Accommodations Manager

Accommodations Manager

Reporting to the Director of Accessibility Services, the Accommodations Manager will facilitate access to academic programs, services, activities, and facilities for students, campus community members, and visitors with disabilities, in compliance with ADA, Section 504, and Section 508 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The incumbent will manage and implement disability accommodations and support services for housing accommodations, note-taking services, CART services, TypeWell transcription, and sign-language interpreting, requests for support and service animals, and lab or studio accommodations. Additionally, the Manager will support students, campus community members, and visitors to ensure effective access and inclusion. This is an essential on-site role that requires occasional weekend and late evening hours during times of peak operational volume. Some hybrid work options may be considered.

Responsibilities

Accessibility & Accommodation Services (70%)

Serve as primary liaison for housing accommodation and process housing accommodation requests; track and collect relevant documentation. In partnership with CUIMC, Columbia Residential, and Undergraduate Housing, facilitate monthly committee review of disability housing requests to ensure provision of approved housing accommodations; guide students through the process and provide appropriate referrals. Monitor Housing Accommodation expirations for timely and responsive renewals. In conjunction with the Director, develop, implement, update, and evaluate clear guidelines for students qualifying for service and assistant animals in accordance with state and federal law. In consultation with the Director, evaluate requests and documentation for assistance and service animals in University Housing. Manage and implement accommodation request for service and assistant animals. Manage communication access services such as ALS interpreting, Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART), Captioning, and TypeWell services for students to ensure effective access and inclusion in both the classroom, online, and at University programs and events. Arrange for in-class, real-time transcription and ALS interpretation; coordinate CART reporters and interpreters to provide access in the classroom and online work with students to understand needs and ensure effectiveness of services. Ensure that contracted interpreters are supported to provide high-quality services for varied courses, programs, and events university-wide. Manage ongoing student disability accommodations (lab / studio assistants, note-taking services, etc.) and engage students in an interactive process to have a continuous dialogue regarding their accommodation needs. Document and maintain confidential and accurate student records, such as case notes and all relevant documentation related to accommodations.

Liaise and Collaborate (25%)

Communicate student accommodation needs to faculty to facilitate the coordination of academic and classroom accommodations. Serve as a resource for faculty and staff on issues related to the provision of services for disabled students; educate faculty and staff on compliance with federal and state regulations. Coordinate and liaise with faculty to ensure students receive accommodations in a timely and effective manner, including discussing the basic course requirements and any concerns regarding the reasonableness of accommodations in a specific setting. Collaborate with Disability Services colleagues and campus partners to continually deliver accommodations in the most inclusive ways in accordance with state and federal regulations. Perform outreach to students, faculty, and staff, and represent Disability Services at orientation and other events. Partner with contract vendors and evaluate the effectiveness of vendor services. Ensure materials and resources necessary for accommodations and services are available. Research best practices on an ongoing basis and proactively work with the Director to develop systems to determine, incorporate, and evaluate best practices. Provide guidance to campus partners responsible for event planning in order to ensure access and accommodations for campus visitors. Provide guidance around accessible and inclusive approaches to campus community members, increasing awareness of services Respond to students and their family members on questions of concern regarding accessibility services and decisions made regarding accommodations. Assist with exam accommodation functions during peak operational volume. Maintain professional expertise in matters pertaining to federal and state regulations and policies affecting persons with disabilities, including Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act, including ADA standards and regulations. Performs other responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree in Counselor Education, Rehabilitation Counseling, Special Education, or a closely related field. Requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience providing services to individuals with disabilities within higher education or a similar environment. Knowledge and understanding of federal, state, and city disability compliance, policies, and laws relating to ADA and Section 504, and their relationship to higher education. Excellent interpersonal, analytical, and organizational skills. Outstanding written and verbal communication skills. Experience working as part of a team, coupled with the ability to work in a flexible, collaborative manner within a diverse and demanding work environment focused on providing high-quality services to students with disabilities. Detail-oriented and excels at coordinating multi-step processes. Demonstrated ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality. Ability to exercise astute judgment and sound decision-making skills in the absence of direct instruction. Strong computer skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Masters degree in rehabilitation, special education, counseling, psychology, social work, higher education, or a closely related field. Familiarity with providing CART, ASL, and captioning services Familiarity with housing accommodations and accommodations for assistance and service animals.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.