The Student Disability Access Center (SDAC) at the University of Virginia strives to build an equitable academic experience for students with disabilities and provide creative solutions to any physical, digital and attitudinal barriers. SDAC works to empower students with disabilities by taking a proactive approach to providing accommodations, working relationships with faculty, educational workshops, assistive technology and collaboration across the university community.

To that end, SDAC is seeking a highly motivated individual to serve as an Accessibility Specialist to work with undergraduate and graduate students. This position will review documentation and determine appropriate accommodations on an individual basis in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The specialist will facilitate communication between students, faculty and staff at the University to ensure that these accommodations are met. The specialist will participate in active dialogue to troubleshoot any disability-related accommodation issues with students, parents, faculty and staff as needed. The Specialist will also provide outreach and education to the University community on disability-related topics and engage in program development as appropriate.

The Specialist's responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Reviewing documentation and approving accommodations in accordance with the American Disabilities Act, as amended, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
• Facilitating implementation of accommodations and other services for students with disabilities. Collaborating with University faculty and staff, as appropriate, in support of students with disabilities. Engaging in ongoing problem-solving resolution.
• Maintaining thorough and confidential records of contacts and communications with students within data management system.
• Adhering to standards of confidentiality and FERPA when working with students, parents, faculty and staff.
• Meeting with prospective and incoming students and their families.
• Collaborating as part of overall accommodation services team on case management and program development.
• Coordinating program development for department, such as academic coaching or peer mentor group, or other programs as appropriate or assigned.
• Participating in the development of strategic initiatives and ongoing assessment of services.
• Assisting the Director and Assistant Directors in monitoring and reporting aspects of data tracking and budgeting related to accommodation service provision.
• Working collaboratively with the SDAC Director and Assistant Directors on SDAC policies and initiatives for the purpose of providing advocacy and initial problem resolution with students, faculty, staff, guests and parents.
• Working with Director and other SDAC staff in larger mission of collaborating with and education of University faculty, Dean, administrators, parents and students about disability within the context of diversity at the University.
• Actively seeking opportunities to provide outreach to faculty, staff and students by attending meetings, trainings and workshops to educate the University community about SDAC services.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
• Working experience in higher education (2-3 years is strongly desired), preferably with experience working with persons with disabilities.
• Demonstrated intercultural competence and a continuing commitment to advance equity, inclusion and social justice practices in support of a diverse community.
• Demonstrated integrity and ability to handle complex, sensitive and confidential issues.
• Ability to build trusting relationships with all constituencies within the University community.
• Experience in developing and facilitating professional training for students, faculty and staff.
• Strong organizational and program development skills.
• Strong written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.

This is a full-time position with UVA benefits. Employees benefits package highlights include:

• 22 days of paid time off, increasing with service; 13+ paid holidays each year, in addition to paid time off; Parental and Community Service Leave
• Health plan with options to meet healthcare and financial needs
• Retirement through the Virginia Retirement System
• Tuition and professional development benefits
• Employee wellness program featuring activities to earn up to $500/year

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Education: Master's degree in rehabilitation counseling, counseling psychology, social work, special education, higher education or related field.
• Experience: 3 years of related experience, preferably working with persons with disabilities in higher education.

The University will perform background, health and drug checks on all new hires to the Department of Student Health and Wellness prior to employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings and programs.

COVID Vaccination Requirement and Guidelines

 

Please visit the UVA COVID-19 Job Requirements and Guidelines webpage prior to applying for current information regarding vaccination requirements and guidelines for employment at UVA.