Director of Disability Services

Otis College of Art and Design; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Otis College of Art and Design is seeking a Director of Disability Services to provide strategic leadership for disability services and oversee accommodations for students with disabilities. You will collaborate with faculty and staff across departments to ensure equitable access and compliance with ADA and related laws.

The role requires 5+ years in an academic disability services environment, strong communication, and knowledge of FERPA and other regulations, with direct reporting to the Dean

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling, psychology, rehabilitative education, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in an academic setting in student development, case management, disability services and accommodations, and/or student personnel administration.
• Excellent written and oral communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of federal laws governing disability, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Organizational, planning, strategic, relationship-building, and critical thinking skills are necessary.
• Familiarity with FERPA, ADA, Title IX, Campus Safety & Security Act, etc.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic direction for the Disability Services program and oversee accommodation delivery.
• Ensure prompt and equitable resolution of student complaints and inquiries regarding compliance.
• Collaborate with faculty and administrative offices to arrange appropriate accommodations.
• Maintain records of student disability and accommodation issues and resolutions.
• Provide guidance and training to faculty and staff on accommodations and disability rights.
• Stay current on state and federal laws related to disability services.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Strategic thinking

Relationship-building

Legal/FERPA awareness

ADA knowledge

Cultural competence

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling, psychology, rehabilitative education, or related field

Job description

The Director of Disability Services is responsible for providing overall strategic direction for the Disability Services program. This includes leading efforts to evaluate and update policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable laws, reflect best practices in the field, and promote equitable access for students with disabilities. The Director of Disability Services is also responsible for overseeing the delivery of services related to students requesting accommodations. The Director of Disability Services ensures that appropriate processes are in place to provide prompt and equitable resolution of student complaints and inquiries regarding compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations prohibiting disability-based discrimination. The Director of Disability Services works with every academic department and administrative office in a collaborative effort to arrange appropriate accommodations for students. The Director of Disability Services works closely with Human Resources and Development around specific accommodation requests related to student employment. The Director of Disability Services maintains records of student disability and accommodation issues and their resolutions, meets directly with students and families to review and process disability services requests, upholds best practices regarding the rights of persons with disabilities, and offers options for reasonable accommodations. This role reports directly to the Dean of Student Affairs.

CORE DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

The position builds relationships with faculty, students, and staff to support their information needs in a variety of ways:

• Communication and Collaboration: Effective communication is essential for coordinating services and working closely with students, families, service providers, and other stakeholders. Collaboration with other professionals, such as healthcare providers and educators, enables a holistic approach to addressing clients' needs. Strong relationships with stakeholders to create a supportive network for students with disabilities, promoting their overall well-being and quality of life. Advises and provides instruction to faculty to ensure compliance within the classroom setting. Collaborate with faculty as it pertains to supporting students with accommodations and contributing to their faculty development goals.
• Resource management: Responsible for identifying and securing resources for students and ensuring that students have access to necessary support services and accommodations.
• Assessment and Planning: Develop personalized plans to address specific goals and objectives for students registered for accommodations. Assessing overall services, student outcomes, and overall delivery of services in relation to student success.
• Compliance and Documentation: Maintain accurate documentation and comply with regulations. Ensure that students receive appropriate services and accommodations in accordance with the law. Disability Services Managers play a vital role in supporting students with disabilities. Meets directly with students and families to review and process disability services requests.
• Case Management and Recordkeeping: Manages the accommodations process to support students with disabilities. These plans outline specific goals, strategies, accommodations, and resources needed to address the individual’s unique needs and enhance their quality of life.
• Maintains records of student disability and accommodation issues and resolutions. Develops communication plans and recordkeeping requirements for disability services, accommodations, policies, and demographics, all readily available.
• Learning and Development: Trains and develops faculty and staff on how to identify, support, and refer students of concern, or students who are experiencing various situations that may prevent them from engaging fully in and out of the classroom. Assists in leading learning and development programs for staff and faculty, in collaboration with the Assistant Dean, on how to support students with disabilities, how to navigate and uphold the accommodations process, and create more understanding of students with various disabilities and disability culture.
• Student Advocacy and Support: Through effective coordination of services and resources, help students with disabilities achieve greater independence, inclusion, and overall well-being. Ensures that appropriate processes are in place to provide prompt and equitable resolution of student complaints and inquiries regarding compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations. Maintains best practices concerning the rights of persons with disabilities and provides options for providing reasonable accommodations. Advocate for individuals with disabilities. Provide emotional support and guidance to help individuals navigate their challenges.
• Professional Development: Attend conferences and trainings to remain compliant and up to date on state and federal laws. Maintains current knowledge of the field of disability services and access on college campuses. Stay updated on any changes or amendments to existing laws.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS and EDUCATION:

(Non-negotiable; minimum requirements, skills, experience, certifications)

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling, psychology, rehabilitative education, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Experience: A minimum of 5 years of experience in an academic setting in student development, case management, disability services and accommodations, and/or student personnel administration is required.
• Individuals must have excellent written and oral communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of federal laws governing disability, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Demonstrated organizational, planning, strategic, relationship-building, and critical thinking skills are necessary.
• Well-versed in state and federal regulations pertaining to managing student records and maintaining student rights, privacy, and safety (e.g., FERPA, Americans with Disabilities Act, Title IX, Campus Safety & Security Act, etc.)
• Ability to communicate across different identities and lived experiences.