Search #: 496326
Work type: Full-time
Location: Storrs Campus
Categories: Student Programs and Services

JOB SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of the Associate Director for the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at the Storrs campus, the Disability Service Professional (DSP) engages in the interactive process with students requesting accommodations, their faculty and campus staff to determine if the student is considered a student with disability and if so, reasonable and appropriate academic and residential accommodations. This position coordinates accommodations and services for students with permanent and/or temporary disabilities to ensure that all University programs, activities, and services are accessible. The successful candidate will work with a fair amount of independence, within the goals and objectives established by the CSD. The incumbent will be sensitive to and have an understanding of the diverse academic, socio-economic, and cultural backgrounds of University students and staff while establishing and maintaining a positive working relationship with constituents and colleagues. The DSP assists in ensuring that all University entities comply with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, and other relevant state and federal legislation.

The UConn Division of Student Affairs is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion; competence in working with culturally and ethnically diverse populations; and awareness of how issues of difference, power, and privilege manifest in higher education environments. The ideal candidate promotes equity and inclusion by demonstrating and supporting an understanding, sensitivity, and appreciation for social justice, cultural humility, and inclusiveness.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manages an assigned caseload of students with permanent and/or temporary disabilities by engaging in the interactive process with students, faculty, and staff as indicated.
• Collects and interprets medical and educational documentation for assigned caseload in order to make a determination of disability and to identify reasonable and appropriate accommodations on a course-by-course basis; determines appropriate and effective accommodations, which do not fundamentally alter the program of study.
• Collects and interprets medical and educational documentation for assigned caseload in order to make a determination of disability and to identify reasonable and appropriate residential accommodations.
• Documents engagement through detailed notes in the interactive process with students, faculty, and staff in the determination and coordination of accommodations in CSD’s database.
• Collaborates with Accommodations and Assistive Technology accommodation teams to ensure that approved academic accommodations are coordinated with students, faculty, and staff. The coordination of accommodations may include: testing accommodations, provision of assistive technology and auxiliary aids, recruitment/hiring readers, and/or scribes, alternate media, captioning, etc.
• Oversees activities in collaboration with other departments across the campus to ensure equal opportunity for access to academic and co-curricular programs at the University for assigned students.
• Makes recommendations to faculty, staff, and departments regarding the University’s academic and programmatic obligations under the law and University guidelines for students with disabilities; collaborates with appropriate campus constituents regarding scholastic probation, dismissal, extension of academic deadlines, readmission, withdrawal from the University, etc.
• Serves as a liaison and a resource for students with disabilities; provides information to students regarding their legal rights and responsibilities; collaborates and consults with faculty and staff regarding academic accommodations, compliance with legal responsibilities as well as instructional, programmatic, and curriculum modifications.
• Coordinates outreach to incoming and prospective students and their family members when indicated regarding accommodations and services offered; communicates information regarding program activities and services to the campus community.
• Collaborates with program staff in the outreach and coordination of enhanced services program, Beyond Access.
• Conducts in-service training for campus faculty, staff, and the administration to promote understanding and increase awareness of the needs and concerns of students with disabilities.
• Interviews, hires, trains, and supervises graduate students to coordinate accommodations; assigns tasks and sets work priorities; evaluates performance.
• Collects and analyzes data regarding caseload of students and accommodations coordination; prepares reports related to CSD services.
• Contributes and assists with the development of resource materials and department publications related to students with disabilities; writes copy and contributes to the content of the CSD website and social media sites.
• Represents the Center on various University, divisional, and campus committees in order to assure compliance with federal mandates; serves as a liaison for designated units to address issues of accessibility.
• Maintains current knowledge of pertinent laws and regulations regarding access and services for students with disabilities and their applicability to the University; serves as a resource to the campus community in explaining such laws; responds to requests for interpretation of legal mandates on campus-specific issues.
• Attends weekly case review meetings and staff meetings.
• Performs related duties and special assignments as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in special education, rehabilitation, or other related field and at least 6 years of experience working with students with disabilities in higher education. Two years of experience must be serving as an advanced or senior team member or working as a project lead OR Master’s degree and four years of experience working with students with disabilities in higher education.
• Demonstrated ability to clearly and succinctly document engagement in the interactive process with students, parents/guardians, faculty, and staff as indicated in the case management system.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate information effectively to groups with different backgrounds and experiences (i.e. students, parents/guardians, colleagues).
• Demonstrated experience applying knowledge of the unique needs of individuals with disabilities, including knowledge of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and its amendments, and other relevant state and federal legislation.
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills necessary for effective work relationships.
• Demonstrated understanding of and stated commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity issues.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in special education, rehabilitation, higher education administration, or another related field.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating academic accommodations for students with disabilities.
• Demonstrated experience in post-secondary disability service provision.
• Demonstrated experience with the use and applicability of assistive technology for students with disabilities in an academic setting.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, permanent position at the Storrs campus. Telecommuting on a hybrid/part-time basis may be allowed subject to authorization and University policy.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #496326 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on May 23, 2022.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University’s teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn’s ranking as one of the nation’s top research universities. UConn’s faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.

Advertised: May 02 2022 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: May 23 2022 Eastern Daylight Time