Assistant Director, Student Disability Services Communication Access

Company: Johns Hopkins University
Location: Baltimore
Posted on: January 27, 2023

Job Description:

Assistant Director, Student Disability Services Communication Access
Johns Hopkins University's Student Health & Well-Being portfolio supports disability services, health education, primary care and mental health services for JHU students and learners across all nine schools within the University. Student Disability Services (SDS) coordinates academic, housing, dining and transportation accommodations in accordance with applicable laws institutional policies and enhances understanding of disability as a cultural identity.

We are seeking an Assistant Director, Student Disability Services-Communication Access who will manage communication access related services for students with disabilities university wide as well as providing direct services for students with disabilities requesting accommodations. The Assistant Director will report to the Executive Director of the SDS and will serve all campuses as needed. Overall, the goal is to ensure all students with disabilities have consistently inclusive and accessible experiences at Hopkins. The Assistant Director will support the diverse academic, personal/developmental, and interpersonal needs of our growing population of students with disabilities. Overall, we seek committed, adaptable staff who enjoy working in a university climate that promotes cultural diversity, multicultural understanding, and social justice. The position will be based at the Homewood Campus but may have the ability to work remotely at times and infrequently travel to other campus locations. Experience working in a diverse and multicultural work environment is preferred. Flexible hours are required at key times in the academic year including evenings and weekends.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

Manage Communication Access services and Accommodations for students' university wide to ensure effective access and inclusion (35%)

• Research, assess, select, negotiate contracts and establish relationships with vendors providing communication access services including ASL interpreting, Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART), Captioning, TYPEWELL, C-Print, etc.
  • Establish high quality services able to support the varied subject areas across our medical, nursing, arts & sciences, engineering and professional programs.
  • Develop policies, procedures and practices to support timely, effective and inclusive service delivery.
  • Establish university-wide policies for proactive, inclusive practices for using captioning, CART and ASL for courses, programs, and events.
  • Include student feedback, priorities and preferences in all planning and preparation.
  • Recommend in-house vs. outsourced approaches, taking into account available resources and priorities.
    
    Establish and Oversee University-wide Captioning systems
    
    • Develop and oversee the processes for acquiring and creating captioned videos and transcripts of videos to ensure consistent and effective approaches at all schools.
    • Advise faculty members about how best to address requests, encouraging the proactive selection of pre-captioned videos, as appropriate.
    • Collaborate with and advise SDS and other staff about best practices.
    • Collaborate with media services, instructional technologists and teaching center staff to implement captions.
      
      Establish and Oversee University wide ASL/CART, etc. systems
      
      • Arrange for in-class, real-time transcription and ASL interpretation for students through locally contracted sources.
      • Collaborate with faculty to ensure effective communication and coordination of services.
      • Collaborate with students to understand needs and ensure effectiveness.
      • Collaborate with SDS around scheduling, confirming courses and services as well as changes.
      • Provide guidance around accessible and inclusive approaches to campus community members, increasing awareness of services as well as how and when to provide them.
        
        Raise Awareness of Best Practices around Access and Inclusion
        
        • Provide training, workshops and guidance around best practices for communication access service provision to the entire university community.
        • Coordinate speakers, training and workshops in conjunction with student organizations and campus partners such as diversity & inclusion to ensure understanding and appreciation of Deaf culture as well the experiences of hard of hearing students.
          
          Assistive Technology
          
          • Identify specific needs/barriers related to communication access provision both remotely and in person and collaborate with ATC to address them.
          • In conjunction with ATC staff, maintain hardware and software to support communication access accommodations, accessibility and inclusion.
            
            Budget
            
            • Manage the budget for Student Disability Services communications access accommodations, including spending, tracking and reconciliation.
            • Keep schools of trends and changes that will impact the accommodation budget.
            • Collaborate with all schools, procurement and accounting to projects and tracks costs for SDS to ensure cost efficiency/savings.
              
