Disability Resources Counselor

NorthWest Arkansas Community College; Arkansas; On-site; USD 46,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) seeks a Disability Resources Counselor to assist the Director in administering services for Disability Resources within the Student Affairs division. The role includes direct student support, collaboration with faculty and staff, and policy compliance with state and federal disability laws.

The position involves intake meetings, accommodation coordination, and documentation management, ensuring equal access to academics and activities.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling or closely related field required.
• At least 2 years of related experience and/or training.
• Must obtain and maintain professional certification or licensure (CRC or LAC) within 12 months of hire.
• Experience in higher education setting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conducts student intake and Access Plan Meetings.
• Reviews disability-related documentation for eligibility and accommodation determination.
• Coordinates timely implementation of approved academic accommodations and provides disability-related support.
• Supports outreach for dual enrollment and Early College Experience students.
• Maintains records and ensures compliance with laws and college procedures.

Education

Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling or closely related field

Professional licensure or certification (CRC or LAC) within 12 months

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Strong organizational and case management abilities

Tools

Databases

Case management systems

Office technology

Job description

NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) provides quality and affordable higher education to empower lives and strengthen communities within Northwest Arkansas and surrounding areas. As the largest community college in Arkansas, NWACC is recognized as a leader in education. NWACC offers a full range of associate degrees, certificates and workforce training programs that prepare students for rewarding futures and careers. NWACC employees are dedicated to fostering a diverse educational community and cultural learning environment that supports student success. The Disability Resources Counselor is responsible for assisting the Director in the administration of services for Disability Resources (within the division of Student Affairs) for the coordination of programming and services for identified students with disabilities to ensure their equal access to the academic programs and student activities of the College. This includes responsibilities for direct service to students with disabilities; interaction with faculty and other stakeholders; and the effective co-administration of relevant policies and procedures that assure compliance with state and federal disability laws, as well as concordance with Northwest Arkansas Community College policies and procedures.

Rate of Pay: $51,193 Annualized *Higher compensation may be considered based on qualifications directly related to position

Essential Duties:

• Conducts student intake and Access Plan Meetings
• reviews disability-related documentation and supports accommodation eligibility and determination processes
• Coordinates timely implementation of approved academic accommodations and provides academic guidance and disability-related support to eligible students
• Provides targeted outreach and transition support for dual enrollment and Early College Experience students in collaboration with High School Relations, affiliated high schools, and prospective student outreach partners
• Supports the acquisition, production, and use of alternative-format materials and assistive technology
• Collaborates with faculty, staff, and community partners to address access needs, accommodation questions, and disability-related concerns
• Maintains accurate records of student contacts, accommodation decisions, and related documentation in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and College procedures
• Manages competing priorities, identifies urgent concerns, and maintains current knowledge of disability services, accessibility, and higher education compliance requirements
• Represents the department at campus and community meetings, committees, and task forces; contributes to departmental assessment and continuous improvement efforts
• Supervises student workers, practicum students, and/or graduate interns, as assigned
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Community Mental Health Counseling, Counselor Education, or a closely related field required.
• At least 2 years of related experience and/or training.
• Must obtain and maintain professional certification or licensure (such as, CRC or LAC) relevant to the position within twelve (12) months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Existing professional licensure/certification preferred.
• Experience providing direct services to individuals with disabilities in a higher education setting preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of disability services, accessibility, accommodations, and applicable laws, regulations, and best practices in higher education.
• Ability to gather, review, analyze, and document information to support sound administrative and accommodation-related decisions.
• Strong organizational, coordination, case management, and program assessment skills.
• Ability to interpret academic requirements and student needs in relation to approved accommodations.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive student information.
• Excellent oral, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively and respectfully with diverse student populations, faculty, staff, and community partners.
• Skill in using databases, case management systems, and standard office technology to maintain records and support service delivery.
• Ability to support process improvement, goal setting, policy implementation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ability to provide leadership, guidance, and training to student workers, interns, and/or support staff.

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

• Frequently: Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding
• Frequently: Sitting
• Frequently: Standing
• Frequently: Walking
• Constantly: Hearing
• Constantly: Repetitive motion
• Constantly: Talking

The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading; and/or visual inspection at distances close to the eyes.

Environmental Conditions:

The following work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

NWACC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, please see our EEO policy.

NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) provides quality and affordable higher education to empower lives and strengthen communities within Northwest Arkansas and the surrounding areas. As the largest community college in Arkansas, it offers a full range of associate degrees, certificates and workforce training that can lead to careers in business, computer science, art, communications, culinary, nursing, construction and more. NWACC faculty and staff are committed to the success of our students and helping them develop intellectually, personally and interpersonally. NWACC professors are exceptional scholars who mentor traditional and nontraditional students within a campus and online environment that values and encourages diverse perspectives and ideas. Northwest Arkansas is one of the most economically stable regions in the nation and serves as the base of operations for Walmart, Tyson Foods Inc., and J.B. Hunt Transport Services. Their close proximity to the college offers opportunities for internships, career training and post‑graduation employment, as well as access to world‑class art, culture and entertainment. Arkansas’ Ozark Mountains also offer wonderful outdoor experiences and hiking trails within a short drive of the college. With its strong economy, beautiful surroundings and high‑end amenities, Northwest Arkansas is also often ranked by publications as one of the nation’s best places to live. With its steady growth in population, it’s on track to soon become one of the nation’s 100 largest metropolitan areas. Such growth has increased cultural diversity, as well as opportunities to support various cultural events, cuisine, businesses and services.

NWACC is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution, and welcomes applications without regard to age, race, gender (including pregnancy), national origin, disability, religion, marital or parental status, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sexual orientation or gender identity.