Disabilities Counselor ( Campus Title: Student Disability Counselor -Student Services) - Mount Wachusett Community College
Mount Wachusett Community College
Application
Details
Posted: 18-Jan-25
Location: Gardner, Massachusetts
Internal Number: 184738
Location: Gardner, MA Category: Professional (Staff Member) Posted On: Fri Jan 17 2025 Job Description:
General Statement of Duties:
MWCC's Disability Counselor is a full-time position that provides academic and support services for students who have self-identified as having a documented disability. Specialized work will depend on the needs assessment of each student but may include: reviewing disability documentation, determining eligibility of services, providing reasonable accommodations, assisting students with adaptive technology, facilitating the transition between high school and college, developing educational plans, creating trainings and workshops for the college community, and ensuring equal access to promote the successful integration of students with disabilities in the college learning environment.
Responsibilities:
Assists with the review and eligibility of students who are disclosing a disability and seeking reasonable accommodations at the college-level.
Meets and consults individually with students (and their families/caretakers if applicable) in the construction of an accommodation plan based on documentation, diagnosis, and the student's educational pathway.
Serves as a liaison to faculty and other offices in the support of students with documented disabilities.
Ensures that all students including prospective students visiting campus have equal access to navigate college programs and services, including (but not limited to) the admissions and enrollment processes, testing services, academic curriculum, campus environment, and related digital content.
Participates in orientation sessions for incoming students and facilitates workshops on the resources available to students at MWCC.
Works closely with the Disability and Student Services teams in the delivery of student-centered advising and supports.
Assists students in utilizing adaptive technology and navigating the college learning environment.
Serves as a co-advisor to the Delta Alpha Pi MWCC's academic honor society for students with documented disabilities.
Communicates, educates, and promotes disability and accessibility support services with the faculty, staff, and employees so that they are aware of the resources available to students.
Serves as an integral member on the college's Threat Assessment / CARE Team tasked with evaluating and responding to concerning student behavior using a case management model.
Produces appropriate promotional materials, bulletin boards, etc. to inform community of available service, raise awareness, and advertise upcoming events.
Performs administrative tasks associated with counseling role to include confidential record keeping.
Attends meetings, trainings, and committees where and when relevant topics associated with college disability support services are discussed.
Master's degree in Special Education, Education Psychology, Counseling, Deaf Education, or closely related field;
Three (3) years experience and/or training that includes college-level learning disability services, learning disability assessment, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)/Section 504 compliance, development of policies/procedures, teaching, or curriculum development; or
An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Desired Qualifications:
Experience working with college students with a preference for work experience at a community college;
Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills;
A deep appreciation for the importance of culturally-responsive practice with a commitment to prioritizing racial equity while working with historically underserved populations;
Knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 compliance with prior experience evaluating diagnostic paperwork and/or writing accommodations;
Proficiency, experience, and/or awareness of current adaptive technologies, database management, Microsoft Office, and Zoom conference software.
Experience teaching and developing high-impact workshops and training experiences.
Knowledge of student development theory and/or experience working with students in a college or academic setting;
Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
Equivalency Statement Applicants who do not meet the qualifications as stated above are encouraged to put in writing precisely how their background and experience have prepared them with the equivalent combination of education, training and experience required for the responsibilities of this position.
**** Actual Salary determined by education, experience, and any applicable grant limitations per the collective bargaining agreement. Applicants should be aware it is unlikely the salary will be at or near the top of the range.
Grade: 5 Employee Status: Full Time Benefits: Yes Hours per Week: 37.5 Number of Weeks: 52
Mount Wachusett Community College is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender, disability, religion, age, veteran status, genetic information, gender identity or sexual orientation in its programs and activities as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and college policies. The College prohibits sexual harassment, including sexual violence. Inquiries or complaints concerning discrimination, harassment, retaliation or sexual violence shall be referred to the College's Affirmative Action and/or Title IX Coordinator, the Massachusetts Commission against Discrimination, the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission or the United States Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights.
