"Assistive Technology Specialist"

This position ensures equal access for students with disabilities by partnering with various campus constituents and meeting individually with students. This position helps students with disabilities who need to use specific technologies to have equal access. This position performs assessments for students to implement appropriate assistive technologies. This person will collaborate closely with the Academic Support Center (ASC) Director, the IT department, and faculty development staff as they develop and provide student access to the SCC learning environment. The position coordinates the alternative media process and college-wide efforts toward more usable and accessible digital content.

This position is integral in providing timely access to courses for students with disabilities at South Central College with an emphasis on ADA, Section 504 and 508 compliance including captioning, creating accessible documents, and accessible formatting. The specialist must stay current with effective and emerging technologies that are beneficial to providing effective access and will support students in understanding, operating, and utilizing technological devices and software. Strong communication skills are required to explain technologies to a variety of learners.

PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Ensure student access needs are met with alternative format, note-taking, and other technology needs. Conduct assistive technology assessments and determine reasonable and appropriate technology tools to fit student access needs. Train and provide technical support to students using assistive technology hardware and software, such as screen readers, voice-to-text applications, note-taking tools, and magnifiers. Assist in maintaining hardware and software available in the Academic Support Center, including monitoring the needs for upgrades, additions, and replacements. Research new technologies and stay current with technology changes that can enhance access for students with disabilities. Collaborate with publishers and other third-party vendors to find accessibility solutions. Coordinate with Disability Services staff to carry out classroom and online accommodations. Coordinate alternative media process, including maintaining inventory, forms and releases, staying current on applicable state and federal laws, all while adhering to strict time constraints.
2. Oversee accommodated testing for students with disabilities and other front desk operations in ASC. Hire, train, and supervise student office aides. Monitor test requests including scheduling, verifying accommodations, and updating testing calendar. Communicate with faculty regarding accommodation implementation. Ensure that testing accommodation needs are followed. Collaborate with Director and Disability Accommodations Coordinator regarding testing processes and workflow.
3. Serve as accessibility consultant and educator to SCC staff and faculty. Participate in college committees and workgroups to advocate for the needs of students with disabilities. Provide workshops, training, and other educational opportunities to the college community about creating accessible content. Advise staff and faculty about accessible content by request, providing resources and guidance to make changes independently or send content to an external remediation service. Collaborate with faculty development staff about new and existing learning technologies, technology updates and how they interact with assistive technology or impact accommodations.

Salary Range: $23.26 - $32.79 per hour

Minimum Qualifications: Three years of work experience in a teaching or training role. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse populations including individuals with disabilities. Proficiency in various technologies used within the education field. Ability to effectively communicate technical ideas and procedures about technology to users with varying technical experience.

Preferred Qualification: Associate or higher degree in education, technology, or related field. Proficiency with PC and Mac platforms sufficient to proof, edit, and create accessible documents. Two years of experience providing accessible technology to clients or students. Extensive knowledge of assistive technology used for disability access. Two years of experience working with students and faculty in a postsecondary setting.

Other Requirements: South Central College is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. In accordance with the Minnesota State Colleges Universities (Minnesota State) Vehicle Fleet Safety Program, employees driving on college/university business who use a rental or state vehicle shall be required to conform to Minnesota State’s Vehicle use criteria and consent to Motor Vehicle Records check.

Work Shift: 8:00am - 4:30pm Monday - Friday.

About South Central College: South Central College is a comprehensive community and technical college that is part of the Minnesota State system, with campuses in Faribault and North Mankato. To meet the educational needs of students and our communities, SCC provides lifelong learning opportunities. SCC is committed to fostering a campus environment of inclusion, knowledge, and understanding in which faculty, staff, and students learn to value diversity and to respect individual differences that enrich our college community.

Why Work For Us? We are a passionate and talented community of educators, staff, and students who are driven to succeed and are looking to grow our talented team with the addition of a positive and motivated team member! To learn more about South Central College visit www.southcentral.edu.

Benefits: At Minnesota State, we have a GREAT BENEFITS PACKAGE! Our generous benefits include 11 paid Holidays, Vacation Time, Sick Time, six weeks of Paid Parental Leave, low cost medical and dental insurance with low deductibles ($150 - $1500), a Pension Plan, 457(b) and 403(b) retirement plans and other retirement investment options, pre-tax medical and dental expense (with roll-over option) and dependent care accounts, employer paid life insurance, short and long term disability, as well as professional development and a tuition waiver program for employees and their dependents, etc. We promote the health and well-being of our employees and take work/life balance seriously. This position is covered under the American Federation of State, County, Municipal Employees (AFSCME) contract.