Access Specialist (SSP III)

at  California State University

Job no: 534947
Work type: Staff
Location: Fresno
Categories: Unit 4 - APC - Academic Professionals of California, Probationary, Full Time, Education Support Professionals
Position Description

JOB SUMMARY

Under the general direction of the Director of Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD), the individual in this position evaluates eligibility and determines appropriate academic accommodations for enrolled students with physical, perceptual, learning, and psychological disabilities. Duties include the provision of comprehensive disability related academic and career development advisement. The incumbent works with students on developing alternative learning strategies, problem solving skills and effective self-advocacy approaches. Responsibilities also involve assisting faculty, staff, and administrators with information regarding appropriate implementation of mandated academic accommodations.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of:
• Federal and State laws and regulations related to disability issues and accommodations and their application to students with disabilities.
• Cultural, psychosocial and employment implications of disability.
• Thorough knowledge of the policies, procedures, and practices of services to students with disabilities in a university setting or the ability to quickly acquire the knowledge.
• General knowledge of the policies, practices, and activities of student services programs.
• Knowledge of computer office systems and ability to use a broad range of technology, systems, and software packages.
• Ability to:
• Work effectively with students with a broad range of disabilities.
• Carry out complex assignments independently without detailed instructions.
• Advise students individually or in groups on varied and complex matters.
• Analyze individual or group situations thoroughly, perceive available alternatives and their implications and verbalize pertinent information to individuals involved.
• Assist students with disabilities to develop their ability to identify, think through and evaluate problems and consider options or alternative solutions.
• Interact with individuals in situations where frustration, anger, or confusion are present in order to bring about calmer consideration of issues.
• Adjust approaches and techniques in the face of unpredictable responses and rapidly changing circumstances.
• Make decisions in individual cases to resolve problems where guidelines and procedures do not exist.
• Implement, explain, and apply applicable laws, codes and regulations, and exercise sound, independent judgment within general policy guidelines and operating parameters.
• Ability to create, analyze and evaluate program information and provide data for review in developing and implementing strategies and activities to support student success.
• Interpersonal and communication skills, including ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and ability to collaborate across organizational lines.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships and promote a positive, service oriented collegial work environment with a variety of individuals.
  To view the full list of qualifications and job responsibilities, please click the Position Description button above.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with a major in a related field.
• Equivalent or three years of progressively responsible professional student services work experience.
• A Master’s degree in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling (formerly Rehabilitation Counseling), Clinical Psychology, Communicative Science and Disorders, Special Education, Clinical Social Work or related field may be substituted for one year of professional experience.
• Preferred Skills:
• In addition to knowledge and experience with a broad range of disabilities, specific experience in counseling students who are deaf, blind, visually impaired, or who have psychological disabilities is an asset.
• Ability to work in a flexible, collaborative manner within a diverse and demanding work environment.
• Knowledge of specific uses of adaptive equipment and software.

DEPARTMENT SUMMARY

The mission of Services for Students with Disabilities is to facilitate inclusion by strengthening partnerships with the campus community to eliminate barriers and raise disability awareness. By doing so, students with disabilities will have an equal opportunity to reach academic success.

Please refer the Job description for details