              Determine Eligibility and Reasonable Accommodations/Provide Support for students with Disabilities university-wide, covering for staff when out of the office, during transitions and as caseloads grow (35%)
              
              • Manage caseloads of students who disclose a disability as well as with other students interested in exploring resources to determine if they have a disability; review documentation to determine eligibility for accessibility services and accommodations while also providing direct services to students including coaching, advising and strategy development.
              • Advise prospective and current students regarding accessibility services, technology, and related resources both within and outside the college.
              • Support students in disability identity development and self-advocacy as appropriate.
              • Collaborate with faculty to implement reasonable and appropriate accommodations.
              • Act as a resource for faculty and staff on complex issues related to the provision of services for disabled students; educate faculty and staff on compliance with federal and state regulations through training as needed.
              • Interact with student services departments to ensure that disabled students have equal access to exam accommodations, enrollment services, financial aid, in-person and online courses, and other student success initiatives.
              • Research best practice on an ongoing basis; proactively develop systems and services to determine and incorporate best practices. Collaborate with colleagues (national and local) as well as partners across campus to continually innovate and deliver services/accommodations in most inclusive way.
              • Participate in events, create promotional materials, respond to inquiries, and serve as a local expert.
              • Promote and support a culture of acceptance and inclusion for students with disabilities through consultation.
              • Develop/maintain working knowledge of current assistive technologies such as Kurzweil, Dragon Naturally Speaking, Inspiration, and Glean; coordinate training with Assistive Technology staff and graduate students to support students as appropriate.
              • Understand various ways exam accommodations and note taking support are provided across the schools, support students and faculty in the provision of these accommodations.
              • Understand accommodations specific to schools/campuses such as housing, dining and transportation to recommend and approve effective and inclusive accommodations.
              • Coordinate alternate format provision in conjunction with the ATC and/or graduate assistants.
              • Collaborate and coordinate with the SDS Liaison as well as SDS staff university wide.
              • Cross train on supporting students at all schools, including learning school specific policies and procedures around accommodations and services.
                
                Raise Awareness & Increase Inclusion for Students with Disabilities (15%)
                
                
                • Serve as university-wide expert on services for students who are Deaf/HOH.
                • Establish connections/relationships with local and national organizations such as the National Deaf Center (NDC) to raise awareness, establish resources and ensure campus and community involvement.
                • Manage faculty and student newsletters, coordinating and developing content with all the schools.
                • Manage SDS social media presence and collaborate with SHWB to create Blog posts.
                • Serve on University committees and SDS working groups.
                • Design and deliver trainings/workshops around disability awareness and inclusion.
                • Incorporate proactive approaches to accessibility including Universal Design.
                • Plan events and advise disability student groups/initiatives.
                  
                  Manage Data and Website (10%)
                  
                  
                  • Data Management and Assessment.
                  • Develop and manage the Communication Access module in AIM to support all service provision.
                  • Participate in AIM User Group meeting with SDS staff.
                  • Stay abreast of upgrades/updates, consult to address technical issues, and ensure communication access module is fully utilized.
                  • Manage ongoing confidential data collection and analysis.
                  • Evaluate programs and initiatives to determine impact, recommending revisions and improvements as needed.
                  • 
                    
                    Website Development & Maintenance
                    
                    
                    • Develop, revise and maintain accessible content on the Student Disability Services websites with information related to communication access, including information about policies, processes, trainings, events, programming, etc.
                    • Develop a strategy to increase awareness and access to services and accommodations.
                    • Stay abreast of best practice in communication access/disability services, maintaining site accessibility, updating pages and adding new resources in a timely way.
                      
                      Other Duties as Assigned (5%)
                      
                      
                      • Participate in SDS Monthly meetings as well as ongoing professional development and training to keep current in disability services in the health sciences field and advise about proactive approaches to service and accommodation delivery.
                      • Provide coverage and back up support to all schools as needed; cross training will be provided.
                      • Participate in SDS university-wide strategic planning to ensure needs are met in an ongoing way.
                      • Complete other tasks and initiatives as assigned.
                        
