Access Specialist
(Student Services Professional III)

Compensation and Benefits

Anticipated Hiring Salary: $5,025 - $5,275 per month 

Full CSU Classification Salary Range: $5,025 - $7,159 per month

• This is a full-time, probationary, exempt position.
• Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment.

The CSU system provides a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision plans, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), sick and vacation time, and 15 paid holidays a year. Eligible employees are also able to participate in the fee waiver education program. A summary of benefit information can be found here.

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Director of Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD), the individual in this position evaluates eligibility and determines appropriate academic accommodations for enrolled students with physical, perceptual, learning, and psychological disabilities. Duties include the provision of comprehensive disability related academic and career development advisement. The incumbent works with students on developing alternative learning strategies, problem solving skills and effective self-advocacy approaches.  Responsibilities also involve assisting faculty, staff, and administrators with information regarding appropriate implementation of mandated academic accommodations.

Key Qualifications

• Knowledge of:
  • Federal and State laws and regulations related to disability issues and accommodations and their application to students with disabilities.
  • Cultural, psychosocial and employment implications of disability.
  • Thorough knowledge of the policies, procedures, and practices of services to students with disabilities in a university setting or the ability to quickly acquire the knowledge.
  • General knowledge of the policies, practices, and activities of student services programs.
  • Knowledge of computer office systems and ability to use a broad range of technology, systems, and software packages.
• Ability to:
  • Work effectively with students with a broad range of disabilities.
  • Carry out complex assignments independently without detailed instructions.
  • Advise students individually or in groups on varied and complex matters.
  • Analyze individual or group situations thoroughly, perceive available alternatives and their implications and verbalize pertinent information to individuals involved.
  • Assist students with disabilities to develop their ability to identify, think through and evaluate problems and consider options or alternative solutions.
  • Interact with individuals in situations where frustration, anger, or confusion are present in order to bring about calmer consideration of issues.
  • Adjust approaches and techniques in the face of unpredictable responses and rapidly changing circumstances.
  • Make decisions in individual cases to resolve problems where guidelines and procedures do not exist.
  • Implement, explain, and apply applicable laws, codes and regulations, and exercise sound, independent judgment within general policy guidelines and operating parameters.
  • Ability to create, analyze and evaluate program information and provide data for review in developing and implementing strategies and activities to support student success.
  • Interpersonal and communication skills, including ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and ability to collaborate across organizational lines.
  • Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships and promote a positive, service oriented collegial work environment with a variety of individuals.

To view the full list of qualifications and job responsibilities, please click the Position Description button above.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with a major in a related field.
• Equivalent or three years of progressively responsible professional student services work experience.
  • A Master’s degree in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling (formerly Rehabilitation Counseling), Clinical Psychology, Communicative Science and Disorders, Special Education, Clinical Social Work or related field may be substituted for one year of professional experience.
• Preferred Skills:
  • In addition to knowledge and experience with a broad range of disabilities, specific experience in counseling students who are deaf, blind, visually impaired, or who have psychological disabilities is an asset.
  • Ability to work in a flexible, collaborative manner within a diverse and demanding work environment.
  • Knowledge of specific uses of adaptive equipment and software.

Department Summary

The mission of Services for Students with Disabilities is to facilitate inclusion by strengthening partnerships with the campus community to eliminate barriers and raise disability awareness. By doing so, students with disabilities will have an equal opportunity to reach academic success.

Deadline & Application Instructions

Applications received by August 30, 2024 will be given full consideration by the search committee.

Applications received after that date will be forwarded at the request of the Hiring Manager and/or search committee.

Please click “Apply Now” to complete the employment application for California State University, Fresno. Interested applicants must complete the application and attach the following: 1) their most recent resumé/vitae, 2) a cover letter that addresses their specific qualifications and interest, and 3) contact information for three professional references.

Fresno State

California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

Metropolitan Fresno, with a multi-ethnic population of over 527,000, is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. The campus is within driving distance of Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, San Francisco, Los Angeles, the Monterey Peninsula, beaches, sailing, lakes, and numerous ski resorts. Fresno boasts one of the most reasonable housing markets in California and offers a wide array of locally grown fruits and produce.

Equal Employment Opportunity Information

California State University, Fresno is committed to maintaining and implementing employment policies and procedures in compliance with applicable state and federal equal employment opportunity laws and regulations. Executive Orders 1096 and 1097 prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of a protected status: race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex (including gender identity), sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition and covered veteran status. Fresno State's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring, and retention. We are proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.

COVID19 Vaccination Policy

Per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, it is strongly recommended that all employees who are accessing office and campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications.  Questions may be sent to hr@csufresno.edu.

Supplemental Information

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with California State University, Fresno. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Fresno State has identified as sensitive.

The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

This position may be a "designated position" under the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. This will require the filing of a Statement of Economic Interest on an annual basis and the completion of training within six (6) months of assuming office and every two (2) years thereafter.

Fresno State is a tobacco-free, smoke-free and vapor-free campus.

Fresno State is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. (e.g. H1-B Visas)