Testing and Accessibility Counselor

University at Albany; City of Albany (NY); On-site; USD 56,000; Full time

Job summary

An established institution is seeking a dedicated Testing and Accessibility Counselor to enhance the educational experience for students with disabilities. This role involves managing the Testing Center, providing accommodations, and ensuring compliance with disability laws. You will lead a team, coordinate services, and create an inclusive environment that fosters academic success. If you are passionate about supporting diverse student needs and promoting accessibility, this is a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact at a vibrant university community.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Retirement Plan

Professional Development Opportunities

Flexible Work Hours

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years experience working with people with disabilities.
• Knowledge of Section 504 and ADA compliance.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations of the DAISS Testing Center.
• Coordinate testing accommodations and supervise staff.

Skills

Disability Support

Microsoft Office Suite

Assistive Technology

Project Management

Inclusive Practices

Education

Baccalaureate Degree

Degree in Education, Psychology, or Social Services

Tools

Testing Center Management Software

Communication Tools

Job description

University at Albany Job Posting: Testing and Accessibility Counselor

Established in 1844 and designated a University Center of the State University of New York in 1962, the University at Albany's broad mission of excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, research, and public service engages a diverse student body of more than 17,000 students in nine schools and colleges across three campuses.

Located in Albany, New York, New York State's capital, the University is convenient to Boston, New York City, and the Adirondacks.

Job Description:

The University at Albany seeks a knowledgeable and skilled Testing and Accessibility Counselor. The role works with the Assistant Dean for Disability Access and Inclusion Student Services (DAISS), providing direct services to students with disabilities. The specialist ensures that eligible students receive appropriate accommodation in the DAISS Testing Center, manages the receipt, preparation, distribution, collection, and return of exams, and supervises Testing Center student and para-professional staff. Additionally, the Counselor will work with students to determine and implement their reasonable accommodations.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Manage the daily operations of the DAISS Testing Center and its staff:
  • Coordinate testing accommodation services for DAISS students, including test scheduling, proctoring, managing assistive technology, and appropriately handling test-related materials.
  • Provide leadership, oversight, and direction to Testing Center student employees and Graduate Assistants to ensure goals, programs, activities, and personnel practices are consistent with and contribute to the University's goals and strategies. Lead employees for maximum performance and dedication.
  • Maintain communication with students, staff, and faculty regarding testing-related information.
  • Collect data and maintain records of student information related to the DAISS testing program.
  • Work flexible and potentially extended hours consistent with the University's exam schedule.
• Manage and advise on all DAISS platforms and technology.
• Register and orient students to DAISS programs and services:
  • Meet with students to review the educational barriers and determine their support needs.
  • Create and send accommodation to necessary parties.
• Assist with daily DAISS and Dean of Students operations:
  • Monitor and reply to the DAISS & Testing email inboxes.
  • Respond to phone inquiries from students and their support network.
  • Assist with Dean of Students operations.
• The incumbent dedicates themselves to upholding policies that align with institutional, divisional, and departmental diversity, equity, and inclusion perspectives.
• The incumbent promotes a more inclusive and welcoming digital environment, particularly for individuals with disabilities, enabling UAlbany to address Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) accessibility barriers:
  • Build and maintain accessible electronic environments for campus community members with disabilities.
• Other reasonable duties as assigned.

Functional and Supervisory Relationships:

• Reports to the Assistant Dean of Students for Disability Access and Inclusion Student Services (DAISS)
• Supervises the following positions: two Graduate Assistants and several student employees.

Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Baccalaureate degree from a college or University accredited by the US Department of Education or internationally recognized accrediting organization.
• At least two years working with people with disabilities in an educational, advocacy, or therapeutic environment.
• In-depth knowledge and comfort with the Microsoft suite of programs.
• Open to learning and engaging with new software and technology, with a commitment to continuous growth and development.
• Applicants must demonstrate an ability to develop inclusive and equitable relationships within our diverse campus community.
• Applicants must demonstrate an ability to support diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and belonging relative to their role.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least two years of experience in disability resources or other relevant Student Affairs offices in higher education.
• Baccalaureate degree in education, psychology, social services, or related field from a college or University accredited by the US Department of Education or internationally recognized accrediting organization.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Managed complex projects or programs on a college or university campus.
• Computer and technology skills, particularly software and applications that assist individuals with disabilities.
• Understanding of inclusive and welcoming digital environments.
• University testing center for students with disabilities:
  • Will require movement between the testing center, the Office of the Dean of Students, and other campus locations.

Additional Information:

This is a promotional opportunity for current UAlbany employees.

Eligibility for Consideration:

• You must be employed at the University at Albany campus.
• You must be in a State-funded UUP professional position (MC employees are not eligible).
• You must have a permanent, term, or probationary appointment. Only temporary employees employed by UAlbany for three or more consecutive years can be considered eligible.

For details concerning the University's Promotion Policy for Professional Employees, please see HR Memorandum 88-4.

Professional Rank and Salary Grade: SL-3, $56,000

Special Note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. If you currently need sponsorship or will need it in the future to maintain employment authorization, you do not meet eligibility requirements.

THE UNIVERSITY AT ALBANY IS AN EO/AA/IRCA/ADA EMPLOYER

Applicants MUST submit the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover letter stating all the required minimum qualifications and any of the applicable preferred qualifications
• List of 3 professional references with e-mail addresses and telephone numbers

Note: After submitting your resume, the subsequent pages give you instructions for uploading additional documents (i.e. cover letter etc.).

See the FAQ for using our online system. Please contact us if you need assistance applying through this website.

Returning Applicants: Login to your UAlbany Careers Account to check your completed application.

Closing date for receipt of applications: January 2, 2025