Job no: 493834
Position Type: Full-Time
Location: Elgin, IL
Experience Level: Mid-Level
Categories: Academic Support, Professional/Technical
Role: Accessibility Specialist & Student Success Coach

As a result of the Covid-19 Delta Variant, the Governor of the State of Illinois has issued Executive Order 2021-20 (Covid-19 Executive Order No. 87), to include mandatory COVID vaccines or submission to weekly testing for higher education faculty, personnel, and college students, as well as issuing an indoor mask mandate for all. By choosing to apply, I acknowledge and understand that upon employment, Elgin Community College (ECC) may require proof of vaccination or weekly testing as required by this mandate.

About ECC:

Elgin Community College serves over 9,000 students at every stage of their educational journeys, including university transfer programs, career and technical education, continuing education classes, and adult basic education. As a community, we pride ourselves on nurturing a welcoming campus where every person—students, staff members, faculty members, and campus visitors—feels valued. The work of each ECC employee is central to the college’s mission, and as an employer, the college fosters a positive environment through professional challenges, excellent benefits, and opportunities for recognition and camaraderie.

Work Schedule:

Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.

Successful candidates for this position must work in the state of Illinois.

Rate of Pay:

$49,575

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Grant Funded:

Yes

Job Summary:

An employee in this classification performs work of moderate difficulty to facilitate a barrier-free environment with equal access to all College programs and services for students with disabilities. Work involves the ability to independently, accurately, reliably, and effectively support students with disabilities by identifying, arranging, and monitoring reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable regulations, guidelines, and laws. General supervision is received from the assigned manager.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

1. Bachelor's degree in Special Education, Rehabilitation Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field and three years of related experience working directly with students with disabilities in higher education; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
2. Considerable knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and other relevant laws and regulations impacting student disability services in higher education and the ability to interpret, analyze, remain current on, and apply the legislation.
3. Considerable knowledge of types of reasonable accommodations, assistive technology, programs, and services which provide access to remove barriers.
4. Considerable knowledge of applicable concepts, such as Universal Design for Learning, the social model of disability, and accessibility.
5. Considerable knowledge of learning, psychological, health, neurological, physical, and sensory disabilities as well as barriers associated with those disabilities.
6. Considerable skill in verbal and written communication, including, but not limited to, skill in accurately and legibly scribing for students’ exams/quizzes and accurately and effectively reading students’ exams/quizzes.
7. Considerable skill in problem solving and decision-making regarding issues related to scope of position.
8. Working skill in independently organizing work to meet established deadlines while maintaining attention to detail and accuracy with the ability to respond to changing goals and priorities.
9. Working skill in documenting student case notes in the appropriate electronic system.
10. Working skill in developing and maintaining positive and professional relationships with internal and external individuals, including, but not limited to, prospective students, newly admitted students, current students, parents, and high school special education providers from diverse education, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds.
11. Working skill in operating a personal computer, applicable software, and peripheral equipment as well as learning and adapting to new and updated programs and technology.
12. Ability to work a flexible schedule, which includes days/evenings/weekends as needed by the department.

Desired Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

1. Master’s degree

Essential Duties:

1. Conduct intake appointments, and engages students in the interactive process in order to determine students' accommodation and accessibility needs, functional impact of their disability, and barriers to their full participation in College programs and services. Provide or oversee reasonable accommodations and other supportive services for students with disabilities. Review, analyze, and interpret medical documentation, neuropsychological reports, and other evaluations. Develop and implement accommodation plans for students. Instruct students on process and policies to request accommodations, and advocate for students as needed. Collaborate with staff, faculty, administrators, and external service providers to ensure provision of reasonable accommodations. Adhere to and keep current with ADA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and other applicable best practices, laws, and regulations pertaining to students with disabilities in higher education.
2. Present on program-related subject matter (e.g., assistive technology) at trainings and workshops in small group or one-on-one settings to current and prospective students or others with a mutual interest in the department functions, and organize social activities and events for student club related to accessibility and inclusion of students with disabilities.
3. Manage and coach a caseload of assigned students through positive responsive relationships. Maintain a holistic view of students’ progression, proactively monitoring their progression toward academic and career goals alongside creating a supportive, encouraging relationship. Utilize appropriate technology; maintain accurate tracking data and notes for each assigned student.
4. Provide time-based interventions and coaching to students; support students in identifying and addressing problems and connect them with appropriate support services. Teach students how to navigate campus and community resources. Empower students to advocate for themselves effectively. Proactively identify and eliminate student-success barriers, including but not limited to challenges with maintaining fidelity to an academic program; limited access to resources and technology; equity and accessibility challenges, difficulty with transitioning to the workforce or a four-year university; financial hardships; food, housing, and/or transportation insecurity; and challenges with personal skills (e.g., goal-setting, time management, study skills, test-taking strategies, self-advocacy, mindset, etc.).
5. Engage and support students outside of appointment times within working hours.
6. Work collaboratively with academic advisors, Student Success Center staff, and other Student Access & Disability Services staff; serve as a liaison amongst students, faculty, and other related staff.
7. Utilizing all available methods, communicate with students within your caseload based on student needs and comfort level; develop a flexible and personalized communication plan. Conceptualize, implement, and assess new intervention techniques and services, programs and/or initiatives that would benefit students’ progress; support continuous quality improvement activities related to student retention and completion.
8. Develop and provide education, training and/or workshops on topics related to student success to students, co-workers and other college personnel and groups.
9. Provide coverage for Student Success Coach colleagues during times when the department is short-staffed or experiencing an increase in appointments or project requests.
10. May be assigned to an area of specialty, including but not limited to academically vulnerable populations, students with disabilities, or students pursuing degree specific programs or course sequence, while demonstrating an understanding of the role of other existing student support services.
11. Follow all college policies, rules, regulations and guidelines as they relate to this position. Adhere to grant guidelines and complete timely and accurate reports related to the grant.
12. Provide ongoing case management, follow-up, and support to students regarding accommodations, and engage with staff, faculty, and administrators to promote equity, inclusive practices, universal design, and accessibility while reframing disability from a diversity perspective.
13. Maintain accurate case files and required data for reporting system(s) to ensure student progress is documented and compliant with applicable regulations. Submit accurate and timely reports to the director.
14. Act as a reader and scribe for students’ tests, and may act as an in-class assistant/lab assistant.
15. Present on program-related subject matter (e.g., assistive technology) at trainings and workshops in small group or one-on-one settings to current and prospective students or others with a mutual interest in the department functions, and organize social activities and events for student club related to accessibility and inclusion of students with disabilities.
16. Maintain required training, licensure, and/or certification.
17. Maintain confidentiality of privileged information and adhere to applicable privacy laws and ethical standards.
18. Demonstrate sensitivity, understanding, and respect of diverse populations within the workplace.
19. Maintain an understanding of the work of colleagues to effectively provide back-up and/or support for co-workers during times when the division is short-staffed or experiencing an increased volume of work.
20. Adheres to department guidelines for attendance and punctuality

Other Duties:

1. Perform other duties as assigned which pertain to the job description.
2. Adhere to department guidelines for attendance and punctuality including ability to work a flexible schedule, which includes days/evenings/weekends as needed by the department.

Physical Demands:

Sedentary (up to 10 lbs occasionally, sitting most of the time)

Visual Acuity:

Close visual acuity (e.g. computer, assembly)

Work Environment:

Moderate noise

Environmental Conditions:

Typical office or administrative

Current SSECCA Union Member Information:

The initial posting date for this position is 08/02/2021. Elgin Community College Support Staff Association (SSECCA) members that apply by 08/09/2021 and meet the posted minimum qualifications will receive full consideration.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Elgin Community College does not discriminate, or tolerate discrimination, against any member of its community on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex/gender/gender identity, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law in matters of admissions, employment, or in any aspect of the educational programs or activities it offers.

In addition, Elgin Community College provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to ensure equal access and equal opportunities with regard to employment practices, educational opportunities, and programs and services. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the College’s EEO/AA Officer. Determinations on request for a reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Advertised: February 15, 2022 Central Standard Time
Applications close: Open until filled