General Access Specialist Job Listing at Bellevue College in Bellevue, WA (Job ID 13381)

Description

Position Summary  

Under the general supervision of the Director of the Disability Resource Center (DRC), the Program Specialist 2 (General Access Specialist) will conduct access meetings and support a caseload of students with their accommodations. The General Access Specialist will coordinate through analysis of disability-related barriers the appropriate student accommodations. The employee will evaluate accommodation-related needs, support students regarding their disability barriers, and assist with educating the campus on disability services.

The General Access Specialist will work with professionals- both staff and faculty- across campus to ensure consistent support of students. The General Access Specialist will be a vital member of the DRC team working closely with team members to provide excellent service delivery in all facets of course modifications and auxiliary aids to comply with disability law, campus pluralism efforts and adherence to BC's mission and vision statements. 

Additionally, the General Access Specialist will carry a general student caseload. In this role, the position identifies, approves, and implements specific academic accommodations deemed appropriate for DRC program students with disabilities, and coordinates accommodations for program participants. This position has extensive day-to-day contact with students and faculty and acts as a DRC program liaison to provide consultation to program participants, including faculty and outside entities. The position reviews, interprets, and applies BC policy and State and Federal disability laws as it pertains to approved accommodations and alternative media policies, procedures, and regulations, including the quarterly assessment and reporting to DRC staff and external parties of current and projected needs. This position composes written communications, provides verbal presentations, and establishes and maintains reliable records relating to program operations.   

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule  

Position Salary Range: $44,568/year - $59,508/year

The salary information shown above is a general guideline only. The salary will be determined based on candidate's qualifications and related experience, as well as market and business considerations. Individuals newly hired to Classified position are placed in a salary range based on the WPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement.

We offer comprehensive compensation package with salary and benefits as the main components. Competitive salary is within the Range stated above, and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Generous benefits package is offered through Washington State plans that includes multiple medical, dental, life and disability coverage choices for employees and dependents; choices of retirement and deferred compensation plans; paid holidays, sick, and vacation plans; transit program, reduced tuition, employee discounts and memberships, etc.

The employee is scheduled to work 40 hours per workweek. This is a Classified, overtime eligible position and represented by the Washington Public Employee Association of Higher Education (WPEA-HE).

About The College  

Bellevue College is a diverse student-centered, comprehensive and innovative college, committed to teaching excellence that advances the life-long educational development of its students while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of its diverse community. Bellevue College is located just 10 miles east of Seattle where we serve a student population of over 54% students of color and over 1,300 international students. The college promotes student success by providing high-quality, flexible, accessible educational programs and services; advancing pluralism, inclusion and global awareness; and acting as a catalyst and collaborator for a vibrant region.

We strive to create a vibrant and inclusive campus community that supports a diverse student body, faculty and staff. As an essential part of our mission and goals, diversity, equity and pluralism are promoted and fostered in all aspects of college life. By enriching student life through leadership opportunities, personal learning and cultural experiences, we are committed to building an inclusive and diverse campus community that fosters creativity, innovation and student success.

For more information, visit BC Facts at a Glance @ Bellevue College.

About the Department  

The Disability Resource Center (DRC) is dedicated to service excellence in the provision of comprehensive and flexible accommodation plans which contribute to the successful academic endeavors for qualified students who have disabilities. The DRC works in innovative ways to provide teaching and learning opportunities to college employees and community partners which further the understanding and success of the students we serve. The DRC nurtures and coaches its students in skills necessary to achieve success academically and in promoting essential life skills that will integrate students who have disabilities into the overall campus community. The DRC aligns itself with the social justice model of disability and promotes this on campus in a variety of forms.

