Assistive Technology Specialist - Student Disability Services - STA

About Us

Are you ready to join a community leading in innovative teaching and learning?

Kennesaw State University is one of the 50 largest public institutions in the country. With our growing enrollment and global reach, we are enjoying increased prominence among Georgia's colleges. We offer more than 150 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to over 43,000 students. Our entrepreneurial spirit, high-impact research, and Division I athletics also draw students from throughout the region and from 92 countries across the globe. Our university's vibrant culture, career opportunities, mission and values and rich benefits make us an employer of choice. We are part of the University System of Georgia . Kennesaw State will exemplify the power and promise of a student-centered, research-driven university. Our institutional values are student-inspired, promise-fulfilling, true to ourselves, elevational, open and impact-generating. In addition, we support the University System of Georgia core values of accountability, excellence, integrity and respect. We are searching for talented people to join Kennesaw State University. Come to KSU and find your passion.

Location

Our Kennesaw campus is located at 1000 Chastain Road NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144.

Job Summary

Provides support and services in the use of assistive and adaptive technology (AT) for registered students with disabilities. Coordinates and implements accommodation resources to support students with disabilities and ensure they have equal access to educational opportunities in compliance with ADA

Responsibilities

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Conducts one-on-one meetings with students registered with SDS to assess their assistive and adaptive technology needs for access accommodations.
2. Investigates, recommends, and implements innovative AT solutions to eliminate academic access barriers.
3. Collaborates with Disability Services Providers (DSP) to interpret disability documentation and provide specific AT technology and software recommendations.
4. Reviews the effectiveness of current AT practices, making necessary adjustments to address gaps and ensure optimal outcomes.
5. Works proactively with students and faculty to identify and eliminate potential accessibility barriers in coursework, recommending and implementing appropriate AT accommodations.
6. Assesses and processes students' accommodation requests for assistive technology, equipment loans, and alternative format course materials (e.g., Braille, e-text, audiobooks).
7. Monitors AT equipment and software and oversees maintenance and upgrades in SDS testing rooms.
8. Installs assistive technology on students' devices and trains students with disabilities on using equipment, software, hardware, applications, and technologies.
9. Maintains accurate project records, ensuring that accommodation processes are timely and effective.
10. Manages the inventory, operational status, usage, and loans of all assistive technology and adaptive equipment.
11. Keeps abreast of emerging AT trends and best practices, actively seeking opportunities to integrate innovative technologies into the SDS framework.
12. Collaborates with SDS Leadership to identify external funding sources to enhance college resources and assistive technology offerings.
13. Develops and maintains a resource list of relevant programs, apps, external organizations, government agencies, and assistive technology providers to support students utilizing assistive and adaptive technologies.
14. Pursues professional development opportunities, such as grant writing and assistive technology training.
15. Collects statistical data and compiles semester and annual reports as assigned.
16. Supports other departmental functions and performs additional duties as requested.
17. Assists with divisional priorities and initiatives beyond the department's scope, as requested.

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education with a concentration in Disability Services or other related field of study.

Required Experience
Two (2) years of related work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Additional Preferred Qualifications
Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) from the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America
Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) from the International Association of Accessibility Professionals

Preferred Educational Qualifications
An advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education in a related field

Preferred Experience
Experience in student disability services in a postsecondary environment.
Experience providing direct service and assistive technology solutions for adults with disabilities in a postsecondary environment.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

ABILITIES
Ability to identify potential access barriers, develop innovative solutions, and adapt to unforeseen challenges.
Ability to serve on university committees and work collaboratively with key areas to support persistence and graduation initiatives.
Ability to successfully interact with a community comprised of individuals/groups from an array of backgrounds, experiences, and communication styles.
Ability to recognize and protect confidential information and exercise judgment, tact, and diplomacy in handling sensitive information and situations.
Able to handle multiple tasks or projects at one time, meeting assigned deadlines

KNOWLEDGE
Proficient in federal and state laws and mandates related to higher education accessibility and provision of accommodations, including the ADA and Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Knowledge and understanding of the areas of disabilities and disability laws, as well as common academic accommodations.

SKILLS
Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem-solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management, and presentation skills
Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e., Microsoft Office suite)
Strong attention to detail and follow-up skills
Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .

Equal Employment Opportunity

Kennesaw State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for living, work and study. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and University policy, the University prohibits harassment of or discrimination against any person because of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment, pregnancy, and medical conditions related to pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran or military status by any member of the KSU Community on campus, in connection with a University program or activity, or in a manner that creates a hostile environment for members of the KSU community.

For additional information or to file a complaint under the provisions of this policy, students, employees, applicants for employment or admission or other third parties should contact the Office of Institutional Equity at English Building, Suite 225, eeo@kennesaw.edu.

Other Information

This is not a supervisory position.
This position does not have any financial responsibilities.
This position will not be required to drive.
This role is considered a position of trust.
This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).
This position will not travel

Background Check

• Standard Enhanced
• Education

Per the University System of Georgia background check policy, all final candidates will be required to consent to a criminal background investigation. Final candidates may be asked to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment. Applicants for positions of trust with screening
results which confirm a disqualifying criminal history will be immediately disqualified from employment eligibility.

All applicants are required to include professional references as part of their application process. Some positions may require additional job-based screenings such as motor vehicle report, credit check, pre-employment drug screening and/or verification of academic credentials.

https://www.usg.edu/hr/assets/hr/hrap_manual/HRAP_Background_Investigation_Employment.pdf