medical provider documentation helpful but not required.

Extent of Public Contact:

• Medium — frequent interaction with students, faculty, and internal staff; occasional contact with parents or student approved contacts.

Physical Demands:

• No or very limited physical effort required.
• No or very limited exposure to physical risks.
• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

Direct Reports:

• This position is not a team lead for any Highlands College teammates.