DSPS Instructional Specialist

DEFINITION:

Under supervision of the appropriate administrator, this position performs technical and professional work related to learning strategies, study skills, and/or adaptive technology training, and facilitates testing accommodations with a considerable degree of independence while providing students with support services in the Disability Support Programs and Services (DSPS); values and promotes the mission and vision of the college.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:

The incumbent, under minimal supervision, is a professional characterized by possession of a college degree with some significant course work or equivalent experience involving contact with individuals with disabilities. The incumbent will also provide students with learning strategies, study skills and/or adaptive technology training as recommended by the DSPS director, Learning Disabilities Specialist (LD), High Technology Specialist, or DSPS counselor. They will collaborate with Allan Hancock College faculty to ensure student access to DSPS.

1. Makes recommendations to the DSPS faculty to assist with the evaluation of students and reviews pertinent instructional technologies and materials to meet student learning needs.
2. Provides one-on-one learning strategies, tutoring liaison services, or as well as group sessions, as needed, based on DSPS faculty referrals.
3. Implements some aspects of DSPS students' Academic Accommodation Plan (AAP) and monitors progress of service fulfillment; provides support services to DSPS students in regular academic programs.
4. Maintains prompt and consistent scheduled hours with DSPS students; maintains progress and/or attendance reports as required.
5. Serves as backup to High Technology Instructor and Alternative Media Specialist to train and assist DSPS students in the operation of various adaptive computer technologies; and consultation to campus community.
6. Monitors general office and lab equipment and keeps the relevant personnel apprised of the need to repair or replace equipment; monitors office and lab supplies and replenishes as needed.
7. Maintains digital records of DSPS student documentation and contacts, and schedules student appointments using computer database systems.
8. Collaborates with DSPS staff to determine the degree and nature of academic support services to be provided to students with disabilities, when requested.
9. Serves as liaison between DSPS students and AHC faculty; non-DSPS counselors and other AHC program and services staff.
10. Attends in-service training and staff meetings as required.
11. Coordinates test proctoring schedules with AHC instructional faculty and DSPS students; communicates with faculty for the retrieval and return of tests; will ensure testing integrity and conditions in accordance with the test proctoring agreement; and will provide accessible versions of tests, for example, speech-to-text, text-to-speech, braille, and provide reader and scribe services.
12. Oversees DSPS Adaptive Computer Technology Lab activities and students utilizing computer technology and equipment in the lab.
13. Troubleshoots adaptive equipment and software problems; collaborates with the high technology instructor and Information Technology Services (ITS) to install, configure, and maintain standard disability-related assistive technology software as needed on campus.
14. Orients instructional faculty on how to implement DSPS accommodations for students, as needed; trains students on how to access and utilize DSPS services and accommodations.
15. Assists students in completing college-related documents and forms.
16. Collaborates with facilities to implement adaptive technology and classroom furniture accommodations for students and arrange for distribution and collection of furniture at the beginning and end of each semester.
17. Provides resources information for persons entering the DSPS department, such as referral to appropriate student services or outside agencies.
18. Recruits, trains, and provides work direction to student workers; oversees work schedule and distributes workload and tasks to be performed, including scribing, acting as a test reader, and operating various adaptive computer technologies and equipment.
19. Serves as backup to coordinator, Interpreting and Communication Services by providing students with access to the necessary hardware and software for speech-to-text services.
20. Collaborates to manage and update DSPS information management specialized software.
21. Oversees the scheduling of appointments, manages calendars and coordinates DSPS room reservations for visiting DSPS staff and faculty at the Lompoc Valley Center.
22. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Disabilities and disability conditions;
• Learning techniques and strategies;
• Methods of assisting students with disabilities;
• Instructional equipment and assistive computer technology;
• DSPS criteria for eligibility;
• Computer programs necessary for record-keeping and databases;
• Correct English grammar, spelling, vocabulary, punctuation and word usage.

Demonstrated ability to:

• Learn and understand pertinent laws, rules and regulations including Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Title V of the California Education Code;
• Maintain records and prepare reports using computerized office and networking tools;
• Compile and analyze data concerning student accommodations, service provisions and student outcomes;
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions;
• Work independently; plan and organize work, and establish priorities;
• Handle confidential student information with tact, discretion, and in compliance with Family Educational rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) regulations.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Working Conditions:

• Duties are primarily performed in a lab environment, at a desk or at a computer.
• The incumbent will experience interruptions while performing normal duties during the
• regular workday.
• The incumbent will have contact, in person, by email, or on the telephone, with executive, management, supervisory, academic and classified staff and the general public.
• May travel to differing locations.

Physical Demands:

• Typically may sit for extended periods of time.
• Operates a computer.
• Communicates over the telephone and in person.
• Regularly lifts, carries and/or moves objects weighing up to 10 pounds.

Special Qualification:

A sensitivity to and an understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds of staff and students and to staff and students with disabilities. A commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that respects and celebrates the diverse academic backgrounds, socioeconomic realities, cultures, ethnicities, and abilities of our staff and student body.

Education and Experience:

A bachelor's degree or equivalent experience with major course work in rehabilitation counseling, special education, sociology, social work, psychology, human services, or related field and two years of experience involving contact with individuals with disabilities. Experience in a college setting is desirable.

The desired start date is April 2025. This a full-time, 37-hours-per-week, 12-month, classified position.

Work Schedule: Monday - Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

To be considered for this position, the candidate must submit a completed application, including employment history, no later than Sunday, March 23, 2025, by 11:59 PST.

• Cover letter;

• A current and complete resume/CV of education and professional experience.

• Transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable for the application process). Official transcripts are required at the time of hire.

Allan Hancock College provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.