Virginia Commonwealth University·Richmond, Virginia
The Access Specialist manages student cases by determining eligibility for accommodations and providing ongoing disability-related support. They also serve as a campus resource for faculty and staff to ensure equal access and inclusion within the university environment.
Unit: Student Affairs (Vice Provost) MBU
Department: Student Accessibility & Edu Opportu
Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity (SAEO) is the designated office on VCU's Monroe Park Campus that fosters an environment where all students have equal access to the University's programs, services, and activities.
Our Mission Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity champions holistic student development and success by creating a campus culture that strives to ensure equal access and inclusion.
Duties: & Responsibilities:
The Access Specialist will assist the Office of Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity to provide accommodation and coaching supports for students with disabilities to ensure equal access and promote success at Virginia Commonwealth University. The Access Specialist works with individual students to determine eligibility for reasonable accommodations and provides appropriate follow-up and disability-related supports. They serve as the campus resource specialist in the development of accommodations and academic adjustments for this population, providing ongoing consultation and problem-solving assistance to faculty and staff.
Case Management ● Review medical, psychological, educational, and other appropriate documentation to determine students’ eligibility for accommodations. ● Conduct initial intake interviews with students to identify barriers to full participation in the curricular and co-curricular environments. ● Provide guidance for students on how to initiate and maintain services (e.g., completing intake forms, requesting accommodations, scheduling with the Testing Access Center, communicating with faculty, etc.) ● Serves as a resource for faculty, staff, and advisors on all matters related to student accessibility. ● Maintain comprehensive records of accommodation process and interaction with students, faculty, and staff. ● Input meeting notes and communications into a database system.
Office Support ● Assists with Student Access Office workshops and conferences presented to faculty, students, and other professionals ● Occasional assistance with the Testing Access Center, as needed (proctoring, final exam support, reading and scribing for exams, etc.) ● Serves on the various VCU committees ● Assist in the development and implementation of programs ● Performs other duties as assigned by Director and Assistant Director ● Represent the SAEO office at various campus events (occasionally during evening or weekend hours)
Salary: Up to $45,000 (based on experience)
All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits [https://hr.vcu.edu/benefits/] package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.
FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt
Hours per Week: 40
Restricted Position: No
ORP Eligible: No
35221N - Specialist SS 1
State Role Code: 29133
Candidates must hold at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Counseling, Education, or Psychology. Applicants should possess entry-level experience in student support or case management and a working knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Market context
Access Specialist roles in Virginia are often tied to student support, disability services, and case management, so demand tends to follow hiring in schools, colleges, and related support programs. These roles are competitive because employers usually want a relevant bachelor’s degree, entry-level experience, and working knowledge of the ADA. Before applying, review how your student support experience matches the posted requirements; this platform AI-summarizes requirements and benefits from the original job description, saving you research time.