Disability Services Manager

Otis College of Art and Design; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in higher education is seeking a dedicated Disability Services Coordinator to oversee the delivery of vital services for students requesting accommodations. This role demands effective communication and collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure compliance with ADA and other regulations. The coordinator will manage the accommodations process, advocate for students' rights, and provide essential support to enhance their educational experience. If you are passionate about fostering an inclusive environment and have a strong background in disability services, this position offers an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in student development and disability services.
• Knowledge of ADA and federal laws governing disability.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate services for students with disabilities and ensure compliance.
• Develop personalized plans and maintain accurate documentation.

Skills

Excellent written and oral communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Critical thinking skills

Ability to communicate across different identities

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field

Master’s degree in student personnel administration or related field

Job description

PRIMARY PURPOSE: The Disability Services Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the delivery of services related to students requesting accommodations. The Disability Services Coordinator ensures that appropriate processes are in place to provide for the prompt and equitable resolution of complaints and inquiries from students regarding compliance with the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and other applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations regarding discrimination based on disability. The Disability Services Coordinator works with every academic department, as well as administrative offices in a collaborative effort to arrange appropriate accommodations for students. The Disability Services Coordinator works closely with Human Resources and Development around specific accommodation requests related to student employment. The coordinator maintains records of student disability and accommodation issues and resolutions. Meets directly with students and families to review and process disability services requests. Maintains best practices concerning the rights of persons with disabilities and provides options for providing reasonable accommodations. This role reports directly to the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs.

CORE DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Communication and Collaboration: Effective communication is required to coordinate services, working closely with students, families, service providers, and other stakeholders. Collaboration with other professionals, such as healthcare providers and educators, allows for a holistic approach to addressing the needs of clients. 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.
2. Resource management: Responsible for identifying and securing resources for students and ensure that students have access to necessary support services and accommodations.
3. 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.
4. Compliance and Documentation: Maintain accurate documentation and comply with regulations. Ensure that students receive appropriate services and accommodations in accordance with the law.
5. Case Management and Recordkeeping: Manages the accommodations process to support students with disabilities. Maintains records of student disability and accommodation issues and resolutions. Develops communication plans and recordkeeping requirements for disability services, accommodations, policies, and demographics that are readily available.
6. 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, about how to support students with disabilities.
7. Student Advocacy and Support: Through effective coordination of services and resources, help students with disabilities achieve greater independence, inclusion, and overall well-being. Advocate for individuals with disabilities. Provide emotional support and guidance to help individuals navigate their challenges.
8. 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.
9. Performs other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS and EDUCATION:

1. Education: Bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling, psychology, rehabilitative education, or a related field or equivalent work experience.
2. 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.
3. Excellent written and oral communication and interpersonal skills.
4. Knowledge of federal laws governing disability including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
5. Demonstrated organizational, planning, strategic, relationship-building, and critical thinking skills are necessary.
6. 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.)
7. Ability to communicate across different identities and lived experiences.

PREFERRED SKILLS and EXPERIENCE:

1. Master’s degree in student personnel administration, higher education, counseling, or other related field, disability studies, or combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education.
2. Knowledge of issues and concerns of students from underrepresented backgrounds.
3. Demonstrated leadership in the creation of programs and implementation of policies.
4. Demonstrated ability to adapt to shifting trends in higher education.
5. Ability to communicate interculturally.
6. Certifications such as Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) or Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS) is an added value.

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Administrative

Industries

Higher Education