Accommodations Specialist

St. John's University; Hempfield Township (Westmoreland County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Tuition remission

403(b) retirement plan

Employee assistance program

Generous paid time off

Job summary

St. John’s University’s Office of Disability Services seeks a full-time, in-person Learning Specialist to support students with disabilities, providing individualized accommodations and compliance with applicable laws.

The Learning Specialist collaborates with students, faculty, and staff to promote inclusive teaching and academic success, develops workshops, and maintains resource databases for successful program delivery.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in special education, psychology, counseling, or related field.
• Experience with individuals with disabilities in educational or support services.
• Knowledge of ADA and Section 504 regulations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education.
• Experience with assistive technologies and adaptive learning strategies.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and FERPA compliance.
• Ability to consult and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Review diagnostic information to determine eligibility for ADA/ADAAA/504 protections.
• Determine accommodations and consult with students, faculty, and staff.
• Develop customized accommodations with students based on assessments.
• Coordinate and implement accommodations (timing, note-taking, accessible materials).
• Provide ongoing support and guidance to implement accommodations.
• Develop and deliver workshops on learning disabilities and inclusive practices.
• Collaborate with faculty to support diverse learning needs.
• Research and compile academic support resources and assistive tech tools.
• Maintain a resource/referral database for students with disabilities.
• Advise on acquisition of assistive technology and learning resources.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Written and verbal communication

FERPA compliance

Assistive technology familiarity

Collaboration

Education

Master’s degree in special education, psychology, counseling, or related field

Certification as Learning Disability Specialist (preferred)

Tools

Assistive technology tools

Job description

St. John’s, established in 1870, has two New York City campuses; international locations in Rome, Italy; Limerick, Ireland; and Paris, France; and study abroad locations around the world. The Princeton Review and other top rankings consistently recognize the University’s outstanding academics, diverse student body, dynamic internship, and volunteer opportunities, focus on student life, and diverse study abroad offerings. St. John’s University offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs in its six colleges and schools, with a growing number of programs offered online. The University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and 12 other major academic and professional associations.

A dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion is at the heart of our mission. As a Catholic and Vincentian university, St. John’s is committed to institutionalizing practices of inclusive excellence to ensure that we welcome and celebrate the intrinsic worth of all members of our community. We will become an even stronger university as we enhance equity at every level of our institution. Our graduates will excel in the competencies and values needed for leadership and service in a rapidly evolving world.

Job Summary

St. John's University's Office of Disability Services is seeking a dynamic and passionate individual to serve as a full-time in-person Learning Specialist. The Learning Specialist works directly with students registered with the office to provide individualized support and accommodations, fostering an inclusive learning environment that promotes academic success and personal growth. The Learning Specialist performs educational, instructional, and administrative work associated with ensuring compliance with applicable policies and laws.

The Office of Disability Services (ODS) is part of the Department of Student Wellness at St. John’s University. The Department of Student Wellness takes an integrated approach to wellness, consisting of Student Health Services, Wellness Education and Prevention, the Center for Counseling and Consultation (CCC), the Office of Disability Services (ODS), Campus Recreation (CREC), and Sexual Violence Outreach, Awareness, and Response (SOAR).

Job Responsibilities

Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Reviews/evaluates diagnostic information and documentation of student learning disabilities; determines eligibility for protection under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), Section 504, and other applicable legislation;
• Determines reasonable accommodation or course substitution; consults with students, faculty, administrators, and other campus personnel regarding students' instructional needs, the status of disability, and reasonable accommodations;
• Develop customized accommodations in collaboration with students based on assessment results and documentation of disabilities.
• Assist in the coordination and implementation of accommodations, such as extended test time, note-taking support, accessible materials, and assistive technology.
• Provide ongoing support and guidance to students to implement and utilize accommodations effectively.
• Develop and deliver workshops, seminars, and training sessions for students, faculty, and staff on topics related to learning disabilities, inclusive teaching practices, and assistive technology.
• Collaborate with faculty to promote awareness of diverse learning needs and effective instructional strategies to support students with disabilities.
• Research and compile resources, including academic support services, community resources, and assistive technology tools, to enhance student learning and success.
• Maintain an up-to-date database of resources and referral networks for students with disabilities.
• Provide guidance and recommendations for the acquisition of assistive technology and learning resources.
• Collaborate with academic advisors, counselors, and other support services to ensure holistic support for students' academic and personal success.
• Participates in college, division, department meetings, events and training as recommended and approved by supervisor.
• Participates in professional development opportunities, college committees, work groups and task forces, and other professional organizations as approved by supervisor.
• Other duties as assigned.

Competencies, Education, Experience

Required Education And Experience

• Master’s degree in special education, Psychology, Counseling, or related fields.
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities in an educational or support services setting.
• Knowledge of disability laws and regulations, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education.
• Experience with assistive technologies and adaptive learning strategies.
• Ability to maintain effective, collaborative working relationships with internal and external colleagues and constituents.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to FERPA regulations.
• Experience serving diverse populations and a demonstrated commitment to equity.
• Strong ability to consult and collaborate with others.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Certification as a Learning Disability Specialist or similar credential
• Experience with assistive technology and accessible design principles
• Experience in program development, workshop facilitation, or training delivery.
• Knowledge of universal design for learning (UDL) principles and instructional design methodologies

Supplemental Information

Work Environment

This position operates in a professional office environment. This position is required to use standard office equipment such as personal computers, printers, etc.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This position is a full-time, in-person position. Typical hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with the expectation for a flex schedule of two or three days to accommodate evening appointments and programs. This position occasionally requires extended hours and weekend work. Travel when appropriate and requested.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

• Important Note- St. John’s is NOT an E-Verify Employer

St. John’s offers a competitive compensation program which is commensurate with your qualifications, experience, and contingent upon the departmental budget. St. John’s University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

We also offer an extremely comprehensive benefits program to meet the diverse needs of our workforce. Along with exceptional benefits such as medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability insurance, tuition remission, generous 403(b) employer contribution, employee assistance program, and liberal paid time off policies, faculty and staff can also enjoy St. John’s performing arts, libraries, bookstores, dining facilities, campus recreation and sporting events

Any offer of employment is subject to receipt by St. John’s University of satisfactory references, verification of employment and education.

St. John’s University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.