Communication Access Scheduler - Student Disability Services - UTK

The Communication Access Scheduler schedules communication access services for students and other members of the university community who require American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting, speech-to-text transcription, Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART), and other related communication access services.

Working closely with the Assistant Director for Communication Access, this position is responsible for coordinating and maintaining schedules for service providers supporting classes, meetings, appointments, campus events, and other university activities. The Communication Access Scheduler serves as a point of contact for students, faculty, staff, service providers, and external agencies and plays a critical role in ensuring the timely and effective delivery of accommodations that promote equal access to the academic environment and university programs.

1. Scheduling

• Review student class schedules and service requests to ensure the timely assignment of appropriate communication access services. 
• Schedule American Sign Language interpreters, speech-to-text transcription providers, CART providers, and other communication access service providers for classes, meetings, appointments, events, and university activities. 
• Maintain accurate daily, weekly, and semester-long scheduling calendars. 
• Monitor provider availability and ensure appropriate coverage for scheduled service requests. 
• Respond effectively to urgent and time-sensitive accommodation requests. 
• Communicate with students, faculty, staff, service providers, and external agencies regarding service assignments and scheduling needs. 
• Maintain accurate scheduling records and related documentation. 

2. Communication and Customer Service

• Serve as a point of contact regarding communication access services for students, faculty, staff, interpreters, transcription providers, agencies, and other university constituents. 
• Communicate provider assignments, schedule changes, cancellations, and other relevant information accurately and in a timely manner. 
• Respond to questions and assist with resolving scheduling concerns while maintaining a high level of professionalism and customer service. 
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality and discretion when communicating about students and disability-related accommodations. 
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. 
• Provide helpful information regarding Communication Access services, processes, and available resources. 
• Assist with the onboarding and orientation of new temporary staff, including interpreters and transcription providers. 

3. Planning and Program Support

• Assist with planning and scheduling communication access services during periods of high service demand, including final examinations, commencement, and major campus events. 
• Work collaboratively with the Assistant Director for Communication Access and Student Disability Services staff to anticipate service needs and proactively identify potential scheduling challenges. 
• Identify gaps in service coverage and recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency and support student access. 
• Support efforts to ensure communication access services are provided in accordance with applicable federal laws and institutional policies. 

4. Departmental and University Support

• Serve as a liaison and representative of Student Disability Services when interacting with students, faculty, staff, and members of the university community. 
• Maintain positive, collaborative, and professional relationships with university constituents and external service providers. 
• Support the overall mission and functions of Student Disability Services. 
• Assist with final examinations and other periods of increased departmental service needs, as appropriate.  
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Education: This position requires a high school diploma or GED.
• Experience: One year of professional experience in scheduling, coordination, disability services, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. 
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Excellent communication skills (phone, email and in person) and attention to detail. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment. Ability to quickly adapt and effectively manage to schedule changes and urgent accommodation needs. Ability to build collaborative relationships across campus departments. Ability to maintain professionalism and discretion with sensitive student information. Ability to coordinate multiple providers and stakeholders simultaneously. Ability to support equitable student access through proactive service planning. Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment. Ability to work comfortably in an academic setting with constituents with various experiences and perspectives. Demonstrated working knowledge of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 508 of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and other appropriate laws pertaining to higher education and disability.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Associate’s degree
• Experience: Experience and knowledge of support services for Deaf individuals in a higher education setting. Experience scheduling sign language interpreters, CART providers and speech to text services. 

Work Location

• Location: Knoxville, TN
• Onsite 

Work Schedule

This position is typically 8-5. Staff must be able to work extended hours during final exam periods and be available for potential overtime, as needed. 

Compensation and Benefits 

• UT market range: MR04
• Anticipated hiring range: The anticipated starting salary for a candidate meeting the minimum requirements is $18.91 per hour.
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before October 21.

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of 3 Professional References

About The College/Department/Division

The Division of Student Life is comprised of an outstanding group of professionals who create student-centered opportunities that contribute to a transformative Volunteer Experience. These opportunities allow students to grow their skills and knowledge outside of the classroom. From health and wellness to service and engagement, we provide opportunities where students exemplify the Volunteer Spirit, inspiring others to learn, lead, and serve. 

Our departments provide essential services that support student success and future growth, fostering engagement, leadership, and wellness while enhancing belonging. Together, they create transformative experiences that help students achieve both academic and personal goals. 

The mission of Student Disability Services (SDS) is to partner with the campus community in creating equitable access to eligible students while promoting disability-inclusive diversity.  Staff is comprised of 24 professional and administrative employees and two liaisons on satellite campuses.