We are an innovative institution for teaching and learning excellence. Students and faculty are at the center of everything we do. If you are looking for the opportunity to come to work every day and help students achieve their dreams, Mount Wachusett Community College is the place for you. Our faculty, staff, and administration forge the direction of the college together - from governance to defining our mission. We understand that for our institution to remain relevant we must continually examine and refine the ways we serve our students. We strive to create an environment where students, faculty and staff feel comfortable and where new ideas and perspectives are encouraged and rewarded. We respect and honor our differences and make them work toward the advantage of all. The college is committed to attracting the best faculty and staff for our students, regardless of race, color, religious creed, age, physical or mental disability, sex, national origin or ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information or veteran status. About the College Mount Wachusett Community College is an accredited, public two-year institution serving 29 cities and towns in North Central ...Massachusetts. The picturesque269-acre main campus is located in Gardner, Massachusetts; satellite sites are located in Leominster, Fitchburg, and Devens. The college offers over 45 associate degree and certificate programs, as well as adult basic education and high school equivalency programs, education and training for business and industry, and noncredit professional and personal enrichment programs. MWCC is on the forefront of state and national civic engagement and service learning initiatives and is nationally recognized as a veteran- friendly school. MWCC is in the process of constructing a $42 million science and technology building to support growing STEM programs. The college community enjoys many resources including the East Wing Art Gallery; the 555-seat Theatre at the Mount which hosts a variety of productions annually; the Fitness and Wellness Center, which offers a wide assortment of fitness classes, exercise equipment and an Olympic-size swimming pool; a complete library with access to thousands of on-line publications and data bases, as well as electronic classrooms. In addition, through its membership in the CWMARS regional library system, access is available to all other public and academic libraries in the region. Our Green Commitment In addition, if sustainability is important to you, Mount Wachusett Community College offers the chance to work at one of the greenest colleges in the nation. We are the largest greenhouse gas reducer of any Massachusetts state college, university, or agency, as recognized by the 2011 Leading By Example Award from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. We have also been nationally recognized with a Climate Leadership Award from Second Nature, the supporting organization of the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment, and several other organizations. Our Gardner campus features two 1.65 MW Vestas V82 wind turbines that are propelling us to near-carbon neutrality for campus operations. With the college's biomass and solar technologies incorporated into the mix, coupled with significant efficiency improvements, MWCC generates nearly all of its energy on-site to operate as a near-zero net energy campus. About our benefitsOur full-time faculty and staff enjoy a liberal benefits package, including generous retirement plans, eleven health insurance options, dental care, life insurance and long-term disability insurance. In addition, we offer a tuition remission program which provides education benefits at Massachusetts state colleges, community colleges, and University of Massachusetts Colleges for full-time employees, their spouses and dependent children. Education and lifelong learning are valued here. Additionally, sabbatical opportunities and other professional development opportunities are possible. About the regionMount Wachusett Community College is located a few hours from the stunning beaches of the Cape Cod National Seashore, an hour's drive from the cultural attractions and big city lights of Boston, and forty-minutes from the county seat of Worcester, with museums, a thriving restaurant scene, and excellent amenities. A wide variety of state and national parks, including the Appalachian Trail, the White Mountains, the Berkshires and the Green Mountains are all a day-trip away. The best that New England has to offer is here: quaint villages, bustling cities, and beautiful vistas. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts, the Worcester Art Museum and the Fitchburg Art Museum offer incredible collections. There are opportunities for great shopping in area cities, towns, and nearby outlet malls. North Central Massachusetts is home to excellent public, charter and private schools as well as an affordable lifestyle. Hiking, biking, and walking trails are spread throughout the region as well, for those seeking to maintain an active outdoor lifestyle. We hope you will consider applying for one of our open positions, and discover all that Mount Wachusett Community College and the North Central Massachusetts region have to offer.