Job Listings

Harvard Graduate School of Education

64348BR

Position Description

The Assistant Director of Accessibility Services is critical in furthering HGSE's mission to provide accessible student-centered support in every aspect of the Harvard Graduate School of Education experience. Reporting to the Director of Student Affairs, the Assistant Director will focus on strategic initiatives involving the accessibility of the student experience with regards to housing, dining, transportation, furniture, and facilities. A key objective of this role is to provide case management for students with high-level accessibility needs. This position will work closely with HGSE students whose disabilities require proactive services and coordination before their arrival on campus, as well as services for those whose disabilities require accommodations upon arriving on campus. They will provide individualized support and planning, including being the primary liaison with third party services: agencies, independent contractors, community-level support, and will work collaboratively to improve data management and organizational processes related to HGSE student accommodations. This position will supervise the Student Affairs Coordinator, Access and Disability Services.

Specific Responsibilities:
* Conduct student access meetings and lead accommodations coordination for complex student caseload and advise students and respective departments accordingly
* Liaise with third party service providers, such as captioning, interpreting, and orientation and mobility services to proactively implement time-sensitive accommodations
* Plan and coordinate complex housing accommodations when necessary
* Develop and improve upon training materials and reference guides for the faculty and staff and implement them accordingly
* Stay up to date on evolving technologies for student accommodations and make technology recommendations to the Director of Student Affairs
* In collaboration with University Disability Resources, provide disability awareness training for faculty, staff, and students and other activities to help integrate HGSE community members with disabilities and to create a welcoming environment in HGSE 
* Provide training on the accommodations process to faculty as needed and annually
* In collaboration with University Disability Resources, coordinate assessment of physical aspects of the programs to address accommodation needs
* Assist students with disabilities in determining how accommodations provided on campus can translate into the work environment 
* Work closely with students with disabilities and their internship sites and other course requirements that occur off-campus
* Participate in local and national organizations such as the Association of Higher Education and Disability and the New England chapter to keep up with current laws, resources and best practices
* Provide the community with timely updates regarding changes and important happenings regarding legal and other aspects of disability
* Create and facilitate an HGSE Accessibility Advisory Board comprised of faculty, staff, and students interested in providing access to students with disabilities
* Participate in the University's Local Disability Coordinator monthly meetings
* Serve as a point person in the school to assist IT, Facilities, and other units to make HGSE conferences and other events accessible for students
* Directly supervise and manage the work of the Student Affairs Coordinator, Access and Disability Services; conduct onboarding; complete performance reviews and ongoing conversations related to goal setting and continued support for this position.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 5 years' relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Previous experience managing the accommodations interactive process is required.

Any candidate wishing to be considered must supply a cover letter in addition to their resume.

Additional Qualifications

* Direct supervisory experience of full-time staff preferred.
* Knowledge of ADAAA, 504, and WCAG standards and best practices for accommodations and digital accessibility.
* Demonstrated experience coordinating accommodations for students 
* Experience working in a 1:1 counseling or advising role with graduate students.
* Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships and work professionally with a diverse group of faculty, staff, and students.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting using near vision use for reading and computer use for extended periods of time
• Lifting (approximately 20 to 30 pounds), bending, and other physical exertion

Working Conditions

HGSE is currently developing dynamic workplace models which will actively support a combination of on-campus and remote work (within a state in which Harvard is registered to do business) where business and operational needs allow. You and your manager will discuss the best schedule based on your role and operational need. If your role allows for remote work, please note that all remote work must be performed within a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA (Only Exempt), CT, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VA, VT, and WA). Please also note that Harvard will withhold each applicable state's required tax and other withholdings from your paycheck for the time you work there.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

We regret that the Harvard Graduate School of Education does not provide Visa sponsorship

Additional Information

HGSE is a diverse community of learners, teachers, and employees who are passionate about changing the world through education and striving for maximum impact in the field of education.

HGSE Human Resources values diversity in all forms and believes that each employee brings a set of diverse experiences and identities to the workplace that makes us stronger, encourages innovation, and enhances our collective contributions.  We continue to develop and support a workforce that reflects the diversity of those we serve; fosters an environment that allows everyone to belong and to bring their best self to work; and creates the conditions that empower employees to contribute their full potential to advancing the work of the school.

We do this by:

* Hiring and retaining staff reflecting the diversity of those we serve

* Providing employees opportunities to learn, grow, and be challenged

* Reviewing and ensuring fairness and equity in HR practices and policies including but not limited to hiring, promotion, and compensation

* Developing strong relationships and partnerships internal and external to our community to advance diversity and inclusion

* Communicating transparently and respectfully; and

* Fostering an inclusive, respectful, and professional work environment.

About the Harvard Graduate School of Education

Many choose to work at the Harvard Graduate School of Education because they believe in our mission and are excited by our vision for the future. We have a reputation as a great place to work, for our excellent leadership, and we are a strong community that values diversity. For more information about HGSE, its programs, research, and faculty, please visit: www.gse.harvard.edu

Work Format Details
This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Job Function
Faculty & Student Services

Department Office Location
USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code
S0357M FSS Student Services Mgt III

Work Format
Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub-Unit
*

Salary Grade
057

Department
OSA

Union
00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status
Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening
Education, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)
#LI-LM1

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