Access Assistance Manager

Access assistance as a reasonable accommodation is both increasing and becoming more complex. Because of the complexity of course/program requirements and the intersections of disability impacts, access assistants are beginning to fill hybrid roles (i.e. tutors/access assistants) and are increasingly sought in STEM and other technical fields of study and at higher levels of study. To meet these needs, the Access Assistance Manager must work closely with campus partners, including collegiate staff and faculty, DRC staff, and administrative staff in various units to understand disability impacts, environmental barriers, and students' needs as well as understand the essential components of the student's course of study or job in order to provide equitable access. Access Assistance Manager trains, coaches, and supervises access assistants and access specialists as they provide reasonable accommodations.
The Access Assistance Manager facilitates communication among the following: DRC, students, instructors, and other University offices and colleges across the Twin Cities campus. The Access Assistance Manager also conducts outreach activities on behalf of the DRC both as a spokesperson for the unit and as a participant in professional development activities.
The Access Assistance Manager demonstrates evidence of substantial knowledge of disability and diversity issues and demonstrates the ability to interact positively with individuals from diverse communities. Additionally, this person demonstrates the ability to create a positive, productive work environment that supports teamwork and promotes access for students with disabilities.

Essential Functions:

Program Administration (45%)
*Create and work toward program strategic vision and goals.
*Develop, coordinate, implement, and evaluate services, programs, and activities that support the evolution of the access assistance program, including guidelines and procedures that safeguard the rights and responsibilities of students and the University.
*Schedule access assistants, matching skills and experience as necessary.
*Provide initial and ongoing training for Access Assistants (student workers) and Access Specialists (full time staff), e.g. audio description, note taking, roles/boundaries.
*Work closely with campus partners, including collegiate staff and faculty, DRC staff, and administrative staff in various units to understand disability impacts, environmental barriers, and students' needs.
*Promote student self-advocacy, independence and development.
*Facilitate communication and provide on-going consultation and problem solving for access assistance accommodations for the University community.
*Provide information, support, and accommodations to students with disabilities.
*Work closely with DRC Testing Center Coordinators to ensure staffing coverage and proactively prepare for finals week execution
Supervision (40%)
*Recruit, hire, direct, supervise, and provide initial and ongoing training for more than 30 access assistants (student workers).
*Recruit, hire, direct, supervise, and provide initial and ongoing training for access specialists (full-time bargaining unit staff).
*Work closely with campus partners, including collegiate staff and faculty to identify individuals with content expertise and skills required to provide equitable access to students and employees in scientific or otherwise highly technical fields.
*Develop and oversee administration and operation of an access assistance accommodations program.
Institutional Support, Technical Assistance, Outreach (10%)
*Provide seasonal support to Testing Center coordinators.
*Participate in work groups as recommended or assigned.
*Participate in University committees, task forces and networks upon the recommendation and/or approval of the Assistant or Associate Director.
*Cultivate relationships with campus partners who can help meet students' evolving access assistance needs.
*Provide training and presentations to University units and to the community on relevant accommodation issues.
*Provide consultation/technical assistance regarding access assistance accommodations as needed or requested by individuals and groups at the University so that they have the expertise to administer accommodations within their department or college.
Professional Activity (training and professional development) (5%)
*Join and serve relevant professional organization(s).
*Attend and participate in unit and all-staff meetings.
*Attend disability related conferences and programs.
*Network with professionals at the University of Minnesota and other institutions.
*Participate in University organizations serving individuals with disabilities.

Minimum/Essential Qualifications:
* BA/BS degree plus at least two (2) years of relevant experience or a combination of education and relevant experience to equal at least six (6) yeas.
* Minimum of one year of supervisory experience (can be supervision of students).
* Two years of experience coordinating accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
* Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state laws regarding access for people with disabilities.
* Experience with human resource policies and procedures, including recruiting and hiring.
* Demonstrated experience in, and an ongoing commitment to, working effectively with and across diverse communities: including people of color, underrepresented groups and new immigrant populations; American Indians; people with disabilities; women; people of various gender and sexual identities and expressions; and first-generation students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications:
*Experience with University of Minnesota programs and services.
*Experience scheduling staff.
*Demonstrated knowledge of disability-related accommodation needs and resources.
*Demonstrated excellent communication, organization and administration skills.
*Demonstrated ability to anticipate and manage program needs and fluctuating service demands.
*Experience building relationships for shared responsibility.
*Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement.
*Understands and supports teamwork in the workplace.

Pay Range: $47,000 - $65,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).