Communication Access Coordinator
University of Massachusetts Amherst

Job no: 526031
Work type: Staff Full Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: Disability Services
Union: PSU
Categories: Student Affairs & Services, Administrative & Office Support

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

• Performs related duties as assigned or required. Understands responsibilities with respect to Title IX, Clery and other compliance requirements. 
• Demonstrates capacity, skill, and willingness to engage students and contribute to student success. 
• Understands responsibilities regarding conflicts of interest and behaves consistent with law and university policy.
• Contributes toward creating a positive and respectful workplace. Uses access to sensitive and/or not yet public university related information only in the performance of the responsibilities of position and exercises care to prevent unnecessary disclosure to others.

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

• Bachelor's Degree.
• More than three (3+) years' relevant experience.
• ASL (American Sign Language) fluency and an awareness of state and federal ADA regulations for the Deaf/HOH.
• Experience with communication strategies and technologies.
• Ability to read audiograms and work with students to recommend appropriate communication access equipment.
• Working knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, the Fair Housing Act, and/or other relevant federal, state, and local laws as applied to the higher education context.
• Demonstrated experience working effectively with diverse populations across types of disabilities, race, class, gender, sexuality, age and religion.
• Understanding characteristics and accommodation requirements of people with diverse disabilities, with a focus on full engagement in campus life.

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

• Experience working in education, student affairs, human services, special education, disability studies, rehabilitation, social work, or counseling.
• National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) certification.
• State Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Screening and/or Approval.
• Certificate of successful completion of a 2-year interpreter training program.
• Experience working with individuals with multiple disabilities in addition to deafness or hearing loss.
• Microsoft Office and database experience.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Typical office environment.
• Ability to travel for job-related purposes.

Work Schedule

• Monday - Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm.
• May be required to work some nights and weekends.

Salary Information

Level 27

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.

Advertised: Dec 19 2024 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: Mar 23 2025 Eastern Daylight Time