Student Access Advocate (SAA) - IE

Working Title: Student Access Advocate (SAA) - IE

State Role Title: Institutional Employment/Federal Work Study

Position Type: Institutional Employment

Position Status: Part-Time

FLSA Status: N/A

College/Division: Accessibility and Belonging

Department: 100170 - Office of Disability Services

Pay Rate: Hourly

Specify Range or Amount: $12.41

Is this a JMU only position? N/A

Is this a grant-funded position? No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? N/A

Beginning Review Date: 05/12/2025

About JMU:

Located in the heart of Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA. With a population of just over 53,000, Harrisonburg is one of the most diverse communities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and inclusive environment for students, faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 20,000 undergraduate and 1,900 graduate students, with over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty.

General Information:

The Office of Disability Services (ODS) is seeking a motivated, flexible, and organized individual who enjoys connecting with others to serve as the 2025-2026 Student Access Advocate (SAA). The ideal candidate excels working alone as well as on a team to assist the department with engaging the community through the participation, creation, and implementation of disability advocacy events as well as supporting students with disabilities, as needed. They must also have a willingness to assist with other program areas within the office, as needed.

ODS staff training is tentatively set for August 13 - August 15, 2025, and is mandatory.

The Student Access Advocate (SAA) is expected to work 15-20 hours per week, Monday-Friday, during the hours of 8 am and 5 pm, with occasional hours outside of that timeframe.

Duties and Responsibilities:

- Attend all Student Staff Training & Development.
- Participate in Marketing, Communications, & Outreach meetings, All Staff meetings, and other relevant meetings.
- Within a team, plan and implement disability-relevant events throughout the academic year to include those during Disability Advocacy Week in March/April 2026.
- Assist with coordinating communications for programs and events.
- Support ODS outreach events such as resource fairs, CHOICES, and panel discussions. This will include any outreach events as assigned, which occur both during and outside of business hours.
- Submit timesheet to supervisor for review in a timely manner.
- Serve as a resource to students who have questions about the office or other services on campus through various channels such as email, in-person, etc.
- Other tasks as assigned

Qualifications:

- Good academic standing.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Comfort with engaging with individuals in-person as well as virtually.

Additional Posting Information:

Conditions of Employment:  

Students must be degree-seeking students, enrolled on at least a half-time basis (6 credits for undergraduate and 5 credits for graduate).

Students must have a 2.0 or better cumulative GPA.

E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

EEO Statement:

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.

We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.

Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.

Reasonable Accommodation:

If you are a student with a disability and need assistance please contact the Office of Disability Services at (540) 568-6705 or disability-svcs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the Office of Disability Services, located in the Student Success Center, Suite 1202 and they will be happy to assist you.