Disabilities Services Specialist

Roosevelt University; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Roosevelt University is hiring a Disabilities Services Specialist in Chicago to provide direct support to students with disabilities, review documentation, and coordinate accommodations. You will work with students, faculty, and staff to ensure equitable access and promote belonging through outreach and programming.

The role emphasizes individualized support, confidentiality, and collaboration, with occasional evening/weekend hours as needed to support student access and success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in special education, rehabilitation counseling, psychology, social work, higher education, or a related field.
• Three years of relevant professional experience with a bachelor’s degree, or one year with a master’s degree.
• Experience providing individualized support, advising, or case management services to students or individuals with disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Review and evaluate student disability documentation to assess accommodation requests.
• Coordinate the implementation of approved accommodations with students, faculty, and offices.
• Engage in an interactive process to identify barriers and determine reasonable accommodations.
• Provide ongoing support and guidance to students regarding access and services.
• Develop self-advocacy skills and assist with accessing accommodations.
• Maintain confidential student records and case notes.
• Coordinate testing accommodations with faculty and campus partners.
• Collaborate with campus partners to promote accessibility and inclusion.
• Prepare service data and reports to support program evaluation.
• Support student engagement programs and community-building initiatives.

Skills

ADA knowledge

Documentation review

Confidentiality

Interpersonal skills

Written communication

Oral communication

Teamwork

Student-centered service

Organization

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

AIM or similar accommodation management system

Microsoft Outlook

Excel

Word

Job description

The Disabilities Services Specialist provides direct support to students with disabilities by reviewing documentation, evaluating accommodation requests, coordinating approved accommodations, and connecting students with appropriate University resources. The Specialist works collaboratively with students, faculty, and staff to support equitable access to academic programs, services, and activities.

The Specialist promotes student success, self-advocacy, engagement, and belonging through individualized support, campus partnerships, educational outreach, and student-centered programming. This includes establishing and facilitating opportunities for students with disabilities to build community, develop peer connections, and share feedback about their campus experiences.

The Specialist supports the implementation of the University’s disability-related policies and procedures within the scope of student services. The position does not serve as the University’s designated ADA /Section 504 Coordinator and does not carry institution-wide compliance oversight or employee accommodation responsibilities.

Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.

The salary range for this position is $55,000-$57,800

Title IX Contact Information

Title IX Contact Information: Federal Title IX policy requires that all colleges and universities make known the contact information for the person responsible for coordinating its efforts to comply with Title IX regulations. At Roosevelt University, the Title IX Coordinator is Natasha Robinson. Her office is located in the Auditorium Building of the Chicago campus, 430 S. Michigan Avenue, AUD 476B. She can be reached at 312-281-3245 or [e-mail]. Do not contact this email address for inquiries about your job application; if you have questions, you may email [e-mail].

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Working knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act ( ADA ), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and their application to disability accommodations in higher education.
• Ability to review and interpret disability-related documentation and apply established procedures to accommodation requests.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism when working with confidential and sensitive information.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and campus partners.
• Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to maintain clear, accurate, and confidential case notes.
• Strong oral communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while managing assigned responsibilities independently.
• Commitment to student-centered service, accessibility, inclusion, and the success of students with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and student requests.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word.

Years of Experience Required

Three years of relevant professional experience with a bachelor's degree, or one year of relevant professional experience with a master's degree.

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in special education, rehabilitation counseling, psychology, social work, higher education, or a related field.
• Three years of relevant professional experience with a bachelor’s degree, or one year of relevant professional experience with a master’s degree.
• Experience providing individualized support, advising, or case management services to students or individuals with disabilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in special education, rehabilitation counseling, psychology, higher education, or a related field.
• Experience providing disability-related accommodations or support services in a college or university setting.
• Experience using accommodation management systems, such as AIM or similar platforms.
• Experience reviewing disability documentation and participating in individualized accommodation processes.
• Familiarity with assistive technology and accessible educational resources.
• Experience developing or facilitating student engagement programs, peer networks, workshops, or other community-building initiatives.
• Experience collaborating with faculty and campus partners to support students with disabilities.

Equipment Operated

Standard office equipment, including computers and telephones. Familiarity with assistive technology, adaptive equipment, and accommodation management software is preferred.

Working Conditions

Work is performed primarily in a climate-controlled office environment and involves regular computer use, student meetings, and collaboration with faculty and staff. The position may require movement between campus offices and buildings, as well as occasional evening or weekend work.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified applicants and employees in accordance with applicable law.

Duty and Responsibility

Direct Student Accommodation Services

• Review and evaluate student disability documentation, including medical, psychological, and other relevant evaluations, to assess accommodation requests in accordance with applicable laws and University procedures.
• Engage in an individualized, interactive process with students to identify disability-related barriers and determine appropriate reasonable accommodations within established University procedures and delegated authority.
• Coordinate the implementation of approved accommodations with students, faculty, and appropriate University offices.
• Consult with students regarding their accommodation needs, available resources, and strategies for accessing academic programs and services.
• Provide ongoing support to students experiencing disability-related barriers to academic participation and success.
• Assist students in developing self-advocacy skills and understanding how to request, access, and use approved accommodations.
• Support students in identifying appropriate assistive technologies, accessibility resources, and learning strategies.
• Coordinate accommodated testing arrangements with faculty and appropriate campus partners, consistent with approved accommodations and established procedures.
• Maintain accurate, confidential student records, accommodation documentation, and case notes in the University’s designated accommodation management system.
• Refer students to appropriate University and community resources when additional support is needed.

Percentage Of Time 60

Faculty Consultation, Education, and Reporting

• Provide consultation and guidance to faculty and staff regarding the implementation of approved student accommodations.
• Collaborate with academic departments and campus partners to identify and address barriers to students’ access and participation.
• Develop and deliver workshops, presentations, and educational resources focused on disability awareness, accessibility, inclusion, and student self-advocacy.
• Provide information to faculty and staff regarding Disability Services procedures, resources, and responsibilities.
• Maintain current knowledge of disability-related laws, professional standards, emerging practices, and resources relevant to postsecondary education.
• Contribute to the assessment of Disability Services programs, including identifying student needs, service trends, and opportunities for improvement.
• Prepare and maintain service data, reports, and other documentation to support program evaluation and planning

Percentage Of Time 20

Student Engagement and Program Coordination

• Develop and implement student-centered programs and initiatives that promote engagement, belonging, self-advocacy, and academic success among students with disabilities.
• Establish and facilitate an informal student disability community or peer network that provides opportunities for students to connect, build relationships, share experiences, and offer feedback on accessibility and campus life.
• Encourage student participation and leadership in identifying programming interests and opportunities for community building.
• Collaborate with Student Affairs, the Learning Commons, and other campus partners to promote inclusive and accessible student engagement opportunities.
• Identify emerging student needs and recommend improvements to programs, services, and resources.
• Support initiatives that strengthen students’ connection to the University and their ability to participate fully in campus life.
• Collaborate with the Learning Commons team and other University partners on proposals and initiatives that expand student support and accessibility.
• Perform other duties as assigned that are consistent with the scope and responsibilities of the position.

Percentage Of Time 20

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• Do you have a Bachelor's degree in special education, rehabilitation counseling, psychology, social work, higher education, or a related field?
  • Yes
  • No
• Do you have three years of relevant professional experience with a bachelor's degree, or one year of relevant professional experience with a master's degree?
  • Yes
  • No
• Will you now or at any point in the future require employment visa sponsorship (e.g., H-1B) to legally work in the United States?
  • Yes
  • No
• This is a hybrid position. Do you have the ability to work on the Chicago campus 3 days per week and attend any other in‑person events as required?
  • Yes
  • No