"Associate Director, Office of Accessibility"

Job Summary

The Associate Director for the Office of Accessibility plays a pivotal role in advancing institutional accessibility initiatives. They will provide leadership, direction, and guidance to promote inclusiveness and support across the Mercy University community for students with disabilities and ensure equal educational access. This position oversees daily operations and ensures compliance with disability related legislation (ADA, Section 504) to enable support services to students with disabilities across the three Mercy University campuses. The Associate Director will contribute to managing the office’s caseload of students, evaluating related program activities, and conducting professional development activities for faculty and staff, among other key responsibilities.

Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities

Every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position. It in no way states or implies that the responsibilities listed are the only duties required to perform in this position. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position responsibilities if the work is similar, related, or is an essential function of the position.

• Assist with developing and implementing strategic plans to enhance campus accessibility.
• Collaborate with campus departments to promote inclusive practices and universal design.
• Evaluate and improve service delivery models for disability accommodations.
• Ensure institutional compliance with federal and state disability laws.
• Maintain and update policies related to accessibility and accommodations.
• Oversee and contribute to the development, design and implementation of procedures, forms and materials required for successful operations.
• Assist with hiring, training, and evaluating staff and test proctors within the Accessibility Office.
• Provide ongoing professional development and mentorship as needed by faculty and staff.
• Delegate tasks and monitor workload distribution to ensure efficiency while working with ACCESS staff and proctors.
• Oversee the provision of academic support services, including notetaking, assistive technology, scribes, interpreters, testing services and test proctors.
• Consult with faculty on implementing accommodations and accessible course design.
• Function as a resource and address complex accommodation requests and resolve disputes.
• Maintain database and case notes via online case management system Accommodate.
• Create, compile, and maintain annual reports, trends, assessment documents and resources as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.
• May require travel to other campuses as needed.

Required Skills & Experience

• Minimum of three years of experience, preferably in disability services in a post­ secondary setting
• Working knowledge of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, and other appropriate laws pertaining to higher education and disabilities.
• Ability to interpret diagnostic assessments including medical, psychological, and psychoeducational documentation to determine eligibility of services.
• Demonstrated effectiveness and experience supervising/ managing staff.
• Experience working with case management software is highly desirable.
• An understanding of assistive technologies for people with disabilities
• Demonstrated strong analytical skills to research and analyze data and information from a variety of sources to make sound recommendations and decisions.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills and listening skills.
• The ability to set priorities to achieve objectives and to manage multiple, diverse assignments/projects in a demanding environment.

Education Requirements

• Master’s degree in education, Special Education, Higher Education Administration, Mental Health Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or related field.