Associate Director, Mason Autism Support Initiative (MASI)

Department: Office of Disability Services (ODS)

Web Announcement:

Associate Director, Mason Autism Support Initiative (MASI)

The George Mason University Office of Disability Services (ODS) invites applications for an Associate Director of Disability Services. The Associate Director of Disability Services would oversee campus-wide initiatives to support the rapidly increasing population of students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Specifically, the initiative to be managed by the Associate Director will be the direction of the Mason Autism Support Initiative program. The MASI program, through Disability Services, offers individualized, comprehensive social and academic support to motivated Mason students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, in order to guide them through the transition into university life, and assist them in building skills necessary for success in the university environment and life after college. We encourage development of self-advocacy and college-level independent living skills by providing individual and group support within a collaborative model. This position reports to the Director of Disability Services.

George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason's academic and culturally inclusive environment.

Responsibilities:

The Associate Director of Disability Services is responsible for the oversight of recruitment, training, and supervision of MASI staff, including the Program Coordinator, Learning Strategists, and Peer Mentors. The Associate Director is responsible for recruiting students and reviewing documentation for admittance into the MASI program and to provide accommodations through an interactive process with MASI students and families; monitor and maintain the MASI budget; develop, teach and lead classes and groups that provide education and training to MASI students and undergraduate peer mentors; oversee and administer outreach to support faculty and staff; provide leadership for collaboration with academic departments to identity appropriate accommodations; and assist with the daily Disability Services department operations.

Required Qualifications:

• An earned Master's degree in counseling, special education, higher education, psychology, or related field;
• Experience with the Autism Spectrum Disorder and related Mental Health Disorder's;
• Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends as required;
• Experience with training and supervising full-time and part-time staff;
• Working knowledge of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Amendment Act of 2008, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, and other appropriate laws.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience creating and managing a yearly budget;
• Prior experience developing, creating, and facilitating classes/groups;
• Ability to effectively manage complex situations;
• At least one to two years of relevant experience coordinating services for students with disabilities in a postsecondary education setting;
• Knowledge of psycho-educational test instruments and alternative forms of individual student assessment pertaining to higher education and disability;
• Strong interpersonal communication, community building, organizational, and time management skills.

Salary: Commensurate with education and experience.

Location: Fairfax, VA

Mason Ad Statement:

Great Careers Begin at Mason!

George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with national distinction in both academics and research. Mason holds a top U.S. News and World Report “Up and Coming” spot for national universities and is recognized for its global appeal and excellence in higher education.

Mason is currently the largest and most diverse university in Virginia with students and faculty from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying in over 200 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William, as well as at learning locations across the commonwealth. Rooted in Mason’s diversity is a campus culture that is both rewarding and exciting, work that is meaningful, and opportunities to both collaborate and create.

If you are interested in joining the Mason family take a look at our current opportunities and catch some Mason spirit at jobs.gmu.edu/!

George Mason University, Where Innovation is Tradition.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

For full consideration, applicants must apply for position number FA45Az at http://jobs.gmu.edu/; complete and submit the online application; and upload a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references with contact information.

Equity Statement:

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.