SUMMARY: Provides strategic and operational oversight of the Office of Academic and Accessibility Resources, student accessibility services, and Americans for Disabilities Act (ADA) related tasks; champions accessibly services through the application and interpretation of ADA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the University; oversees the coordination, development, and implementation of university-wide programs, policies, procedures that promote a culture of partnership and empowerment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Student Accessibility Services and ADA Accommodations

• Creates strategies, protocols, and systems to monitor, assess, and enhance the effectiveness of both new and existing programs to ensure University compliance and support of ADA policy and procedures.
• Establishes and maintains policies and procedures relative to student ADA accommodations, based on legal requirements and best practices in the field for timely reasonable accommodations decisions and communications for students with documented disabilities.
• Partners with the Section 504 Compliance Officer, promptly referring concerns of disability discrimination and participating in the complaint investigation process as requested.
• Engages with students to review accommodation requests; determine and grant reasonable accommodations; monitor, adjust, and evaluate the accommodation process to ensure compliance with the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
• Facilitates relationships and collaborates with campus partners (Academic Affairs, Residence Life and Housing, Dining, Auxiliary Services, Facilities, ITS, and Human Resources) on accommodation requests/approvals to provide an accessible University experience.

Oversight of OAAR Office

• Support campaign-related and development activities as needed including but not Leads, develops, and supervises OAAR staff.
• Serves as a member of various committees within the department and university such as the Student Care & Concerns or the University Retention Committee.
• Provides operational oversight for academic support programs (tutoring, academic coaching, and academic workshops) and accessibility resources (accommodations and testing center).
• Prepares and manages the budget to meet departmental goals and provide effective management of resources.

Outreach, Development and Training Programs

• Develops and implements accessibility, ableism, disability inclusion/awareness training programs for faculty, staff, and students focusing on disability awareness and advocacy.
• Serves as a resource for students, faculty and staff by providing accessibility services training, resources, and communications with university administration on facility needs as it relates to accessibility and ADA compliance
• Maintains up-to-date information on best practices for programs supporting the development, retention and quality of life for students with disabilities

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Exhibits subject matter expertise of government regulations that pertain to students including FERPA, ADA, ADAA, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
• Interprets confidential reports and other documentation to determine eligibility for accommodations and specific services and implement strategies when consultation or further information is required.
• Manifests sound decision-making and problem-solving abilities; ability to work strategically by prioritizing competing demands.
• Demonstrates sensitivity to the concerns and needs of a diverse student population.
• Shows a high level of professionalism, initiative, resourcefulness, and personal accountability.
• Possesses strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and align across a wide variety of people.
• Gives attention to detail and adaptability to a changing environment is extremely important as well as dependability.
• Handles information of sensitive and confidential nature in the utmost professional manner.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Master’s Degree required from an accredited higher education institution in related field (e.g. Developmental Education, Higher Education, Psychology, Social Work). 5+ years of ADA experience; experience with diverse student populations strongly preferred.

About Palm Beach Atlantic University

STATEMENT OF DIVERSITY: PBA complies with all applicable federal and state nondiscrimination laws and does not engage in unlawful discrimination on the basis of age, gender, disability, veteran status, race, color or national origin in any employment practice, admissions, education program or educational activity. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment and access to and treatment in University programs, services and activities. Palm Beach Atlantic University is a comprehensive Christian university focused on enlightening minds, enriching souls, and extending hands. Its purpose is to offer a curriculum of studies and a program of student activities dedicated to the development of moral character, the enrichment of spiritual lives, and the perpetuation of growth in Christian ideals. The University is located in the tropical beauty of West Palm Beach, Florida, and the campus is situated on the Intracoastal Waterway and across the waterway from Palm Beach, Florida. It is located within a vibrant business community and a diverse population.

Connections working at Palm Beach Atlantic University