UMass Amherst is hiring : Communication Access Coordinator in Amherst

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. The University sits on 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

The Communication Access Coordinator supports a caseload of students with a wide range of disabilities and temporary impairments by facilitating an interactive process of determining eligibility for appropriate accommodations and ensuring individuals with disabilities receive appropriate accommodations, adjustments, and modifications as mandated by federal, state, and local laws. Primarily work with Deaf / HOH (hard of hearing) students but also can serve as a generalist for students with disabilities.

Essential Functions

• Meets with all registered Deaf / HOH students to ensure appropriate communication access accommodations are addressed based on the disability, context and setting for full access to academic, residential and student life needs.
• Trains faculty and student supervisors on how best to implement communication access accommodations in the academic and work environment.
• Manages a diverse caseload of University students and campus visitors with a range of disabilities and accommodation requirements.
• Serves as the primary contact for students and relevant campus stakeholders.
• Interprets medical, psychological, and / or educational documentation to determine appropriate accommodation eligibility. Facilitates accommodation plans for multiple settings.
• Responsible for maintaining a staff of qualified interpreters (temporary staff) and other qualified communication access professionals to address time sensitive assignments for students. Provides training and oversight to all interpreters to address the provision of communication access for students who are Deaf / HOH or have diagnosed auditory processing learning disabilities.
• Supervises set-up and maintenance of equipment for students and loans out equipment.
• Works with DS (Disability Services) Clerk to provide info on interpreter rates, ordering equipment and data relevant to budget transfers when needed.
• Identifies and provides developmentally appropriate support, advocacy, counseling, and referrals for a range of academic, professional, social, psychological, and medical concerns.
• Evaluates and prioritizes case management demands.
• Maintains contact notes, collects work output data, generates notifications of accommodation eligibility, and produces performance reports.
• Responsible for clear and timely communication via email, letters, memos, and telephone.
• Supports the general operation of Disability Services and the promotion of broad disability awareness, access, and inclusivity.
• Interprets and communicates relevant disability legislation and University policies and procedures to students, employees, instructors, faculty, and management.
• Exercises sound professional and ethical judgment to informally resolve questions and concerns pertaining to accommodations, modifications, and related disability matters.
• Represents Disability Services at University and departmental events, including open house events, new student orientation, transitions resource fairs and commencement.
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships within the work environment and with the campus community.
• Provides University stakeholders and campus community with appropriate accommodation services.
• Actively promotes a collaborative and supportive work environment committed to social justice and inclusivity.

Other Functions

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

Work Schedule

Salary Information

Level 27

PSU Hiring Ranges

Salary Information

Upload your resume, along with your completed application. Our team will check references at the final stage of the interview process. Please be prepared to provide contact information for at least three (3) professional references. This position will remain open until filled or the advertised closing date, whichever occurs first. Early submissions are recommended.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.