Mental health disabilities including but not limited to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, learning disabilities and other diagnoses comprise the largest subpopulation of students with disabilities served by the Disability Services Office at Fitchburg State University. As the world grows increasingly complex there is an increased number of students facing disabling mental health conditions. Fitchburg State University seeks a Mental Health Disability Specialist.

General Statement: The Mental Health Disability Specialist determines eligibility for services and reasonable accommodations for Fitchburg State students with psychiatric, cognitive, mental health and learning disabilities as needed, remains current with federal and state mandates as they relate to college students with disabilities, and consults and serves as a resource to faculty and campus administrators on accommodations and access issues impacting students with mental health disabilities.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Consult with students with disabilities and instructors in the planning, determination, and implementation of academic accommodations, modifications, and auxiliary aids and services as required by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the ADA 1990.
2. Address physical, programmatic, and attitudinal access issues with other campus administrative and service units relating to the needs of students with mental health and learning disabilities.
3. Collaborate with other Disability Services staff in the ongoing refinement of internal service policies, procedures, and practices.
4. Provide support services to students such as coaching, vocational counseling, and transition planning to students with mental health and learning disabilities.
5. Participate in the development and implementation of disability education training for the Fitchburg State campus.
6. Serve as Disability Services liaison to other campus offices as needed.
7. Remain current in the knowledge and understanding of the ADA and 504, as well as the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) and Department of Education (DOE) decisions relative to post-secondary services to students with disabilities.
8. Read and interpret medical and disability documentation as it pertains to accommodations under the guidance of the Director of Disability Services
9. Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience Required

1. This position requires a bachelor’s degree in psychology, biology, health and human services, social work, occupational therapy or other related field. A master’s degree is preferred.
2. Experience working with people with mental health, psychiatric and learning disabilities is required.
3. Knowledge of and experience in the delivery of ADAAA/504 mandated post-secondary academic services to students with disabilities, especially with mental health, cognitive, and psychiatric diagnoses. 
4. Must be a productive team-player with the ability to deliver a high level of interactive service, develop and maintain collaborative relationships inside and outside of the unit, prioritize effectively, as well as proactively solve problems.
5. Must work well under pressure, have the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a great deal of accuracy, possess strong written and verbal communication skills along with strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
6. Must demonstrate the ability to work well with students, faculty, and staff at all levels within a highly demanding and collaborative environment.
7. Experience in working with high school graduates, traditional and non-traditional college students, including graduate, undergraduate students both on campus and remotely highly desired.

About Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg State University, located in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, is a public institution dedicated to integrating high-quality professional programs with strong liberal arts and sciences studies. Founded in 1894, the university now has more than 30 undergraduate programs and 22 master's degree programs, and 7,000 full and part-time students.

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