- Job Type: Officer of Administration --
- Bargaining Unit:
- Regular/Temporary: Regular
- End Date if Temporary:
- Hours Per Week: 35
- Salary Range: Commensurate with experience
Position Summary The Assistive Technology (AT) Manager will play a key role in promoting equitable access to Columbia's digital course materials and learning environments, serving as a primary point of contact for students, faculty, administrators, and service providers. This position is responsible for the daily operation of the assistive technology and alternate format accommodations including staff supervision, exam administration support and materials conversion. The AT Manager will oversee a high volume of alternative format text requests, provide scanning and editing services, convert hard copy text into appropriate digital formats, conduct intake meetings, assess student need and determines appropriate assistive technology for students with a wide range of with disabilities. The incumbent will manage technical and computing support for approximately 1,500 accommodated exams annually and oversee captioning and audio-description accommodations for the department.
Responsibilities - Manages high volume (500,000 pages annually) of alternate format/electronic texts requests and provides conversion of assessments, print materials and textbooks to alternative formats. Utilizes hardware and software applications to convert digital files to alternative formats such as, but not limited to, digital audio text, enlarged text, closed captioning, voice input and output, tagging, and scanning.
- Oversees the daily operation of the assistive technology and alternate format accommodations including staff supervision, exam administration support and materials conversion. Hire, train and supervise staff, who will produce captions, alternate format, assistive technologies. Exam administration support includes Technology Support includes assistive technology, exam specific technology such as audio component to music exams, computer hardware, file/format manipulation, and file conversions.
- Evaluate the assistive technology needs of students with disabilities and provide assistance in selecting appropriate software and hardware that addresses their disability related needs and is compatible with their academic technologies. Initiates ideas and solutions and identify resources and best practices in working with students with assistive technology needs.
- Coordinates the installation, configuration, and maintenance of various adaptive equipment and technologies, including off-site clinical and internships, for students with a wide range of disabilities, including but not limited to visual, hearing, physical, and learning disabilities. Provides ongoing training to students, faculty, and staff in the use and maintenance of adaptive software and hardware.
- Contribute to the ongoing development and modification of needs in assistive technology and academic technologies. Assist in the purchase of assistive technology for the department, including site-licensing and service maintenance agreements. Monitor student use of assistive technology devices and maintain record on service delivery and usage.
- Manage department digital library. Maintains a database of strategies for adapting informational and instructional materials into formats that can be readily accessed by persons with disabilities. Evaluate the functioning of assistive devices when not in use by students and staff to ensure high quality of service.
- Oversees captioning and audio-description accommodations for the department, including creating, editing, editing captioning of audio/visual materials for traditional and/or online delivery and working with third-party providers.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications - Bachelor's degree and/or its equivalent.
- Minimum 3 years related experience required.
- Demonstrated ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced and service-oriented environment.
- Previous experience working with individuals with disabilities.
- Ability to provide innovative and creative assistive services to individuals with disabilities.
- Strong understanding of digital accessibility, standards and remediation methods.
- Must possess excellent interpersonal, listening, written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to learn new computer systems.
- Must be able to train individuals in the use of adaptive systems as well as effectively communicate technical and complex information.
- Specific experience desired with commonly used assistive technologies, including Kurzweil, JAWS, LiveScribe SmartPen, Dragon Naturally Speaking, TextHelp and/or other similar assistive technology software in addition to proficiency using Microsoft Office.
- Flexibility in schedule including some evenings and weekend required.
Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents. |
