Position Function:
The Academic Coordinator develops, administers and advises on academic opportunities for program participants. They also work with faculty to provide one-on-one strategies to assist program participants in university courses. This position will also teach program specific courses focused on functional academics, independent living, and socialization. The academic coordinator position additionally helps promote and market the A.C.C.E.S.S. (Academics, Campus Life, Community Involvement, Employment Opportunities, Socialization, and Self-Awareness) Program in the state and develop academic related trainings both on and off campus.
Employees hired into Intermittent positions are limited to working no more than 720 hours per fiscal year.
Salary Grade: 14
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile:
The A.C.C.E.S.S. Program is a four-year postsecondary education program dedicated to ensuring students with intellectual and developmental disabilities receive a quality education through experiences in academics, career development, and independent living.
The A.C.C.E.S.S. Program is housed within the College of Education's Mississippi Institute on Disabilities which represents an interdisciplinary hub focused on innovative and convergent research, service, and training to support individuals with disabilities.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Serves as lead instructor for ACCESS on campus courses.
2. Advises ACCESS students on appropriate college courses to take that align with areas of interest.
3. Assists with curriculum development and revisions for ACCESS courses.
4. Serves as an academic liaison for college professors, MSU staff, and student academic tutors.
5. Facilitates person-centered planning meetings for ACCESS students to identify and monitor goals.
6. Collaborates with school systems statewide to participate in transition fairs and also to enhance recruitment efforts for students with intellectual disabilities into the ACCESS program.
7. Provide information via webinars, workshops, and direct support to school systems in Mississippi on the effective implementation of person-centered planning.
8. Works closely with relevant agencies such as the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services, Mississippi Partnerships for Employment, Mississippi Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Institute for Disability Studies, Disability Rights Mississippi, and Advanced Training for a Powerful Workforce (Mississippi Community Colleges) to support successful transition out of the program and into the workforce.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Education, Psychology, or related field
Three years experience working with students who exhibit intellectual disabilities
Preferred Qualifications:
Master’s degree in education, psychology, or related field.
Two years teaching experience with students who are intellectually disabled
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
2. Ability to pay attention to details with strong planning and organizational skills.
3. Ability to understand and execute complex instructions.
4. Exemplary communication and interpersonal skills.
5. Ability to use a variety of database and spreadsheet programs.
6. Strong technological skills.
7. Comfortable with multi-tasking and meeting stringent deadlines.
8. History of teaching persons with intellectual disabilities functional skills (employment, daily living, etc.)
9. Ability to differentially instruct students within the same classroom.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
1. Requires limited lifting of files and records up to 25 pounds. Work is primarily performed in an indoor temperature-controlled facility.
2. Must be able to move across campus quickly, take occasional evening and weekend on-call services.
3. Frequent external imposed deadlines; interruptions influence priorities; difficult to anticipate nature or volume of work with certainty beyond a few days; meeting of deadlines and coordination of unrelated activities are key to position; involves conflict-resolution or similar interactions involving emotional issues or stress on a regular basis while supporting students.
4. Job frequently requires walking, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, handling objects with hands.
5. Frequent travel within the local area is required and successful applicant must have reliable transportation. Infrequent travel outside the area for professional development is also necessary.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Applicants must apply online and attach a resume, cover letter, unofficial transcripts (please redact social security numbers) and the complete contact information for three professional references.
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
