JOB SUMMARY
Under the general supervision of the Associate Director for the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at the Storrs campus, the Disability Service Professional (DSP) engages in the interactive process with students requesting accommodations, their faculty and campus staff to determine if the student is considered a student with a disability and if so, reasonable and appropriate academic and residential accommodations. This position coordinates accommodations and services for students with permanent and/or temporary disabilities to ensure that all University programs, activities, and services are accessible. The successful candidate will work with a fair amount of independence, within the goals and objectives established by the CSD. The incumbent will be sensitive to and have an understanding of the diverse academic, socio-economic, and cultural backgrounds of University students and staff while establishing and maintaining a positive working relationship with constituents and colleagues. The DSP assists in ensuring that all University entities comply with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, and other relevant state and federal legislation.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Manages an assigned caseload of students with permanent and/or temporary disabilities by engaging in the interactive process with students, faculty, and staff as indicated.
- Collects and interprets medical and educational documentation for assigned caseload in order to make a determination of disability and to identify reasonable and appropriate accommodations on a course-by-course basis; determines appropriate and effective accommodations, which do not fundamentally alter the program of study.
- Collects and interprets medical and educational documentation for assigned caseload in order to make a determination of disability and to identify reasonable and appropriate residential accommodations.
- Documents engagement through detailed notes in the interactive process with students, faculty, and staff in the determination and coordination of accommodations in CSD’s database.
- Collaborates with Accommodations and Assistive Technology accommodation teams to ensure that approved academic accommodations are coordinated with students, faculty, and staff. The coordination of accommodations may include: testing accommodations, provision of assistive technology and auxiliary aids, recruitment/hiring readers, and/or scribes, alternate media, captioning, etc.
- Oversees activities in collaboration with other departments across the campus to ensure equal opportunity for access to academic and co-curricular programs at the University for assigned students.
- Makes recommendations to faculty, staff, and departments regarding the University’s academic and programmatic obligations under the law and University guidelines for students with disabilities; collaborates with appropriate campus constituents regarding scholastic probation, dismissal, extension of academic deadlines, readmission, withdrawal from the University, etc.
- Serves as a liaison and a resource for students with disabilities; provides information to students regarding their legal rights and responsibilities; collaborates and consults with faculty and staff regarding academic accommodations, compliance with legal responsibilities as well as instructional, programmatic, and curriculum modifications.
- Coordinates outreach to incoming and prospective students and their family members when indicated regarding accommodations and services offered; communicates information regarding program activities and services to the campus community.
- Collaborates with program staff in the outreach and coordination of enhanced services program, Beyond Access.
- Conducts in-service training for campus faculty, staff, and the administration to promote understanding and increase awareness of the needs and concerns of students with disabilities.
- Interviews, hires, trains, and supervises graduate students to coordinate accommodations; assigns tasks and sets work priorities; evaluates performance.
- Collects and analyzes data regarding caseload of students and accommodations coordination; prepares reports related to CSD services.
- Contributes and assists with the development of resource materials and department publications related to students with disabilities; writes copy and contributes to the content of the CSD website and social media sites.
- Represent the Center on various university, divisional, and campus committees in order to ensure compliance with federal mandates; serves as a liaison for designated units to address issues of accessibility.
- Maintains current knowledge of pertinent laws and regulations regarding access and services for students with disabilities and their applicability to the University; serves as a resource to the campus community in explaining such laws; responds to requests for interpretation of legal mandates on campus-specific issues.
- Attends weekly case review meetings and staff meetings.
- Performs related duties and special assignments as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in special education, rehabilitation, or another related field and at least 6 years of experience working with students with disabilities. Two years of experience must be serving as an advanced or senior team member or working as a project lead OR Master’s degree and four years of experience working with students with disabilities, including two years serving as an advanced or senior team member/project lead.
- Demonstrated experience applying knowledge of the unique needs of individuals with disabilities, including knowledge of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and its amendments, and other relevant state and federal legislation.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate information effectively to groups with different backgrounds and experiences (i.e. students, parents/guardians, colleagues).
- Demonstrated interpersonal skills necessary for effective work relationships.
- Demonstrated understanding of and stated commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity issues.
- Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations.
- Demonstrated ability to clearly and succinctly document engagement in the interactive process with students, parents/guardians, faculty, and staff as indicated in the case management system.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's degree in special education, rehabilitation, higher education administration, or another related field.
- Demonstrated experience in post-secondary disability service provision.
- Demonstrated experience coordinating academic accommodations for students with disabilities.
APPOINTMENT TERMS
This is a full-time, permanent position at the Storrs campus. Telecommuting on a hybrid/part-time basis may be allowed subject to authorization and University policy. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.
TO APPLY
Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #498845 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.
This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on January 17, 2025.
All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics, which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.
All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.
The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.