• OARS Accommodation Specialist

    New Jersey Institute of Technology (Newark, NJ)


    Title:

    OARS Accommodation Specialist

    Department:

    Off of Access Res and Servs (OARS)

    Reports To:

    Associate Director Off of Access Res and Servs (OARS)

    Position Type:

    Staff

    Position Summary:

    The Accommodation Specialist supports the mission of the Office of Accessibility Resources & Services (OARS) by coordinating and implementing reasonable accommodations for students, employees and visitors with disabilities. This position ensures equitable access to programs, services, and employment opportunities across the NJIT community. The Specialist provides direct support to registered students, consults with faculty and supervisors on the implementation of accommodations, and contributes to campus-wide accessibility initiatives. The Specialist will at times need to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings, to ensure appropriate supervision of proctored exams.

    Essential Functions:

    Accommodation Coordination:

    -Review disability documentation to determine eligibility and appropriate academic, housing, and workplace accommodations for students, employees and campus visitors

     

    -Engage in the interactive process to identify reasonable and effective accommodations.

     

    -Maintain confidential records in accordance with ADA, Section 504, and university policies

     

    -Collaborate with Human Resources Facilities, Information Technology, and Academic Affairs to support employee accommodation requests.

     

    -Conduct periodic reviews to assess accommodation effectiveness and make recommendations for adjustments as needed.

    Advising and Student Support:

    -Provide general academic and personal advising to students registered with OARS, focusing on self-advocacy, time management, and communication skills.

     

    -Refer students to appropriate campus resources such as Academic Advising, Counseling Services, and Career Development.

     

    -Participate in orientation programs and workshops to promote awareness of accessibility resources.

    Collaboration and Training:

    -Serve as a resource for employees regarding disability awareness, inclusive teaching practices, and legal responsibilities.

     

    -Support campus-wide initiatives to promote universal design and accessibility in learning and working environments.

     

    -Participate in professional development to stay current with best practices in disability services and accessibility compliance.

    Administrative and Data Management:

    -Input and manage accommodation data in the OARS database and track usage trends.

     

    -Contribute to the development of policies, procedures, and outreach materials for the OARS office.

    Prerequisite Qualifications:

    Education:

    -Bachelor’s degree in education, counseling, rehabilitation, social work, psychology, or a related field.

     

    -Master’s degree in higher education, counseling, or related discipline preferred.

    Experience:

    -Minimum of 2 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities in an educational or professional setting.

     

    -Knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and relevant state laws.

     

    -Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.

     

    -Familiarity with assistive technology and digital accessibility standards.

     

    -Ability to engage in collaborative problem-solving with empathy and discretion.

     

    -Strong analytical skills and attention to confidentiality.

     

    -Culturally responsive and student-centered approach to service delivery.

     

    At the university's discretion, the education and experience prerequisites may be exempted where the candidate can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the university, an equivalent combination of education and experience specifically preparing the candidate for success in the position.

    Preferred Qualifications:

    -Experience in both student and employee accommodation processes within higher education.

     

    -Familiarity with accommodation management software (e.g Accommodate).

    Bargaining Unit:

    Non-Aligned

    Range/Band:

    14

    Salary Information:

    In compliance with the NJ Pay Transparency Law, the annual salary range for this position is $60,000-$70,000 (USD). NJIT considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. This pay range represents base pay only and excludes any additional items such as incentives, bonuses or other items.

     

    To learn more about the comprehensive benefits NJIT offers for this position, please visit our benefits page: https://hr.njit.edu/health-benefits.

    FLSA:

    Exempt

     

    Full-Time