Job Description:

As a member of the Accessibility Resources for Students team, the Access Advisor is responsible for advancing the mission of Berklee by empowering students with disabilities, ensuring their access to all educational environments and engendering a community of equity, innovation and inclusion. The Accessibility Resources for Students team serves as leaders in accessible arts education, ensuring all Berklee students have the opportunity to fully participate and thrive in any course or program. This is achieved by proactively addressing environmental barriers impacting student learning while maintaining the same high standards expected of all Berklee students. We are partners in supporting our learning community in advancing universal design and full inclusion.

Accessibility Resources for Student’s Foundational Beliefs:
-All students can learn and achieve at a high level.
-Disability is an aspect of diversity integral to society and represents multiple characteristics and life experiences
-Students are at the center of our work
-Individualized supports and services honor the uniqueness of each learner.
-Providing self-determination resources and services helps students with disabilities achieve their full creative and career potential.
-Collaboration with instructors, staff, and the Berklee community fosters a usable, equitable, inclusive and sustainable learning environment.

The Access Advisor reports directly to the Director of Accessibility Resources for Students and assists in implementing and assessing the short and long-term goals for Accessibility Resources for Students in alignment with Berklee’s Accessibility Framework, Diversity Equity and Inclusion and the Student Enrollment and Engagement Framework.

To ensure a highly diverse and talented team, the Access Advisor position has a career ladder based on progressive professional experience that rewards exceptional, student-centered performance. Candidates will be evaluated on their skills and experience and titles including advisor, senior advisor, and possibly, assistant director will be awarded at the time of hiring  We are seeking candidates who will thrive in a role that supports a community of diverse, talented, and inspiring students from all over the world as they develop as creatives, artists, musicians, performers, entrepreneurs, dancers, designers, educators, and therapists. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (list 5-8 essential job functions)
 

Access and Alignment

Collaborates with a broad range of stakeholders to administer academic, housing, and dietary accommodations for Berklee students (Berklee College of Music, Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Berklee Valencia, and Berklee NYC). 

Evaluates medical/psychological and other documentation.

Advises students and stakeholders and facilitates an interactive accommodation process.

Maintains accurate and confidential student records within the Accessibility Information Management (AIM) database including student information, documentation, accommodation requests and communication history.

Engages in ongoing professional development to remain current in best practices.  

Student Development, Programs and Services

Collaborates closely with student success advisors to ensure a holistic success network is available for their assigned students. 

Contributes to student success advising by administering designated student resources such as; alternative format, assistive technology, housing accommodations, accommodated testing, and support for  Berklee summer programming. 

Coordinates student employee recruitment, training, and supervision.

Advises and guides students in navigating Berklee and ARS procedures and processes. 

Assists the Director in implementing new programming. 

Community Development and Education

Advises and consults with students, parents, faculty, and staff on disability-related accommodations, information, referrals, and concerns.

Serves as a liaison on designated college committees to promote and increase inclusion and access for students with disabilities. 

Assists the Director in creating marketing materials, maintaining websites and other social media platforms. 

Collaborates with other college offices in support of accessibility awareness and training. 

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

Some nights, weekends, and holidays required.

Occasional business travel.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Experience and Skills: 

Bachelor's degree required. 

One to two years of professional experience in a position providing services to individuals with disabilities.

Knowledge of models of disability and inclusive educational design, with application in higher education. 

Familiarity of the academic accommodation process in a high education setting. 

Effective communication skill within a diverse population of students, faculty, families, medical experts, rehabilitation personnel, and social service agencies.

Ability to exercise sound independent judgment 

Ability to maintain a high level of professionalism and confidentiality. 

Preferred Experiences and Skills: 

Master's degree

Prior experience in an arts education environment. 

Experience in supporting visually impaired students and students on the autism spectrum. 

Knowledge of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 - Amended 2010, the Fair Housing Act, and other applicable federal, state, and local laws. 

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.

 

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Equal Employment Opportunity at Berklee: 

We support an inclusive workplace where everyone excels based on personal merit, qualifications, experience, ability, and job performance.  Berklee affirms that inequality is detrimental to our faculty, staff, students, and the communities we serve. Our goal is to make lasting change through our actions. Berklee is committed to providing fair and equitable consideration of all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, age, national origin, place of birth, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, or status as a member of the armed forces or veteran of the armed forces, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

As part of this commitment, Berklee will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Human Resources Team at hroperations@Berklee.edu or call 617-747-2375.

Berklee is committed to increasing the diversity of our institution, community, and the curriculum. Candidates who can contribute to that goal are encouraged to apply and to identify their strengths in this area.

*Currently enrolled Berklee students are not permitted to apply for staff or faculty positions.*

Employee Type:Staff