Associate Director for Assistive Technology- Disability Resources

NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) provides quality and affordable higher education to empower lives and strengthen communities within Northwest Arkansas and surrounding areas.

As the largest community college in Arkansas, NWACC is recognized as a leader in education. NWACC offers a full range of associate degrees, certificates and workforce training programs that prepare students for rewarding futures and careers.

NWACC employees are dedicated to fostering a diverse educational community and cultural learning environment that supports student success.

The Associate Director of Disability Resources is responsible for assisting the Director in the administration of services for Disability Resources (within the division of Student Affairs) for the coordination of programming and services for identified students with disabilities in order to ensure their equal access to the academic programs and student activities of the College. This includes responsibilities for direct service to students with disabilities; interaction with faculty and other stakeholders; and the effective co-administration of relevant policies and procedures that assure compliance with state and federal disability laws, as well as concordance with Northwest Arkansas Community College policies and procedures. This position is available for hire July 7th 2024.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Facilitates student interviews to initiate accommodations (Access Plan Meetings), as well as the eligibility and determination process. This includes duty to professionally review and manage sensitive medical, psychological, and educational evaluations/records.

• Facilitates timely and appropriate implementation of academic accommodations for students.

• Provides academic guidance to identified students with disabilities.

• Supports the acquisition and/or production of alternative format textbooks and teaching materials. Provides guidance to students on accessing these materials and related assistive devices/technology.

• Provides guidance, consults with, and assists college partners in addressing accessibility of digital media and assistive technology.

• Collaborates with faculty members as necessary to address questions or concerns about ensuring student access needs.

• Maintain detailed records of student contacts and decision-making consistent with laws/mandates.

• Manage divergent, competing priorities in workflow; discerning and communicating immediate concerns with due urgency.

• Maintain up-to-date professional knowledge base and skills consistent with demands of position.

• Represent the department at campus and community meetings, committees and/or tasks forces. Provide disability-related expertise as needed to internal and external stakeholders.

• Participate in department and division evaluation and continuous improvement efforts.

• Support the efforts of other departments within the Student Affairs division.

• Supervise student workers, practicum students, and/or interns from graduate degree programs, as assigned.

• Function as a liaison to local high schools, Arkansas Rehabilitation Services, Sources for Independent Living, Arkansas Support Network, Open Avenues, and other related community contacts.

• Perform other related duties as required or assigned.

Salary $51,192.55 annually

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.

• Ability to make administrative/procedural decisions and judgments.

• Organizing and coordinating skills.

• Ability to analyze course prerequisites, certification, and/or curriculum/graduation requirements.

• Ability to use independent judgment and to manage and impart confidential information.

• Ability to develop and deliver presentations.

• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations.

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

• Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.

• Ability to plan, assess, and evaluate programs.

• Program planning and implementation skills.

• Knowledge of student recruitment and retention issues.

• Ability to develop, plan, and implement short- and long-range goals.

• Skill in the configuration and use of computerized database programs.

• Ability to provide leadership and guidance to administrative support staff and/or students.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

The following physical activities 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 and expectations.
While performing the functions of this job, the employee is:
Frequently:
* Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding
* Sitting
* Standing
* Walking
Constantly:
* Hearing
* Repetitive motion
* Talking

The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading; and/or visual inspection at distances close to the eyes.

Environmental Conditions

The following work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Education and Experience

Master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Community Mental Health Counseling, Counselor Education, or closely related field is required.

Three (3) years related experience and/or training, and 7 to 11 months related management experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Candidates with Certified Rehabilitation Counselor certification (CRC) and experience in a direct service role for persons with disabilities in higher education settings will be given preference.

NWACC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, please see our EEO policy.