Accommodations Specialist

St.-John; New York (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

St. John's University’s Office of Disability Services seeks a full-time, in-person Learning Specialist to support students with disabilities through individualized accommodations and educational advocacy.

The role requires collaboration with students, faculty, and campus partners to ensure compliant and effective accommodations, assistive technology use, and inclusive teaching practices. A Master’s degree and experience with disability laws are essential.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Review diagnostic information and determine eligibility for protections under ADA/ADAAA/504.
• Determine accommodations or substitutions; consult with students, faculty, administrators, and staff.
• Develop customized accommodations with students based on assessments.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Collaboration

Diversity, equity & inclusion

Consultation & collaboration

Education

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

Tools

Assistive technology

UDL principles

Job description

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).

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.

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

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.