ADA Specialist

Summary

Equity and Access Services has an exciting opportunity for an ADA Specialist.

Virginia Commonwealth University’s (VCU) Equity & Access Services seeks an ADA Specialist for its Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)/ Accessibility services unit. Reporting to the ADA / 504 Administrator, the ADA Specialist will provide ADA services to employees, and key stakeholders, oftentimes acting as the employee’s first point of contact in the ADA accommodations process. They will play a pivotal role in responding to candidates and employees with disabilities/health conditions who request reasonable accommodations, while also consulting with cross-functional partners to ensure consistent support is provided in compliance with state and federal requirements. The ideal candidate will have exceptional communication and organizational skills, superior attention to detail, and be a self-starter with strong initiative while maintaining a high level of confidentiality in a fast-paced environment. They will also contribute to creating a more equitable and inclusive learning and working environment at VCU.

About VCU

At VCU, we are UNCOMMON and UNLIKE any other university. 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.

All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s generous benefits package that includes competitive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity, and cash match programs, Virginia Retirement System (VRS), tuition waiver, partner discounts, and abundant opportunities for career development and advancement. Learn more about VCU’s benefits here .

The Opportunity

Under the direction of the ADA / 504 Administrator, the ADA Specialist provides direct support to individuals with disabilities as defined by the ADA. Conducts disability eligibility analyses for the purposes of engaging in the interactive process, approves reasonable accommodations, and connects individuals with reasonably available services. Providing information and guidance on the ADA and Section 504, reasonable accommodations, and physical and programmatic access. Educates campus constituencies regarding support for individuals with disabilities and facilitates compliance with the ADA and related federal, state, and local regulations and University policies. Performs administrative and record-keeping functions to support the office, including record-keeping and management of data in the primary Maxient database and shared drive, as directed by the ADA/504 Administrator.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Performs intake interviews to gain a foundational understanding of individual needs and evaluates information from medical and/or psychological professionals to determine eligibility; consults with diagnosticians, as necessary.

• Works with individuals to determine reasonable accommodations needed to perform the essential functions of the job; evaluates the effectiveness of accommodations; connects individuals to resources and services.

• Conducts training on reasonable accommodation and other ADA topics for employees, supervisors, HR, and other university audiences.

• Assists individuals with resolving issues unique and/or common to individuals with disabilities; interfaces with campus constituencies to ensure individuals gain equitable access to resources.

• Maintains records of outreach to ADA Services; compiles reports and analyzes data related to accommodations, compliance, and program efficacy.

• Maintains confidentiality of university and student records, as applicable.

• Maintains currency of knowledge with respect to technology, equipment, applicable laws, regulations, standards, and/or systems.

• Creates ADA accommodation cases in the Maxient database and updates relevant databases as needed, and complies with relevant record-keeping and management of documentation.

• Sends form emails, follows up on missing documentation, and calendars relevant dates and projects.

• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Hiring Standards:

• Bachelor’s degree in a directly related field; at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

• Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that is above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

• Knowledge and understanding of ADA regulations, guidelines, and standards as applicable to an academic and/or workplace setting.

• Knowledge and understanding of HIPAA and related Federal and State privacy laws and regulations.

• Strong listening, interpersonal, and communication skills.

• Ability to deliver effective presentations to large and small audiences.

• Ability to use independent judgment to manage and impart confidential information.

• Skilled in facilitating problem-solving with individuals regarding personal, professional, and/or academic priorities.

• Effective collaboration with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Knowledge of teaching methods, curriculum, and education programs designed for students with learning, physical, and behavioral disabilities, where applicable.

• Ability to communicate with and relate to individuals of diverse disabilities and backgrounds.

• Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.

• Ability to build and maintain recordkeeping within databases such as Maxient.

• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.