Penn State University Hiring for Student Advocacy Specialist 4 – Office of Diversity, Equity & Belonging Job at United Kingdom Full Time

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Student Advocacy Specialist 4- Position Description

The Penn State College of Medicine located in Hershey, PA is looking for a Student Advocacy 4 position to work with the Vice Dean of Diversity, Equity and Belonging and her team. This position is responsible for diverse student advocacy, support, and engagement across all educational programs at the College of Medicine (Medical, Physician Assistant and Graduate Education). Emphasis is placed on the provision of services for students with disabilities, and those students considered Underrepresented in Medicine (UiM). To provide the most supportive environment for these student populations, key collaborations in this role include work with the Office of Medical Education, the Office for a Respectful Learning Environment, the Office for Professional Mental Health, Student Affairs, Admissions, Information Services, Financial Aid, Alumni Relations, and Housing.

This position will also be responsible to coordinate all aspects of Student Disability Services. Conduct intake interviews with students who self-identify as having a disability and are requesting associated accommodations. Review documentation pertaining to a student’s physical health and/or mental health to determine if the diagnosis and associated symptoms meet the criteria of a disability in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Implement reasonable and appropriate accommodations across all educational environments, to include the classroom, laboratory, examination, and clinical settings. Coordinate with Medical, Physician Assistant and Graduate Education Programs to ensure that accommodations are implemented in a manner that prioritizes equitable access, while preserving confidentiality. Manage relationships between the College of Medicine campuses (both Hershey and University Park) to ensure consistent delivery of disability services across campuses. Select prospective students as recipients for University or college based scholarships.

Serve as the sole point of contact and formal liaison for the department, for all concerns and communications related to Student Disability Services. Advise high level administrative faculty and staff, about national disability laws, trends in disability issues in higher education, applicable Penn State University policies, and policies particular to the College of Medicine. Make recommendations pertaining to documents distributed to students both internally and externally, to ensure disability-inclusive communications. Provide consultation to the Committee for Undergraduate Medical Education (CUMED) to ensure student policies are consistent with expectations set forth by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) and the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Offer guidance to the internal Academic Progress Committee and Competency Progress Committee (CPC) related to individual cases of student concern.

Advance an understanding of the need for an inclusive educational and work environment for both UiM students and students with disabilities. Create and deliver presentations and workshops to engage Champion Program and Champion Peers Program participants, as well as departments across the college and hospital, to educate attendees of UiM student experiences and needs. Provide on-campus resources to students who may need additional support outside of the mentorship and support programs. Manage relationships between the College of Medicine, Penn State Health, and local community organizations. Understand, seek, obtain and manage resources to enhance the College’s commitment to supporting UiM and disabled students. Develop and coordinate recruitment and retention efforts for target student populations.

Additionally, this position will promote Universal Access/Design within the College of Medicine to advance an inclusive culture for all students. Coordinate directly with Information Services and Facilities to target areas that need improvement in accessibility, to include delivery of educational information and physical access. Engage with the employee Disability Affinity Resource Networking Group (DARNG) to identify overlapping accessibility concerns from employees of Penn State Health and the students of the College of Medicine. Make recommendations for required adjustments to areas on the college and/or hospital campus. Interview employee or student candidates for the “Spotlight Series,” highlighting individuals with disabilities studying or working on the College of Medicine or Penn State Health campus. Write associated articles to be featured in the campus-wide Daily Brief.

Typical Education & Experience

3+ years related experience

Master’s Degree or higher in an education or social science related discipline

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Required Certifications, Registrations or Licensure:

May require PA Act 33, 151, and 34 certification

The following clearances must be successfully completed for this position:

• Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Background Check
• Pennsylvania Child Abuse History
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Criminal Background Check

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusive excellence that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusive excellence as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS: