Assistant Director, Disability Services

The Assistant Director, Disability Services is responsible for developing, implementing, and assessing disability services for students.

• Oversees the daily operations of the Office of Disability Services (ODS) initial intake of applicants for academic accommodations.
• Maintains a case load of students and develops individual academic accommodations for students each semester of academic enrollment.
• Meets with students to review appropriate documentation; conducts screening/intake interviews; determines appropriate accommodations; produces accommodation letters for students; works with students on an ongoing basis developing appropriate and life-long learning strategies; makes referrals for further testing and/or intervention.
• Collaborates with and trains faculty and staff to provide individual accommodations to students.
• Recruits, hires, trains and supervises departmental staff, student professionals and assists the Director with supervision to external contracting service providers (i.e., CART and Interpreter Services).
• Manages and oversees the ODS process for proctoring exams for students according to their accommodations including scheduling and coordination of exam materials and needed testing accommodations through direct contact with faculty.
• Oversees the process of finding/converting texts in alternative formats; renews accounts with alternative format agencies; creates on-line accounts for students to access certain alternative text vendors.
• Assists the Director with monthly staff meetings, strategic planning, current and long-range forecasting, program/policy procedure development and develop the operating budget and plan for upcoming fiscal year expenditures.
• In the absence of the Director, oversees the daily operations of the ODS.

• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Direct Reports:

• Full Time Employees

Delegation of Work:

• Regularly assigns work to subordinate(s)

Supervision Given:

• Has primary responsibility for conducting performance evaluations and making recommendations for hiring and dismissing employees.

Required Education:

• Master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Clinical Psychology, Higher Education, Special Education or a related field with emphasis on supporting students with disabilities in postsecondary education settings.

Required Experience:

• Minimum of three (3) years of related job experience

License/Certification:

• None Required

• Experience with JAWS, Magic, and Kurzweil
• Comprehensive knowledge of assistive technology, alternative text production, and accessibility solutions
• Progressive experience working with individuals with disabilities

Knowledge:

• Demonstrated mastery of all relevant legislation

Skills:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills.

Abilities:

• Ability to build a rapport with students
• Ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a diverse community.

Primary Work Location:

• Works in an office environment.

Physical Demands:

• Work is performed in a typical, comfortable interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any unpleasant elements Individual has discretion in relation to walking, standing etc., and has minimal exposure to physical risks.

Commitment to Excellence - UHD

• Demonstrates a commitment to competently perform his/her job duties and responsibilities within established time frames.
• Continuously strives to improve work performance.
• Accepts responsibility for his/her commitments to the university.
• Contributes to the success of the university by consistently providing quality results in the performance of his/her job duties and responsibilities.

Dependability

• Takes responsibility to accomplish job assignments within reasonable deadlines.
• Willing to accept new projects and/or commitments.
• Does due diligence to complete projects within specified timeframes and/or fulfill commitments.
• Arrives to work on time prepared and ready to contribute.

Flexibility

• Willingly adjusts to changing work assignments or conditions.
• Open to changes in operational procedures, technology, and/or organizational structure.
• Views changes as opportunities for learning and professional development.
• Displays a positive attitude to encourage others.
• Promptly responds to changes in work priorities and/or unexpected circumstances or situations.

Integrity

• Demonstrates high ethical standards of conduct in the performance of his/her job duties and responsibilities.
• Accepts responsibility for his/her actions.
• Respects and complies with department and university policies, procedures, and work rules.

Proficiency

• Possesses required job skills and knowledge.
• Demonstrates the ability to apply those skills and knowledge to competently perform his/her job duties and assignments.

Respect and Cooperation

• Treats others with courtesy, respect, and dignity in the workplace.
• Promotes cooperation through open and honest communications and consideration of others ideas, thoughts, and opinions.

Focus on Customer Service

• Focuses on customer's needs and expectations. (Customers can be students, external constituents, employees, or university guests.)
• Respectfully ascertains customer's needs and determines appropriate response.
• Promptly responds by providing requested information, takes appropriate action, or refers customer to appropriate individual or department.
• If further actions need to be taken, advises customers of realistic timeframes for a response to their request.
• Follows up with customers on outstanding requests in a timely manner.
• Tactfully explains to customers why their needs and/or expectations cannot be met if the university does not provide the requested information or services.

Supervision

• Supervises the work of staff employees.
• Sets clear goals and expectations within reasonable timeframes.
• Motivates staff through constructive feedback, challenging assignments, and recognition of achievements.
• Provides mentorship and guidance by sharing expertise and best practices.
• Supports staff by providing essential resources, professional development opportunities, and open communication.
• Promptly addresses performance issues with appropriate measures and discretion.

Decision Making

• Demonstrates the ability to make informed decisions in a timely manner.
• Assimilates and/or secures relevant information to assess the risks and benefits of alternatives.
• Considers impact of decision in the long and short term.

Writing Proficiency

• Demonstrates the ability to express information clearly and concisely in writing.
• Formulates and writes information to effectively communicate messages, ideas, and/or concepts for the intended recipient or audience.
• Uses appropriate words and tone, and correct grammar.

Student Success Indirect Support

• Contributes to student success by assisting students with anything that supports their student experience, whether directly or indirectly.
• Helps students navigate their way through the different offices, programs, and services at the university and/or connects students with the appropriate party(ies).
• Connects students with services or resources that can help them with career exploration, goal selection, and ongoing academic assistance.
• Helps students build peer support networks.
• Encourages student participation in out-of-class activities.
• Provides encouragement and guidance to foster student success.
• Treats students with respect
• Maintains the learning environment to ensure quality and/or sound pedagogy.