Disability Specialist

Rutgers University; The Ironbound (NJ); Hybrid; USD 71,447 - 109,422; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Paid time off

Retirement benefits

Educational benefits

Life insurance

Employee discounts

Job summary

Rutgers University-Newark seeks a Disabilities Specialist to ensure delivery of reasonable accommodations for eligible students in accordance with federal regulations and university policies.

The role involves interviewing students, preparing letters of accommodation, evaluating eligibility, and coordinating with faculty and campus offices. A bachelor’s degree in related field and at least two years’ higher-ed disability services experience are required; a Master’s degree is preferred.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Counselor Education, Special Education, Counseling Psychology, Education, or a related field.
• Minimum of two years’ experience in a disability services office in higher education in related fields.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize and provide reasonable accommodations including academic adjustments, auxiliary aids and services to students with disabilities.
• Conduct initial interviews with students; maintain accurate notes and records; prepare letters of accommodation; evaluate eligibility; coordinate follow-ups.
• Consult with faculty and staff on accommodations; develop disability awareness programs for the university community.
• Collaborate with other offices and outside agencies as needed.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Counselor Education / Special Education / Counseling Psychology / Education or related field

Master’s Degree preferred

Job description

Job Category Staff & Executive - Student Affairs and Services

Department

Overview

The Office of Disability Services at Rutgers University-Newark works to ensure students with disabilities have the opportunity to fully experience what it means to be a Rutgers University-Newark Student and be a part of our community. We look to reduce barriers for students in-and-out of the classroom, help students achieve their goals, and be a resource for the campus community. We envision a barrier-free community where accessibility is embedded in all facets of the university community and diverse experiences are not only included but are also embraced.

Posting Summary

Rutgers University- Newark (RU-N), an urban public research university and anchor institution, located in Newark, New Jersey, a city of promise is seeking a Disabilities Specialist. Reporting to the Director of Disability Services, this position is responsible for ensuring the delivery of reasonable accommodations to all eligible students at the Newark campus at Rutgers in accordance with relevant federal regulations and university policies. Responsible for, and not limited to the following.

• Plan, organize and provide reasonable accommodations that include academic adjustments, auxiliary aids, and services to students with disabilities – physical, psychological, learning, health-related, and neurological disabilities (e.g., mobility impairments, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, learning disorders, hearing impairments, visual impairments, traumatic brain injuries, and epilepsy);
• Conduct initial interviews with students; keeping accurate, comprehensive and up-to-date notes/records related to students; reviewing documentation and evaluative reports; preparing letters of accommodation; evaluating eligibility for services; conducting follow-up meetings with students; organizing reasonable accommodations, services and auxiliary aids for students; and making referrals to appropriate community and University services or agencies;
• Consult with faculty and staff regarding the implementation of reasonable accommodations and services; develop and present disability awareness programs for the University community;
• Collaborate with other offices and outside agencies, as needed and appropriate.

FLSA

FLSA Exempt

Grade

Grade 05

Salary Details

Minimum Salary

Minimum Salary 71447.000

Mid Range Salary 90435.000

Maximum Salary

Maximum Salary 109422.000

Offer Information

The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university’s broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

Position Status

Position Status Full Time

Working Hours

Working Hours 37.5

Standard Hours

Standard Hours 37.50

Daily Work Shift

Daily Work Shift Day

Work Arrangement

Consistent with the current application of Rutgers Policy 60.3.22, this position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. The flexible work arrangements outlined in Rutgers Policy 60.3.22 are part of a pilot program that is effective September 1, 2022 through August 31, 2024. Therefore, there is no guarantee that this flexible work arrangement will continue beyond that date. Flexible work arrangements are not permanent, are subject to change or cancellation and contingent on the employee receiving approval in the FlexWork@RU Application System. Additional information may be found at https://futureofwork.rutgers.edu.

Rutgers Future of Work | uhr.rutgers.edu

Union Description

Union Description Admin Assembly (MPSC)

Payroll Designation

Payroll Designation PeopleSoft

Seniority Unit

Terms of Appointment

Terms of Appointment Staff - 12 month

Position Pension Eligibility

Position Pension Eligibility ABP

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

• Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in one of the related fields: Counselor Education, Special Education, Counseling Psychology, Education, or a related field;
• A minimum of two years’ experience in a disability services office in higher education in one of the related fields: Counselor Education, Special Education, Counseling Psychology, Education, or a related fiel

Certifications/Licenses

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in one of the related fields: Counselor Education, Special Education, Counseling Psychology, Education, or a related field;
• A minimum of two years’ experience in a disability services office in higher education in one of the related fields: Counselor Education, Special Education, Counseling Psychology, Education, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree preferred;
• Certification in Rehabilitation Counseling Education would be beneficial in working with various students served by the office as well as experience in learning disabilities consultation.;
• Background in Clinical Psychology, School Psychology, Counselor Education, Neuropsychology, or Social Work is also preferred in working with many students with psychological, neuropsychological and learning issues;
• Experience working with people with disabilities in a higher education environment preferred.
• Knowledge and familiarity with various assistive and adaptive technologies the students with disabilities use daily within and outside of the classroom environments is necessary. Also, there is an increased use of online courses, blended learning and other non-traditional classroom technologies that students with disabilities are using more frequently and a good general knowledge of the technologies used within these environments is essential for reasonable accommodations to be provided to students with disabilities. There is constant development of equipment, IT and software in regards to students with disabilities, so this list could never be comprehensive. However, some of the more common hardware/software used by students with disabilities include: various text reading programs such as Kurzweil; screen reading programs such as JAWS , Voiceover for Macs, and NVDA ; Live Scribe pens which are electronic note taking systems; assistive and adaptive listening devices such as various FM systems; and speech to text software and hardware programs such as Dragon Naturally-Speaking. This equipment available in the ODS office, Learning Centers, Libraries and various classroom environments.
• This hardware/software program is useful to students who have learning disabilities, head injuries, various mobility impairments, and those with various neurological disorders. The Live Scribe pen is provided to students to record and take notes within the classroom and during student activities in lieu of a live note taker. JAWS , Voiceover and NVDA are programs that are critical for converting text into an auditory format. This software is vital to the visually impaired. Dragon-Naturally Speaking is dictation software which allows students with limited mobility to type papers, emails and other typical keyboard functions.
• This position requires strong computer skills and effective use of various software and hardware programs used in a multi-function disability office including but not limited to database systems, email, social networking, MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Knowledge of Web 2.0 technology and accessible technologies and information is also needed.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Fast paced work environment. May need to work late nights or weekends for specific programs and campus initiatives at the request of the supervisor or Student Affairs leadership.

Special Conditions

Posting Details

Posting Number 26ST1577

Posting Open Date 07/31/2026

Special Instructions to Applicants

Regional Campus

Home Location Campus

City

City Newark

State

State NJ

Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings. Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals , if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate’s offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * What is the highest level of education you have completed?

  • High School Diploma/GED
  • Associate's Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree
  • Ph.D.

• * Do you have at least two years’ of relevant experience in a disability services office in higher education in one of the related fields: Counselor Education, Special Education, Counseling Psychology, Education, or a related field ?

  • Yes
  • No

• * Have you been in your current position for 6 months?

  • Yes
  • No

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• List of Professional References (contact Info)

Optional Documents

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation with regard to your access to and/or your participation in the application and selection processes (for example, the online application process or interviews), please call 848-932-3973 or e-mail us .

Rutgers University is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. If you have trouble accessing this page because of a disability, please contact us at 732.745.7378 or via email at [e-mail] .

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