Position Overview
The Accessibility Services Success Coach reports to the Assistant Director of Accessibility Services and works in close collaboration with the Accessibility Services staff, including the Activate Program, and the staff of the Academic Success Center, the faculty, division of Student Affairs and other campus partners. The Accessibility Services Success Coach is responsible for providing academic accommodations and support to students with documented disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act and other Federal and State laws and regulations pertaining to students with disabilities. The Success Coach will also provide academic success coaching for undergraduate students, including students identified as neurodiverse.
The position requires a commitment to and experience with diversity, equity, and inclusion, cultural competency, and ability to relate to and to communicate effectively with students, staff, and faculty, representing diverse identities, communities and experiences.
Primary Responsibilities:
Maintain a coaching caseload of registered students, both within Accessibility Services and the Activate Program, by advising and counseling, including organization/study skills, advocacy, family contact, record-keeping, and referrals needed for academic success. Review documentation for the purposes of determining appropriate, reasonable accommodations; conduct intake meetings, assist in coordinating accommodations between the faculty, student, and the office including helping with the Testing Center and assistive technology demands. Support incoming and newly admitted students and their families’ concerns, meet with and communicate with outside agencies when necessary. Provide supervision to Accessibility Services Graduate Fellow Assist in processing non-academic accommodations i.e. parking, emotional support animal requests and dietary requests. Assist the Director of Accessibility Services in planning and running campus events and programming. Oversee student groups as determined by interest and specialty areas. Participate in new student orientation and other programs as needed. Participate in Accessibility Services staff meetings, department meetings and meetings with campus partners as needed. Participate in Student Life campus activities after hours as needed and able. Other tasks as determined by the Director of Accessibility Services Office.Qualifications:
Master’s degree in a related field preferred Cultural competence and ability to support students from historically underrepresented and underserved communities Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion as relevant to academic success. A professional working knowledge of the disabilities affecting college-age students along with knowledge and experience in diagnostic assessments for the purpose of determining appropriate accommodations. A solid level of knowledge of campus department partners for consultation and referrals and of academic curriculum to give general academic advice and make referrals The individual in this position must possess excellent human relations, problem-solving, accountability, and excellent written, oral, and technological communication skills. Demonstrated ability to identify disabilities affecting college-age students with knowledge and experience in interpreting diagnostic assessments for the purpose of determining appropriate accommodations. Professional experience in a field relevant to the delivery of support services to disabled students Experience delivering academic support to college level students is preferred Previous experience working at the college level is preferred.
Application Materials Should Include:
Cover letter stating motivation and interest in the position, citing experience relevant to the qualifications and including experience with, and commitment to, our Catholic Augustinian mission, our values, and our desire to be a more diverse, equitable and inclusive institution of higher learning Resume Names and contact information for three (3) references.This position is subject to the successful completion of a criminal background check.
Vaccinations and Work Location
This is an on-campus position as employees are essential in order to provide a fully on-campus, residential college experience for our students and the community.
The COVID-19 vaccine and booster for which an individual may be eligible are highly recommended for students, faculty and staff. Merrimack College does not require proof of COVID vaccination for enrollment, employment or to be a guest on our campus.
Statement on Our Mission
Merrimack College is a Catholic Augustinian institution of higher education committed to building a culturally and racially diverse community. Our mission is to enlighten minds, engage hearts and empower lives and is inspired by our Catholic faith and the Augustinian tradition of seeking truth through inquiry and dialogue.
Merrimack College seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to Merrimack’s Catholic and Augustinian mission and values and advance our work in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from members of underrepresented groups. All candidates should describe in their application previous experience related to equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as how they will engage in fostering a culture that supports our Catholic and Augustinian mission and our values of diversity, equity and inclusion.
About Merrimack College
The only Catholic, Augustinian institution of higher education in New England, Merrimack College is a private, independent, coeducational institution with more than 4,000 undergraduate and 1,400 graduate students from 32 states and 37 countries. The College features more than 100 career-focused undergraduate, professional and graduate programs, all taught by exceptional faculty who are passionate about their subject and student success. The College has five schools: arts and sciences, engineering and computational sciences, nursing and health sciences, the Winston school of education and social policy and the Girard school of business. The College’s suburban 240-acre campus is approximately 25 miles north of Boston in the towns of North Andover and Andover, Massachusetts. Merrimack is a Master’s Colleges and Universities/Larger Programs (M1) institution in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Merrimack is one of the fastest growing educational institutions in the country and has steadily climbed up in the U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of Best Colleges, ranking 33rd in the Regional Universities North category in 2024. Merrimack is a NCAA Division I athletic institution.
Merrimack College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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