Assistive Technology & Accessibility Specialist, Staff Assistant

 

Department Summary:

 

From Bridgewater State University’s inception in 1840 by Horace Mann as one of the first normal schools in America to the current day, BSU has worked to ensure that our students receive an accessible, affordable, and exceptional education. BSU aspires to be the leader in our mission class for closing equity gaps for Black/Cape Verdean, Latinx, Native American, Asian, and other students of color. BSU’s institutional values, the work of the President’s Special Task Force on Racial Justice, and leadership of the Leading for Change Higher Education Diversity Consortium underscore the campus’ commitment to racial equity and other forms of social justice.Bridgewater State University is committed to ensuring all individuals have equal access to its programs, services, and community. Should a student experience a barrier to full participation related to a documented diagnosis, they should collaborate with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) to explore what services or resources can help them achieve their goals.Student Accessibility Services (SAS) is one of four departments located within the Academic Achievement Center (AAC); the largest hub of student academic support services at Bridgewater State University. SAS is comprised of Professional Staff, Graduate Assistants, and Student Employees committed to a singular mission with a shared vision and values:- Our mission is to empower students to access a meaningful university experience and become well-informed self-advocates.- Our vision is to bring together the BSU Community to reduce barriers and foster an inclusive and accessible experience for all.- Our values: Empower advocates. Promote equality. Enrich community.We dedicate each day to student success and retention, as well as equity, diversity, and inclusion.

 

Position Summary:

 

We are looking for equity-minded applicants who demonstrates a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community.The Assistive Technology & Accessibility Specialist is primarily responsible for working directly with students to identify and support the use of appropriate assistive technologies and other related resources to meet their specific needs. This position also oversees coordination of the Adaptive Lab, offering accessible testing opportunities for students, Alternate Format Requests, and Effective Communication Services.As a member of the Student Accessibility Services team, this position serves as a key agent in promoting equality, empowering advocates, and contributing to an accessible experience for all members of the Bridgewater State University community. Supervision Received: Reports to the Associate Director, Student Accessibility Services. Supervision Exercised: May assist in the oversight and professional development of graduate assistants and student employees.This position is an exempt, APA unit position and is subject to the terms of that union agreement.

 

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement This position must comply with the University Covid-19 Attestation requirement. All employees must be fully vaccinated and complete the Covid-19 Attestation upon hire.Medical or Religious ExemptionsAn employee may request an exemption to the vaccination requirement based on the existence of medical contraindication to vaccination. In addition, an employee may request an exemption to the vaccination requirement based on a sincere religious belief. In both cases, an employee will be required to submit documentation to support the request for an exemption. Employees who secure an exemption may be required to take additional precautions in the workplace and will be required to participate in weekly COVID-19 testing through the university’s Wellness Center.

 

Position Type: APA Professional

 

Essential Duties:

 

• Actively advance a culture of accessibility, inclusivity, disability rights & advocacy throughout the Bridgewater State University community.

• Manage a caseload (as assigned) of students receiving support via the SAS Office, including interpretation of required documentation, facilitation of the interactive process, establishing reasonable accommodations and/or identifying other appropriate resources.

• Meet with students to evaluate assistive technology and other related needs, provide students with appropriate AT or related resources, and offer ongoing support.

• Monitor, maintain, and manage department technology (hardware and software) inventories, including overseeing required updates, repair, and replacement as needed and in conjunction with other university entities such as Information Technology.

• Coordinate effective communication services through scheduling ASL Interpreters, CART, and other services as needed as well as providing related assistive technology including but not limited to assistive listening devices.

• Obtain/create and distribute alternate format materials as needed, maintaining a library of converted accessible documents.

• Manage the daily operations of the Adaptive Lab and Accessible Testing processes, including proctoring or otherwise facilitating exam accommodations directly at times and ensuring appropriate access to scribes, readers, testing AT, and other related resources.

• Serve as the primary contact person for students and other stakeholders with questions or need for technical assistance related to assistive technology, effective communication, accessible materials, and/or proctoring of accommodated exams.

• Assess student needs and related trends, identify innovative and practical solutions to address current and emerging needs.

• Maintain case files and confidential student records through various databases.

• Participate in and/or lead University based working groups, committees, events, or other activities as assigned/interested.

• Actively contribute to the development and implementation of processes and resources necessary to accomplish the goals and philosophy of the department and the University.

• Perform other professional tasks as assigned.

 

Required Qualifications:

 

Student Accessibility Services (SAS) is committed to finding the best candidate for this job and acknowledges that the best candidate may be one who comes from a non-traditional background. We welcome applicants who bring a diversity of identity, culture, experience, perspective, and thought. We encourage you to apply if you believe you have a combination of education and experience to meet the qualifications described.

 

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field

• At least one (1) year of related experience.

• Evidenced commitment to working effectively with and across diverse communities, including specific experience with one or more of the following identities/communities: People with both visible and invisible disabilities, people of color, minoritized groups and immigrant populations, people of various gender and sexual identities and expressions, first-generation students, people from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

• Familiarity with assistive/adaptive technologies and accessible materials.

• Experience communicating with students and interpreting disability documentation to identify barriers.

• When monitoring exams, must be able to observe, review, and assess the entire testing process.

• Interpersonal and written communication skills that promote successful collaboration with diverse people from all areas university community.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

 

• Professional experience within the higher education environment, particularly related to accessibility/disability services.

• Certifications or other professional endorsements related to Assistive Technology.

• Experience with Clockwork, Read & Write, Kurzweil, Blackboard Ally, Microsoft Stream, augmented listening systems/hearing assistive technology, ZoomText, Sonocent, Glean, JAWS, etc.

 

Work Environment:

 

Bridgewater State University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants and employee with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for the application process, please complete and submit this electronic form: https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcm.maxient.com%2Freportingform.php%3FBridgewaterStateUniv%26layout_id%3D18&data=04%7C01%7CHRICHARDSGAY%40bridgew.edu%7Cae02968cb954465a33ee08d97c70c24d%7C48ec3bf8d1654eabbbeef8d5307f46e1%7C0%7C0%7C637677645998136535%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=EVfCi7aR57zPQiGhKaSVgRxnTXX5NBrxzf4N1lS3VfQ%3D&reserved=0

 

Special Conditions for Eligibility:

 

Please be aware that employment at Bridgewater State University is contingent upon completion of a successful background check.

 

This position is not eligible for H-1B sponsorship.

 

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement This position must comply with the University Covid-19 Attestation requirement. All employees must be fully vaccinated and complete the Covid-19 Attestation upon hire.Medical or Religious ExemptionsAn employee may request an exemption to the vaccination requirement based on the existence of medical contraindication to vaccination. In addition, an employee may request an exemption to the vaccination requirement based on a sincere religious belief. In both cases, an employee will be required to submit documentation to support the request for an exemption. Employees who secure an exemption may be required to take additional precautions in the workplace and will be required to participate in weekly COVID-19 testing through the university’s Wellness Center.

 

Salary Range: $45,000- $50,000

 

Posting Number: S00754P

 

Open Date: 02/14/2022

 

Close Date: 3/23/2022

 

Open Until Filled: No

 

Special Instructions to Applicants:

 

Please note the following information is required to complete your application for this position:

 

a minimum of one (1) employment history entry.

 

a minimum of three (3) professional reference entries.

 

To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/2923262

 

Bridgewater State University (BSU) is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer which actively seeks to increase the diversity of its workforce. We are dedicated to providing educational, working and living environments that value the diverse backgrounds of all people.

 

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