Accessible Technology Specialist
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA
Full-time
Information Services / Technology (IT)
Posted on March 29, 2024
About VCU
At VCU, we Make it Real through learning, research, creativity, service and discovery. These are the hallmarks of the VCU experience. A premier, urban, public research university nationally recognized as one of the best employers for diversity, VCU is a great place to work. It's a place of opportunity, where your success is supported and your career can thrive. VCU offers employees a generous leave package, career paths for advancement, competitive pay, and an opportunity to do mission-driven work.
About the Division of Student Affairs
Through our programs, services, and facilities, the Division of Student Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) champions holistic student development by fostering inclusive communities and providing dynamic, integrative learning experiences that prepare our students to be thoughtfully engaged contributors to the global community.
We believe all people are capable of great things. Complete alignment with all criteria is UNCOMMON, and we welcome interested candidates to apply and share their unique experiences and perspectives with us.
The selected candidate will find opportunities for professional growth and will play a significant role in shaping the future of the Division of Student Affairs(DSA), addressing the diverse needs of Virginia Commonwealth University's students. DSA is dedicated to fostering the growth and potential of its employees and is committed to building work environments that are equitable and representative. Studies indicate that women and individuals from underrepresented groups often apply only to roles where they meet all listed qualifications. However, job descriptions are aspirational; no applicant fulfills every requirement. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. DSA strongly encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds and identities to apply, including but not limited to people of color, women, individuals with disabilities, immigrants, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, and those from low-income or working-class backgrounds
The Accessible Technologies Specialist will assist the Office of Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity by providing accommodation and accessible media support for students with disabilities to ensure equal access and promote success at Virginia Commonwealth University. All case managers at SAEO work with individual students to determine eligibility for reasonable accommodations and provide appropriate follow-up and disability-related support. They serve as a campus resource specialist in the development of accommodations and academic adjustments for this population, providing on-going consultation and problem-solving assistance to faculty and staff. In addition to these responsibilities, the Accessible Technologies Specialist will coordinate key aspects of assistive technology services, captioning and interpreting services, and accessible media production for students requiring these services.
Position Description:
Case Management (~30% time allotment)
● Review medical, psychological, educational, and other appropriate documentation to determine students' eligibility for accommodations.
● Conduct initial intake interviews with students to identify barriers to full participation in the curricular and co-curricular environments.
● Provide guidance for students on how to initiate and maintain services (e.g., completing intake forms, requesting accommodations, scheduling with the Testing Access Center, communicating with faculty, etc.).
● Advocate on behalf of students in extenuating circumstances where additional support outside of accommodations may be required from faculty, staff, or other members of VCU's community
● Serves as a resource for faculty, staff, and advisors on all matters related to student accessibility.
● Maintain comprehensive records of accommodation process and interaction with students, faculty and staff.
● Input meeting notes and communications into a database system.
Assistive Technology Support (~30% time allotment)
● Meet 1:1 with students, consulting with them to determine the correct assistive technology solution to determine access, and train students in the use of these solutions
● Collaborate with SAEO leadership in the creation of training materials to broaden Assistive Technology knowledge
● Collaborate with SAEO leadership in the maintenance of Assistive Technology inventory, budget, and contracts
● Collaborate with SAEO leadership in the coordination of captioning and interpreting services for students requiring these resources
Assistive Technology Support (~30% time allotment)
● Meet 1:1 with students, consulting with them to determine the correct assistive technology solution to determine access, and train students in the use of these solutions
● Collaborate with SAEO leadership in the creation of training materials to broaden Assistive Technology knowledge
● Collaborate with SAEO leadership in the maintenance of Assistive Technology inventory, budget, and contracts
● Collaborate with SAEO leadership in the coordination of captioning and interpreting services for students requiring these resources
Accessible Media Creation (~30% time allotment)
● Respond to student requests for accessible course media by either:
● Working through publishers or online databases to acquire existing accessible media or
● Remediating individual documents to ensure accessibility to screen readers or other software
Office Support (~10% time allotment)
● Assists with Student Access Office workshops and conferences presented to faculty, students, and other professionals.
● Occasional assistance with the Testing Access Center, as needed (proctoring, final exam support, reading and scribing for exams, etc.)
● Serves on various VCU committees
● Assist in the development and implementation of programs
● Performs other duties as assigned by Director or Supervisor
● Represent the SAEO office at various campus events (occasionally during evening or weekend hours)
Minimum Hiring Standards:
● Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Special Education, Rehabilitation Counseling, Social work, Higher Education
Administration or related field.
● 2+ years direct experience working with students with disabilities in an higher ed setting
● Working knowledge and/or field experience interpreting and applying the Americans with Disabilities Act and
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
● Experience reading and interpreting psychological, psychiatric, medical, and educational documentation.
● Experience creating presentations and offering training opportunities in both virtual and in-person environments
● Excellent collaborative skills and ability to work with a diverse range of professionals from varying backgrounds
● Demonstrated ability to determine eligibility for reasonable accommodations in an academic setting.
● Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment
to do so at VCU.
● Experience working with students with physical, sensory, learning, psychological and/or other disabilities
in a higher education setting.
Preferred Hiring Standards:
● Master's degree from an accredited institution of higher education in a field such as psychology,
counseling, special education, vocational rehabilitation etc.
● Experience using, or providing support to those using, assistive technology resources (hardware,
software, or otherwise)
Job Slotting: University - Student Services (Sr Specialist SS 1) (35224)
State Role Code: 29131
Salary Range: $50,000 - $55,000
Position Details:
Department: Division of Student Affairs - SAEO
Employment Type: UF - University Employee FT
Restricted Status: No
FTE: 100%
Exemption Status: Exempt
Contact Information:
Contact Name: Chris Parthemos
Contact Email: csparthemos@vcu.edu
