POSITION SUMMARY

The Accommodations Specialist is responsible for the creation and monitoring of education plans including providing on-going support to the success of students; faculty professional learning and support for students with accommodations; and assisting with other Academic Support programs ( i.e. mentor programs).

The internationally recognized Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) develops creative, ethical leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. As a teaching and learning laboratory created by the State of Illinois, IMSA enrolls academically talented Illinois students (grades 10–12) in its advanced, residential college preparatory program. It also serves thousands of educators and students in Illinois and beyond through innovative instructional programs that foster imagination and inquiry.

The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) is committed to an equitable, diverse and inclusive teaching and learning environment. IMSA has committed to advancing equity in STEM education and representation and creating a diverse, inclusive community of global citizens who can realize their full potential, and execute our mission to advance the human condition.

This Equity and Excellence work is the intentional integration of Cultural Competence, Diversity, Equity, Equity-Minded Frame, Excellence and Inclusion into every facet of the Academy, with the understanding that it is an active and ongoing process involving structures, processes and people and not an isolated initiative.

This position will support IMSA's Diversity work by ensuring the delivery of quality, equitable, and inclusive constituent-centered support while promoting and maintaining an inclusive work environment and culture that embraces the diversity of people and perspectives collaborating at IMSA to ignite and nurture creative, ethical, scientific minds that advance the human condition.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Development, implementation and support for student Education Plans
  • Perform all initial in-take interviews 
  • Lead the Education Plan team in developing appropriate education plans that include academic and residential accommodations
  • Ensure all accommodations are appropriately documented and communicated to required Academy personnel
  • Act as liaison to support all Academy personnel in relation to appropriate execution of Education Plans
  • Provide professional learning for academic team on how to best support students with accommodations
  • Provide the necessary follow-through for student success and Academy compliance
• Provide support for Academic Support Programs
  • Facilitate the Mentor Program (formerly known as Advocate Program)
  • Act as liaison and provide the necessary follow-up/supports for Mentor Program students, families, and Academy personnel
• Distribute information contained in the education plans to faculty and staff each semester
• Hold flexible hours to meet with students, families, faculty and staff for education plan conferences and support needs
• Proctor students with extended time on tests including but not limited to  course exams, PSAT, SAT, PACT, ACT, AP's, and Academy placement exams
• Ensure that IMSA is in compliance with all applicable ADA entitlements
• Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

The required skills and experience for this position include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• A Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of 3 years of professional experience in an educational setting
• Prior experience in student support services
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organization and time management skills with strong attention to detail 
• Ability to effectively meet deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to work well with a variety of individuals and diverse populations
• Ability to work independently, resolve issues, seek help when needed, and work on concurrent projects
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
The preferred qualifications for this position include:

• Master’s degree
• Background in higher education access and accommodation plans
• Prior experience in facilitating educational support endeavors, one-on-one and/or in group contexts
• Bi-lingual, Spanish, strongly preferred

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in an office setting with minimal exposure to health or safety hazards.  Substantial time is spent working on a computer. This role generally requires mobility, written and verbal communication, hearing and visual capabilities, finger dexterity, and repetitive motions. However, reasonable accommodations, including assistive technology, may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform such requirements. 

SALARY and BENEFITS

This position is a full-time, exempt, 10-month plus 10-day, employment-at-will position. Salary regionally commensurate with training and experience in like-institutions with a range of $56,050 to $77,070. IMSA offers a comprehensive state benefits package (major medical, dental, vision, and prescription) with rates found here, a generous paid time off plan, and a retirement plan through the State University Retirement System. SURS is reciprocal with other Illinois public retirement systems such as the Teachers’ Retirement System of Illinois (TRS) and the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF).

The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer providing equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, or national origin.  This policy also includes the handicapped and all disabled Vietnam era veterans.  IMSA utilizes only job-related criteria in making decisions concerning applicants and employees.