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Job Summary
The Accessibility and Neurodiversity Services Specialist will join a team of student support professionals within the division of Student Affairs at Caltech. The Specialist will provide services and support in the following areas:
Disability Accommodations The Accessibility and Neurodiversity Services Specialist will join our current Accessibility Services Specialist in providing specialized disability-related support services and advising to ensure equitable student participation in the Institute's educational program and will lead Caltech's neurodiversity support services. This person will guide current and prospective undergraduate and graduate students and their families through the process of acquiring appropriate documentation and registering for services, and determine individualized accommodations based on individual student needs and Institute policy and procedures in compliance with applicable law. In addition, the new specialist will provide advocacy, consultation, and negotiation with faculty, staff, and other members of the campus community.
Support for Neurodiverse Students This specialist will also serve as an advocate for neurodiverse students, taking primary responsibility for providing academic-related disability support, advice, and guidance to prospective and current disabled and neurodiverse students (neurodiversity includes dyslexia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and Autism Spectrum conditions). This person will work as part of a team of professionals who provide information, guidance, and support. In addition, they will determine, communicate, and monitor student support recommendations.
General Student Support The Student Accessibility and Neurodiversity Services Specialist will work with members of the entire Caltech community to advance our efforts to create a community dedicated to inclusiveness, diversity, equity, and accessibility.
This position is designated as Essential Reporting. In the event of an emergency on campus, an employee designated as essential reporting has essential job skills that are needed for response and recovery and is expected to report to campus as soon as possible.
Essential Job Duties
Disability Accommodations
Guide students through the process and determine appropriate individualized accommodations.
Conduct intake assessments for Accessibility Services, including review of disability documentation (including but not limited to psycho-educational assessments, psychological evaluations, medical and other technical documentation), student history of accommodations, and current functional limitations of disability. Communicate with health care providers regarding documentation, as necessary.
Synthesize intake assessment and documentation information to provide recommendations for appropriate academic, housing, and meal accommodations in accordance with applicable law and Institute documentation requirements.
Ensure student records are kept confidential as required by Institute policy and law. Gather and report the necessary data for assessment purposes.
Coordinate supportive services/auxiliary aids (i.e., interpreters, adaptive/assistive technology)
Collaborate with campus stakeholders.
Update the website and other marketing tasks related to Accessibility Services
Participate in special projects or programming related to disability, access, and inclusion
Support for Neurodiverse Students
Collaborate with the Center for Teaching Learning and Outreach to create models for review sessions, study groups, and other academic support networks that include neurodiverse students.
Develop a model for academic coaching that serves students with disabilities and neurodiverse students.
Conduct community training on how to support neurodiverse students and create an inclusive community for all students.
Work with resident advisors, faculty advisors, and academic and student affairs professionals on building support models for neurodiverse community members.
Assist as needed with retention interventions that address diverse populations' characteristics and needs.
Collaborate with Occupational Therapy to develop personalized success coaching for students receiving services to foster their academic success and self-determination, and helping students persist through graduation.
General Student Support
Consult with the Care team on specific student cases and needs, and help manage student leaves and returns, as appropriate.
Work with our Director of transition and first year programs to help orient students to the campus and the resources available.
Collaborate with the deans, health and wellness professionals, residential professionals, and other student affairs partners and committees to ensure that our neurodiverse community members have access to resources and support.
Work with the student community to shape the environment so that we support and include all students in our campus' traditions and programs.
Develop programs, clubs, support groups and outreach initiatives that provide neurodiverse students with support and community.
Develop a plan for evaluating facility and academic accessibility.
Basic Qualifications
Master's degree in counseling, Psychology, Social Work, Education, or a related field
A minimum of 2 years of experience working with students on disability services and the reasonable accommodations process within higher education or a closely related setting
A minimum of 4 years of professional student affairs or student support experience
Demonstrated knowledge of disability-related laws including, but not limited to, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Federal Fair Housing Act, and Office of Civil Rights (OCR) rulings.
Commitment to diversity and multicultural competence
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Ability to collaborate with clients with disabilities.
Ability to facilitate timely, professional communication and problem-resolution strategies.
Have a comprehensive working knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Strong understanding of autism spectrum disorders and evidence-based practices.
Ability to be patient, flexible, versatile, and cope with stressful situations.
Must be knowledgeable about and responsive to FERPA laws and regulations.
Maintain counseling and advising records as federal and state professional counseling regulations require.
Must possess outstanding customer service skills and be able to work on multiple projects and within deadlines.
Must be available for occasional night and weekend activities.
Preferred Qualifications
Doctoral degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, Education, or a related field
Three or more years of experience working with students on disability services and the reasonable accommodations process within higher education.
Demonstrated experience reviewing disability documentation, conducting interactive/iterative processes for determining academic, housing, and dining accommodations, and providing such accommodations.
Experience using adaptive technology and software systems and/or interest in learning and training others on commonly used programs.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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