Disability Services and Advising Coordinator

Kansas City University; Joplin (MO); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Kansas City University is seeking a Disability Services and Advising Coordinator to support students with disabilities through intake, accommodation coordination, and advising. This role collaborates across academic and administrative units to promote equitable access and compliance within a graduate-health education environment.

The coordinator will review documentation, develop accommodation recommendations, and communicate approved accommodations to students, while maintaining confidential

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in education, social work, psychology, counseling, disability services, higher education administration, or closely related field
• Experience in student services, disability support, academic advising, or related area
• Knowledge of ADA/Section 504 compliance and FERPA
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
• Experience collaborating with faculty and administrative units

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary contact for students requesting disability-related accommodations and manage intake
• Review disability documentation and guide interactive process per policies and laws
• Develop accommodation recommendations for review by the appropriate decision-maker
• Communicate approved accommodations clearly and guide implementation and self-advocacy
• Coordinate with faculty and program operations to ensure accurate accommodations delivery
• Maintain confidential records compliant with ADA, FERPA, and institutional standards
• Support creation of student-facing resources and website content updates
• Participate in committees and campus initiatives on accessibility and inclusion
• Deliver academic advising aligned with program standards and policies

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Discretion/confidentiality

Collaboration

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in education, social work, psychology, counseling, disability services, or related field

Tools

Case management systems

Student information systems

Job description

Job Type: Staff
Job Description: The Disability Services and Advising Coordinator serves as a key member of the Student Access and Compliance team, supporting students with disabilities through intake, accommodation coordination, and advising. This role works collaboratively across academic and administrative units to promote equitable access, regulatory compliance, and student success within a graduate-health education environment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for students requesting disability-related accommodations, managing initial inquiries and intake processes
• Review disability documentation and engage students in the interactive process in accordance with institutional policies and applicable laws.
• Develop accommodation recommendations for review by the Section 504 Coordinator or designated decision-maker
• Communicate approved accommodations clearly to students and provide guidance on implementation, expectations, and self-advocacy
• Partner with faculty, program operations staff, and academic leadership to ensure timely, accurate, and consistent implementation of accommodations
• Provide guidance and support to students navigating disability-related concerns, referring complex or escalated matters as appropriate
• Maintain accurate, confidential records in compliance with ADA, Section 504, FERPA, and institutional standards
• Maintain detailed and accurate documentation within case management or student information systems
• Support departmental communications, including development of student-facing resources and website content updates
• Serve on institutional committees, working groups, or task forces related to disability access, student success, compliance, or retention, representing the department and contributing subject matter expertise
• Participate in policy review, process improvement efforts, and campus-wide training or initiatives that advance inclusive practices and accessibility
• Deliver academic advising aligned with program standards and institutional policies, collaborating with academic and administrative units to support student access, compliance, and progression

Qualifications

• Required Bachelor's degree in education, social work, psychology, counseling, disability services, higher education administration, or a closely related field required
• Candidates with a bachelor's degree in another field may be considered if they possess significant professional experience supporting students with disabilities in higher education or a comparable educational or human services setting
• Experience in student services, disability support, academic advising, or a related area
• Demonstrated understanding of, or ability to quickly develop working knowledge of, ADAAA and Section 504
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion
• Demonstrated commitment to working effectively with diverse student populations
• Preferred Experience in higher education, particularly in medical, graduate, or professional school environments
• Experience reviewing disability documentation and/or determining or implementing accommodations
• Familiarity with case management systems or student information systems
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across teams and with faculty stakeholders

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Regular use of a computer, phone, and other office technologies is required. Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods and to move within the office or campus as needed. Occasional lifting of light materials (up to 10-15 pounds) may be required. May require attendance at meetings, events, or committee activities across campus. Requires the ability to communicate effectively (in person, virtually, and in writing) with students, faculty, and staff.

Equal Opportunity Employer

KCU is committed to promoting an equal employment opportunity workplace. Equal opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, genetic information (GINA), physical or mental disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, ancestry, military and/or veteran status, and/or any other status protected by applicable Federal, state or local law.

Annual Security Report

KCU is committed to providing a safe campus for students, faculty, and staff. Our annual campus security report lists campus crimes and statistics for the campus and public areas around campus for the last three years, in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act.

Thank you for your interest in a career at KCU! Kansas City University, founded in 1916, is a fully accredited, private not-for-profit health sciences university, and the fifth-oldest osteopathic medical school in the nation. KCU's Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, Biosciences and Dental Medicine offer graduate degree programs in osteopathic medicine, clinical psychology, biomedical sciences and dental medicine, as well as multiple dual-degree opportunities. To learn more about KCU, our colleges and academic programs, visit kansascity.edu.