Director Disability Support Services

University of Detroit Mercy; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plans

Dental plan

Vision plan

Retirement plan

Tuition remission

Job summary

University of Detroit Mercy seeks a Director of Disability Support Services to lead the department, manage accommodations for students with disabilities, and coordinate with faculty and campus services to ensure access to all programs and activities.

The role requires developing individualized support plans, maintaining records, and mentoring staff, while serving as a liaison to create an inclusive learning environment.

Qualifications

• Proficient in word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
• Knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 in university settings.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Strong written and verbal communication, and interpersonal skills for interacting with students, faculty, and staff.

Responsibilities

• Manage accommodation case management, determine appropriate accommodations and communicate next steps.
• Act as liaison between students, faculty, and campus services to ensure access and inclusivity.
• Oversee operations and staff, use case management software for intake, tracking, and reporting.
• Collaborate across units to advance departmental and institutional priorities.

Skills

Word processing

Spreadsheets

Databases

ADA knowledge

Confidentiality

Communication

Multitasking

Interpersonal skills

Project coordination

Tools

Accommodate

Job description

Reporting to the Executive Director of Equal Opportunity, the Director of Disability Support Services will manage departmental operations, serve as the primary point of contact for academic, housing, and dining accommodations for students with disabilities, and manage department personnel. This role is specifically responsible for managing the accommodation process, assessing student needs, developing individualized academic support plans, coordinating accommodations with faculty and other units, and providing continuous support to ensure access to University programs and activities. The Disability Support Specialist will also serve as a liaison between students, faculty, and campus services, facilitating a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Accommodation Case Management:

• Determine appropriate accommodations for individual students using an interactive process.
• Review, evaluate, and interpret relevant documentation and information to determine eligibility for reasonable accommodations, conferring with others as needed.
• Send timely, accurate, and appropriate written communication to confirm accommodations and outline next steps for implementation.
• Provide ongoing support, advising, and referrals to students with disabilities to ensure accommodations are appropriate and accurately communicated and implemented.
• Maintain records related to student accommodations, including documentation, case notes, and communications, using an electronic case management system.

Communication, Outreach, and Education:

• Communicate relevant and timely information related to accommodations requests, renewals, and notifications to students, faculty, and other units.
• Serve as point of contact forfaculty, departments, programs, and units seekingadvice on the implementation of approved accommodations and provide guidance on access, confidentiality, and universal design.
• Provide information about disability services and the accommodations process to prospective and current students as well as departments, programs, and units.
• Develop outreach, communication, and training for students to support access and belonging.

Operations (20%):

• Use and manage case management software (Accommodate) for student intake, accommodation tracking, and data reporting.
• Identify and manage vendors (e.g., interpreters, alternative format software, accessible technology).
• Maintain departmental supplies and accessibility-related purchases.
• Manage professional and student staff.

Service and Other Activities :

• At the direction of Executive Director, works collaboratively with other employees across units to advance departmental and institutional priorities.
• Serve on related University committees and teams and contribute to relevant University and community activities.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned, including participating in professional development.

Minimum Qualifications

Employment -

Two to five years (Equivalent combination of education and employment).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficient in word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
• Knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 in the context of university settings.
• Ability to maintain current knowledge of best practices in the field of disability services and higher education.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively across units and with diverse populations.
• Strong written and verbal communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with students, faculty, and staff.
• Capacity to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Adherence to ethical standards and legal regulations related to disability services and accommodations.

Physical Requirements

Job may require lifting light weight objects (1 to 10 pounds) with no repetitive bending or stooping. Occasionally lift average weight objects (1 to 10 pounds).

Regular exposure to favorable conditions such as those found in a normal office.

Commensurate with experience

Anticipated Schedule

Monday to Friday 8.30 AM to 5.00 PM

Benefits Summary

At the University of Detroit Mercy we continually strive to provide a high-quality, comprehensive benefits package to our valued employees. We offer our employees the following:

Medical

• Three health plans to choose from with a large national provider network
• Option to purchase additional dental plan through Sun Life
• Dental Care is available at the School of Dentistry to the employee, the employee's spouse or legally domiciled adult and dependents (dependents shall be as defined for Internal Revenue Service purposes).
• The fee for such services shall be waived for the employee, the employee's spouse or legally domiciled adult and dependents, up to a cap of $3,000 per individual per calendar year. Beyond the $3,000 cap amount, employees will be responsible to pay 25% of any remaining fees for the balance of that year.

Vision

• Option to purchase additional vision plan through Heritage
• Vision benefits available at Detroit Mercy Eye Institute
  • $35 Comprehensive Eye Exam
  • Contact Lens Exam starting at $7o
  • 50% off Optical Frames
  • 25% off Sun Frames
  • 30% off Prescription Lenses
  • 20% off Prescription Contact Lenses
  • *Cannot be combined with insurance*

Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options

Employee Assistance Program

• Provided to everyone in your household

Short-Term and Long-Term Disability

Life and AD&D

• One times base salary up to a hundred thousand dollars

Option to purchase additional life insurance, accident insurance, and/or critical illness insurance

Tuition Remission Benefit for you, your spouse, and children

Retirement Plan

• Employees have a choice of the following: Employees who contribute 3% shall receive an Employer contribution of 6%, and employees who contribute 4% in the plan shall receive an Employer contribution of 8%.

Pay Range

Commensurate with experience

undefined

Michigan’s largest, most comprehensive private University, University of Detroit Mercy is an independent Catholic institution of higher education sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy and Society of Jesus. Detroit Mercy seeks qualified candidates who will contribute to the University’s mission, diversity, and excellence of its academic community. University of Detroit Mercy is an Equal Opportunity Aff