Access Specialist - Restricted

Virginia Commonwealth University; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 40,500 - 49,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health benefits

Paid annual and holiday leave

Generous tuition benefits

Job summary

A public higher education institution in Richmond, VA is seeking an Access Specialist to assist students with disabilities. The role involves providing accommodations, determining eligibility, and serving as a resource for faculty. Candidates should have a background in Psychology or Special Education and 2+ years of relevant experience. This position offers a supportive environment and is fully onsite.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Special Education, or related field.
• 2+ years experience with students with disabilities in higher education.
• Excellent skills in collaboration and communication.

Responsibilities

• Assist with accommodations and coaching for students with disabilities.
• Determine eligibility for accommodations and provide follow-up support.
• Serve as a resource for faculty and staff on accessibility matters.

Skills

Collaborative skills

Knowledge of ADA and Section 504

Ability to assess eligibility for accommodations

Experience working with a diverse range of professionals

Document interpretation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Access Specialist - Restricted

Virginia Commonwealth University seeks an Access Specialist to assist the Office of Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity.

Benefits

All full‑time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package including comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax‑deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well‑being resources, and abundant opportunities for career development and advancement.

Unit

Student Affairs (Vice Provost) MBU

Department

Student Accessibility & Educational Opportunity

Responsibilities

• Assist the Office of Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity to provide accommodation and coaching supports for students with disabilities to ensure equal access and promote success at Virginia Commonwealth University.
• Work with individual students to determine eligibility for reasonable accommodations and provide appropriate follow‑up and disability‑related supports.
• Serve as campus resource specialist in the development of accommodations and academic adjustments, providing ongoing consultation and problem‑solving assistance to faculty and staff.
• Review medical, psychological, educational, and other documentation to determine students’ eligibility for accommodations.
• Conduct initial intake interviews with students to identify barriers to full participation in the curricular and co‑curricular environments.
• Provide guidance for students on how to initiate and maintain services (e.g., completing intake forms, requesting accommodations, scheduling with the Testing Access Center, communicating with faculty, etc.).
• Serve as a resource for faculty, staff, and advisors on all matters related to student accessibility.
• Maintain comprehensive records of accommodation process and interaction with students, faculty, and staff.
• Input meeting notes and communications into a database system.
• Assist with Student Access Office workshops and conferences presented to faculty, students, and other professionals.
• Occasional assistance with the Testing Access Center (proctoring, final exam support, reading and scribing for exams, etc.).
• Serve on various VCU committees and assist in development and implementation of programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Director and Associate Director.
• Represent the SAEO office at various campus events (occasionally during evening or weekend hours).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Special Education, Rehabilitation Counseling, Social Work, Higher Education Administration, or relevant professional experience.
• 2+ years direct experience working with students with disabilities in a higher‑ed setting.
• Working knowledge and/or field experience interpreting and applying the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
• Experience reading and interpreting psychological, psychiatric, medical, and educational documentation.
• Experience creating presentations and offering training opportunities in both virtual and in‑person environments.
• Excellent collaborative skills and ability to work with a diverse range of professionals from varying backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to determine eligibility for reasonable accommodations in an academic setting.
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences.
• Master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education in psychology, counseling, special education, vocational rehabilitation, etc. (Preferred).
• Experience working with students with physical, sensory, learning, psychological, and/or other disabilities in a higher education setting (Preferred).

Salary Range

$45,000

FLSA Exemption Status

Exempt

Hours per Week

40

Restricted Position

Yes

ORP Eligible

No

Flexible Work Arrangement

Fully Onsite

Contact Information

Name: Erin Braselmann
Email: [e-mail]