Essential Functions  

Conduct Access Meetings and Maintain Student Caseload

• Conducts initial and updated student access meetings, including the review and approval of disability documentation and accommodations; occasionally schedules these meetings 
• Communicates and coordinates approved academic accommodations with the DRC Team, faculty, and staff 
• Problem-solves accommodation issues with students, staff, and faculty 
• Acts on behalf of fellow Program Specialists in their absence. 
• Confers regularly with Director and other Access Specialists regarding interpretation and implementation of disability laws, DRC and college policies   
• Inputs and utilizes student data information in the DRC and Bellevue College (BC) databases
• Refers students appropriately to other student services and educational departments 
• Contacts students to review their progress and support student retention and completion strategies  
• Teaches students self-advocacy skills and facilitates student groups and/or workshops, as needed  
• Maintains regularly updated case notes on students 
• Maintains confidentiality of all student information in accordance with FERPA laws  
• Monitors email and voicemail accounts, and responds to inquiries in a timely manner; including responding to DRC account as needed 

Front Desk/ Testing Coverage

• Assists with breaks, lunch, and absence coverage of the Front Desk and Testing Areas
• Appropriately monitors student exams, records testing times, completes test returns, and interacts with faculty in relation to exams
• Interacts with students, staff, faculty, and visitors as they enter the DRC in a manner conducive to supporting their needs
• Assists with answering emails in the DRC inbox while covering Front Desk
• Perform other duties as Assigned

Minimum Qualifications  

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent education/experience in student affairs, social sciences, or mental health field of study. Relevant years of experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis
• Effective communication skills (note: application materials are used to evaluate written communication skills) 
• Demonstrated ability to use computers for data entry, web applications, searching the internet, and troubleshooting computer issues. 
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse communities 
• Proficient in MS Office
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks and attend to student needs and program duties in a busy office environment  
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively  
• Demonstrated interpersonal and problem-solving skills 

Preferred Qualifications  

• Experience working with disabled students in higher education  
• Knowledge of the laws and regulations that impact disability services such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act, HUD and state policies   
• Familiarity with Universal Design for Learning in higher education 
• Experience that illustrates a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic and ability backgrounds of community college students  

Conditions of Employment  

Bellevue College intends to provide a drug-free, healthy, safe, and secure work and educational environment. Each employee is expected to report to work in an appropriate mental and physical condition to perform her/his/their assigned duties.

Bellevue College employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. 

Sexual Misconduct and Background Check:

Prior to start of employment, finalists(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check as a condition of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington State Law.

Check frequently in your inbox, spam, junk, clutter email folders for any communication regarding the next steps from Bellevue College and our background check partners.

Reference Check:

Reference checks may include, but are not limited to, contacting references and verification of work experience, and/or past job duties. 

Other Information  

• This position is NOT eligible for relocation allowance.
• This position is NOT eligible for sponsorship for employment-based visa.

How To Apply  

Applications received by 01/02/2024 will be given full consideration. Applications received after that date may be considered until the position is filled. 

All individuals interested in this position are encouraged to apply. Your application must include a complete online application and all of the required documents below to be considered complete. Any application that does not provide all requested information will not be considered for the position (only submit required documents with the application, additional will not be reviewed.) Please review Application Tips before applying. Current Bellevue College employees should apply the position through Employee Self Service.

Required application materials:   

• Attach a Cover Letter (min 1 pg., max 2 pgs.)
• Attach a Resume
• Attach a Diversity Statement (min 1 pg., max 2 pgs.) that addresses the following: Please provide specific examples of how your educational and/or professional experiences, demonstrate your commitment to diversity and equity
• Complete the Job Questionnaires if applicable

Contact: 
If you have questions with regards to the application or the hiring process, please contact Office of Human Resources at 425-564-2274 or email to jobs@bellevuecollege.edu.

EEO Statement  

Bellevue College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, language, ethnicity, religion, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, including gender identity or expression, disability, or age in its programs and activities. Please see policy 4150 at www.bellevuecollege.edu/policies/. The following people have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Title IX Coordinator, 425-564-2641, Office C227, and EEOC/504 Compliance Officer, 425-564-2178, Office B126. 

Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the recruitment process may contact hraccommodations@bellevuecollege.edu . 

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