Student Learning and Accessibility Specialist
: Job Details :

Welcome to the official site for employment opportunities at MICA. At MICA, we value diversity and empower our employees to use their talent in a variety of ways. We are pleased that you are interested in career opportunities offered at MICA.Job Title: Student Learning and Accessibility SpecialistDepartment: Office of Accessibility Disability ServicesDivision: Student AffairsFLSA Status: ExemptReports to: Director of Office of Accessibility Disability ServicesGrade: 5Range: $41,500 - $60,000 (where a candidate falls within this range is based on their experience and internal equity)***Candidates must submit both resume and cover letter to be considered***General purpose: In collaboration with the Accessibility and Disability Services (ADS) Director, provides and coordinates comprehensive academic support for MICA students with disabilities. Responsibilities include but are not limited to providing individual and group instruction emphasizing self-advocacy, the use of resources and technology, and the development of strategies to support academic, creative, and executive-skills functioning; providing assistive technology assistance to eligible students; coordinating services for students with disabilities and facilitating student access through the accommodation process.ADS staff interacts extensively with students and the primary role of the specialist is to be available to MICA students and community members for in-person meetings. ADS is a high-traffic and busy work environment with multiple peak periods of work activity across the calendar year. Interruptions of work tasks to attend to phone or walk-in inquiries are the norm.Summary of Essential Functions

• Work with individual students to assess their strengths and weaknesses to identify strategies and resources to facilitate growth in academic, creative, executive-functioning, and software skills
• Advise students on educational tools, resources, and technology to support and enhance student learning
• Working with the ADS Director, develop and lead workshops for students, staff, and faculty related to building academic, creative, executive-functioning, and software skills
• Assist with the implementation of disability accommodations and services
• Assist ADS Director to oversee peer student workers and collaborate with ADS student staff to design innovative programs and services for MICA students
• Identify best practices in adaptive and assistive technology to support adaptive learning habits in students

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Meet with students and families to provide an overview of the College disability accommodation process and the provision of disability accommodations at the post-secondary level
• Conduct one-on-one executive functioning sessions and group workshops on building academic, creative, executive-functioning, and software skills
• Manage a caseload of students registered with the ADS office; complete intake appointments with newly registered students and provide 1:1 learning and disability-related support
• Serve as a contact for prospective students, current students, parents, staff, and faculty relating to academic, creative, executive-functioning, and software skills support
• Assist ADS Director in facilitating the implementation of disability accommodations and services, including note-taking, exam proctoring, adaptive technology, interpreting services, etc.
• Manage the process for acquiring and creating alternative formats including accessible texts, captioned videos, and transcripts of videos
• Assist ADS Director in hiring, training, and supervising peer student staff
• Train eligible students on assistive technology programs and facilitate the troubleshooting of technical issues with software.
• Maintain detailed records of internal and external communications and confidential student documentation
• Create content and manage ADS social media accounts and assist in maintaining and developing ADS website information including the development of accessible forms, Q&A documents, etc.
• Collaborate with other campus offices to facilitate student learning
• Assist ADS Director in identifying and engaging at-risk students in support of the College's retention efforts
• Assist with the development and execution of ADS-sponsored disability exhibitions
• Represent ADS at College events on campus, attend professional conferences and workshops, network with other institutions and organizations
• Serve on various, campus, divisional, and departmental committees
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated experience working with college students with disabilities
• Ability to mentor students and teach effective strategies in individual and group settings
• Ability to manage calmly and deliberately students in crisis and identify the appropriate support resources
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe, Learning and Database Management Systems (AIM, Canvas, Maxient, PeopleSoft) as well as knowledge of adaptive and assistive technology and technology supporting learning accessibility (e.g., Kurzweil, Read&Write, Glean, Dragon Naturally Speaking, Apple, Android and Google accessibility features, etc.)

• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of highly sensitive student information; ability to manage and distribute information appropriately
• Demonstrated ability to problem-solve, manage multiple responsibilities, and respond effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to take initiative, exercise good judgment, and execute sound decision-making skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of students, faculty, and staff; ability to interact with a wide variety of constituencies on and off campus
• Excellent listening, organizational, written, verbal, and digital communication skills, coupled with sensitivity to issues of accessibility, diversity, and inclusion
• Ability to communicate professionally both orally and in writing with careful attention to detail
• Energetic, creative thinker and self-starter with a strong sense of professional ethics
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, modeling inclusive behavior, and promoting a culture of belonging

Minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in education, special education, instructional design, disability studies, psychology, counseling, or related field
• One to three years of professional experience in learning support working directly with students
• Working knowledge of disability laws applicable in a higher education setting (ADA as amended, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, etc.)
• Knowledge of Universal Design for Learning and other best practices in creating accessible learning environments

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in disability studies, special education, psychology, counseling, instructional technology, assistive technology, or a related field
• Strong knowledge of Creative Cloud applications including InDesign, Premier, Illustrator, and/or other design software
• Experience working in an arts and design educational context

Reporting to this position:

• Student peer tutors and work-study students (co-supervised with Director)

Conditions of Employment:

• Satisfactory Background Check results

Physical demands and work environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical Demands: While performing the duties of job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift up to (15) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. (may be adjusted depending on position)
• Work environment: While performing the duties of the job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually (minimal, moderate, or high).
• Required training: Handbook orientation, Anti-Harassment, Hazard Communication, Emergency Plans & Fire Prevention, Personal Protection Equipment. (additional training may be added, SEE: EHS Manager training schedule)

Maryland Institute College of Art is committed to its policy of providing equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or veteran status (disabled, Vietnam-era, or otherwise). Furthermore, the College does not tolerate any form of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment or sexual violence. This policy applies to all programs, facilities, and activities provided by Maryland Institute College of Art, including but not limited to admission, educational programs, and employment.Applicants must apply online for each job in which they are interested. You will not be considered for any job for which you have not specifically applied. We do not accept applications via email, U.S. mail, or fax. Successful candidates for any staff or faculty positions will be subject to a pre-employment background check.MICA provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact Human Resources at 410-###-####.