Access Consultant

The Access Consultant identifies reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities and/or conditions to ensure access to courses, programs, facilities, services, and activities on campus. The Access Consultant also works in collaboration with people with disabilities and campus partners to improve the understanding and support of the University community. The Access Consultant provides ongoing consultation and support to instructors and departments. This position serves all students and their instructors and programs on the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campuses.

This is a 100%, 12-months annually renewable appointment in the academic administrative personnel series (job code 9341AC, Access Consultant);

JOB DUTIES:

An essential function of the Access Consultant position is to identify impacts and environmental barriers for students with disabilities and/or health conditions, and to determine reasonable accommodations to facilitate their access and participation in all aspects of the University. This includes discussing access, inclusion, and reasonable accommodations with programs, instructors, and others on campus (70%):

• Facilitate competent, independent communication with students, instructors, program administrators and other stakeholders. Communication may include in-person, phone and written communication.
• Support students with obtaining documentation to assist in determining the need for reasonable accommodations/adjustments.
• Develop students' understanding of their legal rights and responsibilities, promoting self- advocacy, independence and development.
• Support students who are navigating the impacts of a disability in an educational environment; and psychosocial aspects of a learning environment for a student with a disability and/or health condition.
• Maintain confidentiality in verbal and written communications.
• Work with course instructors and administrators to identify essential functions of a course, program, or curriculum.
• Assess the interaction of the student's impacts with the learning environment an develop a plan for reasonable accommodations.
• Coordinate the provision of reasonable accommodations as identified through the interactive process.
• Facilitate problem-solving groups with students, instructors, and other stakeholders.
• Facilitate communication among faculty, staff, and students with disabilities.
• Provide general career development and job seeking skill instruction as needed.
• Document and maintain up-to-date, accurate case records in the electronic database and in the hard copy file.

An essential function of the Access Consultant position is providing outreach, training and institutional support to the University community (30%):

• Provide on-going consultation and problem-solving assistance to University of Minnesota departments regarding access and accommodations for students with disabilities and medical conditions.
• Participate in University committees, task forces, networks and liaisons to advance the development of the Disability Resource Center and the University of Minnesota.
• Provide professional opinion regarding actions taken on behalf of students as requested by the Associate Director of the Disability Resource Center, and the University Office of the General Counsel.
• Provide on-site training (formal and in-formal) to the University and the community on disability-related topics to promote awareness, sensitivity, and competence in ensuring equitable access for employees with disabilities and medical conditions.
• Provide guidance to University departments to ensure access and compliance with legislation regarding individuals with disabilities.
• Provide information and training on federal and state disability laws regarding access for people with disabilities; specifically ADA and amendments.
• Provide consultation/technical assistance on disability or medical issues as needed or requested by individuals and groups at the University.
• Maintain membership and involvement with relevant professional organizations and participate in professional development activities through presentations, publications, attendance at conferences and/or related activities. Participate in community-based organizations serving individuals with disabilities.

WORK DAYS: Monday to Friday with occasional flexing to address evening or weekend campus collaborations

WORK MODE: Hybrid, alternating days working in the office and from home

PAY RANGE: $60,013-$63,000

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS and 4 years of experience in the areas of facilitating access for people with disabilities, working with students in higher education, or a combination of the two
• Demonstrated experience in, and an ongoing commitment to, working effectively with and across diverse communities, including specific experience with one or more of the following identities/communities: people of color, including underrepresented groups and new immigrant populations; American Indians; people with both apparent and less apparent disabilities; women; people of various gender and sexual identities and expressions; and first-generation students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds
• Demonstrated understanding of the intersection of disability with other identities such as but not limited to racial, ethnic, gender, and spiritual/religious identities. Demonstrated capacity to use this understanding in communication and problem-solving with students and other University stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Social Work, Industrial Psychology, Counseling Psychology, or a related field.
• Experience in facilitating disability access and accommodations processes in higher education or similar settings
• Understanding of accommodation laws in K-12, higher education, employment settings
• Understanding of interactive processes for determining reasonable accommodations
• Knowledge of university environments and processes
• Excellent communication and organizational skills

The University of Minnesota values diverse identities and experiences, and honors disability as an important aspect of human diversity. The Disability Resource Center partners with students, faculty, staff, and guests of the University to facilitate accessibility and reduce barriers on campus to improve access for disabled people through:

• Consulting on strategies to provide access and inclusion;
• Determining and implementing reasonable academic, workplace, and guest accommodations;
• Partnering with University offices to support meaningful physical and technological access.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also 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

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

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 MUST attach the following:

• Cover letter explaining your interest, relevant experience, and motivations for seeking this position
  Communication is a huge part of our work. Please include a brief discussion of your experience in any of the following areas: Developing and presenting trainings; Writing, editing and publishing communication materials; Managing social media content; Using and/or training others in the use of assistive technologies.
• Resume of work and educational experience
• Writing sample that demonstrates your written communication skills, your conceptualization skills, and your problem solving skills. Appropriate examples include but are not limited to: case summary, project proposal, executive summary of a project or paper, report to managers or colleagues. Please appropriately redact names, confidential information
• References: contact information including name, email address, and phone number for 3 professional references, at least two of whom are/were a supervisor

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

Black, Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, women, veterans, and members of historically underrepresented communities are highly encouraged to apply.

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).