GENERAL SUMMARY OF DUTIES:
The Director of Student Disability Services (SDS) is responsible for the oversight and coordination of accommodations for students with documented disabilities. The Director acts as a strong advocate for students with disabilities; serves as a campus point-of-contact on matters concerning disability and access in higher education; collaborates and regularly works with campus constituents and departments (i.e., students, faculty, staff, and administrators) to develop and improve the accessibility of the campus through the delivery of programs and services. S/he is responsible for staffing, budgeting, policy, program development and implementation, and adherence to legal, professional, and ethical standards.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
- Serves as a campus expert on matters concerning disability and access in higher education
- Collaborates and regularly works with campus constituents and departments to develop and improve the accessibility and usability of the campus through the delivery of programs and services that reframe disability and promote inclusive design
- Responsible for the research, development, coordination, and implementation of strategic initiatives.
- Maintain case files and confidential student records in accordance with Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and institutional policy
- Collect and track general demographic data on students for the purpose of directing and allocating resources appropriately
- Develops and revises any policies and procedures to guide the provision of reasonable accommodations to students with documented disabilities.
- Evaluate, verify, and interpret disability-related documentation from various professionals to determine eligibility, design, and implementation of individualized reasonable academic accommodation plans based on student needs and in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Fair Housing Act (FHA), and Family Educational Right and Privacy Act (FERPA)
- Coordinate services for students with temporary disabilities -Determine documentation standards for students with disabilities in accordance with the Association of Higher Education and Disabilities (AHEAD) guidelines and as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act ( ADA, 1990; ADAAA 2008) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and civil rights statutes
- Meet individually with students in an interactive process to discuss current accommodations, assess need for reevaluation of accommodations, foster student self-advocacy, and improve communication with faculty/staff.
- Determine appropriate and necessary housing accommodations, emotional support animals, and dietary accommodations based on documentation guidelines for individual student needs
- Closely collaborates with Student Services and serves as a consultant to other areas on campus regarding disability accommodations including Housing and Residence Life, Dining Services, Health Services, and Counseling/Student Development Center
- Works with various areas regarding the determination of reasonable accommodations for students with temporary impairments.
- Manages departmental budget and determines budget acquisitions for assistive technology and other necessary support for implementing accommodations
- Effectively plans and communications any necessary expenses to the Executive Director of Institutional Equity & Inclusion in a timely manner
- Works with faculty members to ensure compliance of ADA, Section 504, and FERPA while maintaining the academic integrity of courses and requirements.
- Assists students with self-advocacy including encouraging them to work with faculty members in the implementation of approved academic accommodation plans and procedures.
- Serves on the Behavioral Intervention Team and other relevant committees to represent the needs of students and the department
- Supervise the Testing and Accessibility Coordinator to ensure effective and appropriate implementation of testing and assistive technology accommodations
- Advocate on behalf of students with faculty and staff to ensure proper facilitation of academic, program, and housing accommodations.
- Foster a strong institutional commitment to inclusion, diversity and equity on disability issues and meaningful inclusion of students with disabilities in campus life.
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (knowledge, skill, abilities):
Knowledge of policies and procedures; disability law/compliance in a postsecondary environment; budget preparation, monitoring and administration; current technologies Microsoft Office applications. Strategic planning and developing program goals and objectives; analyzing and problem solving; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other department staff, faculty, students and the public. Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, and to relate to others in a professional, helpful manner; to relate to a diverse population and to maintain composure when faced with difficult situations; multi-task and organize, prioritize, and follow multiple projects and tasks through to completion with an attention to detail.
EDUCATIONAL/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Master’s, specialist, or terminal degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, Psychology, School Psychology, Social Work, Special Education, or related field. Solid and proficient knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Fair Housing Act (FHA), and Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
WORK ENVIRONMENT/TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Primarily an office setting. Occasional travel for continuing educational training and/or presentation opportunities.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
Please include your resume and cover letter with the application below.
DISCLAIMER: While not comprehensive, this job description lists activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Apply for Director of Student Disability Services, Office of Institutional Equity & Inclusion online