Access Specialist

Access Specialist

The University of St. Thomas (www.stthom.edu ) is Houston's Catholic University, committed to the religious, ethical, and intellectual traditions of Catholic higher education. Located in Houston, Texas, the nation's fourth largest city, the campus is just steps from downtown, the Museum District, the Innovation Corridor, and the famed Texas Medical Center. UST is a diverse and vibrant urban environment with professional opportunities.

The Access Specialist supports the administration of disability services and accommodations for students with disabilities and serves as a primary point of contact for the Access and Disability Services office. The Access Specialist assists with case management, accommodation implementation, systems administration, outreach activities, and daily departmental operations while helping to create an accessible and inclusive learning environment.

Essential Responsibilities

Student Support and Accommodation Services

• Assist students throughout the accommodation process by providing information, coordinating services, maintaining records, and supporting implementation of approved accommodations.
• Conduct intake meetings and review documentation as assigned, monitor student cases, and facilitate communication among students, faculty, and campus partners.
• Support accommodation processes related to disabilities, temporary medical conditions, pregnancy-related needs, service animals, emotional support animals, and housing accommodations.

Systems Administration and Operations

• Serve as the primary administrator for accommodation management systems and departmental databases, ensuring accurate recordkeeping, reporting, and case management.
• Support departmental operations through data management, correspondence, scheduling, assessment activities, and coordination of office initiatives and projects.
• Assist with testing accommodation coordination and other departmental functions as assigned.

Outreach, Education, and Engagement

• Assist with the development and implementation of educational programs, accessibility awareness initiatives, and campus outreach efforts.
• Support presentations, workshops, and training activities that promote disability awareness, self-advocacy, and inclusive practices.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of disability services, student support practices, and accommodation processes.
• Familiarity with ADA, Section 504, FERPA, and accessibility principles.
• Strong customer service, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain confidential information and exercise sound judgment.
• Proficiency with case management systems, databases, and standard office software.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• One year of experience in higher education, student services, disability services, education, counseling, or a related field.
• Demonstrated organizational, communication, and customer service skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with students with disabilities.
• Experience using accommodation management systems such as AIM.
• Knowledge of disability laws and accessibility practices in higher education.
• Experience supporting case management, outreach, or educational programming.

Working conditions

This position is performed primarily in a professional office environment and requires frequent interaction with students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Responsibilities involve extensive computer use, record management, communication with campus constituents, and occasional participation in outreach events, presentations, and university programs that may occur outside regular business hours.

Additional Information

The University of St. Thomas seeks employees who support its Catholic mission and commitment to educating the whole person. The Access Specialist contributes to a welcoming and inclusive campus environment by promoting equitable access and supporting the success of a diverse student population.

The University of Saint Thomas is committed to the religious, ethical, and intellectual traditions of Catholic higher education. As permitted by law, practicing Catholics who will advance the mission of the school are preferred for this position. However, the University invites all qualified applicants to apply.