                        Special Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
                        
                        • Working knowledge of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, its 2008 amendments, and other appropriate laws pertaining to higher education and disabilities.
                        • Experience working student who are Deaf or hard of hearing is required.
                        • Experience managing CART, ASL and captioning services is required.
                        • Knowledge of Deaf culture and ASL is strongly preferred.
                        • The diplomatic and tactful nature required to build relationships quickly across cultures within the university and to work effectively with a wide range of people, including persons from diverse backgrounds. A proven record of working successfully with a variety of populations.
                        • An understanding of issues relevant to persons with disabilities with communication access needs and the ability to anticipate students' needs, expectations, and requirements with a focus on universal design in a post-secondary environment.
                        • The ideal candidate will work closely with the Executive Director to make fiscally responsible budget projections based on daily operations and research communication access accommodations and services to efficiently, effectively and inclusively meet student needs.
                        • Experience working with Accommodation Information Management (AIM) disability software is highly desirable.
                        • Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage and set multiple priorities.
                        • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.
                        • An understanding of assistive technologies for persons with disabilities, including some knowledge of/familiarity with Kurzweil, Dragon Naturally Speaking, Inspiration, and Glean.
                        • Demonstrated strong analytical skills to research and analyze data and information from a variety of sources to make sound recommendations and decisions.
                        • Experience managing communication access accommodations and the staff supporting them.
                        • Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills and listening skills.
                        • The ability to produce letters, reports, brochures, handbooks, posters and informational handouts.
                        • The ability to set priorities to achieve objectives and to manage multiple, diverse assignments/projects across two schools.
                        • Collaborative, strategic problem-solving, planning and organizational skills.
                        • Excellent judgment and sensitivity to the unique and confidential needs of students with disabilities.
                        • Advanced knowledge of principles and practices of student development, identity development.
                        • Demonstrated ability to relate to students, faculty, staff, and the public.
                        • Ability to work in a fast-paced, student-oriented, and data driven environment.
                        • Demonstrated leadership and collaborative skills.
                        • Ability to develop and implement short and long-range plans to meet program needs.
                        • Computer skills in Microsoft Office, Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint and Zoom a must.
                          
                          Minimum Qualifications
                          
                          • Master's Degree in Education, higher education, student personnel, disability studies or relevant field.
                          • Three years of experience, preferably in disability services in a post-secondary setting.
                          • Additional experience may be substituted for required education as permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.
                            
                            Classified Title: Disability Services Administrator
                            Working Title: Assistant Director, Student Disability Services - Communication Access
                            Role/Level/Range: ACRP/04/MD
                            Starting Salary Range: $54,080-$74,390-$94,710 Annually (Commensurate with experience)
                            Employee group: Full Time
                            Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm
                            Exempt Status: Exempt
                            Location: Hybrid
                            Department name: 60000452-Student Disability Services
                            Personnel area: University Student Services
                            
                            Total Rewards
                            The referenced salary range is based on Johns Hopkins University's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level. Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found here: https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/
                            
                            Please refer to the job description above to see which forms of equivalency are permitted for this position. If permitted, equivalencies will follow these guidelines:
                            JHU Equivalency Formula: 30 undergraduate degree credits (semester hours) or 18 graduate degree credits may substitute for one year of experience. Additional related experience may substitute for required education on the same basis. For jobs where equivalency is permitted, up to two years of non-related college course work may be applied towards the total minimum education/experience required for the respective job.
                            
                            **Applicants who do not meet the posted requirements but are completing their final academic semester/quarter will be considered eligible for employment and may be asked to provide additional information confirming their academic completion date.
                            
                            The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check. Johns Hopkins is committed to hiring individuals with a justice-involved background, consistent with applicable policies and current practice. A prior criminal history does not automatically preclude candidates from employment at Johns Hopkins University. In accordance with applicable law, the university will review, on an individual basis, the date of a candidate's conviction, the nature of the conviction and how the conviction relates to an essential job-related qualification or function.
                            
                            The Johns Hopkins University values diversity, equity and inclusion and advances these through our key strategic framework, the JHU Roadmap on Diversity and Inclusion.
                            
                            Equal Opportunity Employer
                            
                            All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
                            
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                            Accommodation Information
                            
                            If you are interested in applying for employment with The Johns Hopkins University and require special assistance or accommodation during any part of the pre-employment process, please contact the Talent Acquisition Office at jhurecruitment@jhu.edu. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711. For more information about workplace accommodations or accessibility at Johns Hopkins University, please visit accessibility.jhu.edu.
                            
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                            The following additional provisions may apply, depending on campus. Your recruiter will advise accordingly.
                            
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                            Note: Job Postings are updated daily and remain online until filled.
                            
                            
                            To apply, visit https://jobs.jhu.edu/job/Baltimore-Assistant-Director%2C-Student-Disability-Services-Communication-Access-MD-21218/970503500/
                            
                            
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Keywords: Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore , Assistant Director, Student Disability Services Communication Access, Executive , Baltimore, Maryland