Department CSL Student Disability Services Administration

About the Department Student Disability Services (SDS) is located within Campus and Student Life. SDS is responsible for engaging in an interactive process with students to determine their eligibility for reasonable accommodations under the Rehabilitation Act Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Amendment Act. The SDS team is committed to advancing disability inclusion in all aspects of campus life through the implementation of supports, services, and auxiliary aids. The SDS team serves more than 10% of the UChicago student body, ensuring students have access to the outstanding programs and services that the University offers.

Job Summary Reporting to the Deputy Director of SDS, the Associate Director works in a leadership role on the SDS team to collaboratively manage disability access for College, Graduate and Professional students with disabilities. The Associate Director will liaise with medical consultants, IT services, University Library Systems, Housing and Residence, UChicago Dinning, Facilities Services, Parking and Transportation, College Programming Office, Environmental Health and Safety and University of Chicago Police Department, vendors, area deans of students, disability liaisons, faculty, other academic appointees, and other administrators. The Associate Director also has supervisory responsibility of two or more direct reports who are responsible for implementing accessibility services on behalf of eligible students with disabilities. This is a 12-month, full-time position; weekend and evening hours may be required.

Responsibilities

• Meets with students about their access needs. Reviews supporting documentation provided by students, including medical, educational, and/or psychological assessments. 
• Makes determinations of whether or what reasonable accommodations are needed in accordance with the ADA, Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, ADAA, state and local disability regulations, the Fair Housing Act, relevant caselaw and legal guidance, and University policies and procedures.
• Manages a caseload of college, graduate, and professional students with disabilities. Performs a broad range of duties related to the case management of students’ requests for disability services and the implementation of reasonable accommodations and refers students for other appropriate services.
• Documents communication and events by writing and filing case notes. Uses office database (AIM) to maintain and securely store student records in addition to sending accommodation emails, maintaining confidential documentation, scheduling appointments, recording meetings and case notes, and documenting communications with students and University personnel regarding the accommodation process.
• Advises students of their rights and responsibilities under federal disability laws.
• Trains and supervises full-time SDS staff and provides oversight for part-time student employees. Directs daily operations of supervisee portfolios.
• Oversees the provision of auxiliary aids and services. Generates creative and practical solutions to address current and emerging needs. Provides students with resources related to disability issues and accommodation needs.
• Assists the Director(s) and/or Access Coordinators with the administration of access services. Serves as back-up support and oversight for SDS portfolios (e.g., test proctoring, coordination of document conversion or ASL interpreting, notetaking, document conversion) and front desk duties, as necessary.
• Provides training and support to instructors, advisers, deans of students, disability liaisons and campus partners on disability service implementation, accessibility and the laws.
• Develops and disseminates educational materials and presentations for faculty, staff, and students to promote SDS services. Has a shared responsibility to appropriately accommodate students, and engages with faculty and staff via the interactive process to ensure adequate knowledge of their roles in accommodating students.
• Responds to student, parent, faculty and community member questions regarding disability services by phone, Zoom or email.
• Participates with the SDS leadership team in advancing a social justice perspective of disability access on campus.
• Assists the Director in the daily operations of the office. Prepares financial and/or administrative reports as needed.
• Assists with the development of policies and procedures which reflect best practices and/or industry standards
• Has a deep understanding to develop and administer policies related to non-discriminatory practices for persons with disabilities and unlawful harassment.
• Participates in local and national disability organizations such as the Coalition for Disability Access in Health Sciences and Medical Education, the Association on Higher Education and Disability, and the Ivy Disability Group.
• Stays abreast of current research in the field by reviewing publications, journals, technical information, etc.
• May be assigned as a designated liaison to certain academic or administrative units, such as Housing and Residence Life.
• Guides the implementation of compliance activities designated by the University's strategic plans. Monitors University compliance with regulations and laws.
• May provide confidential counseling and expertise to those who feel they have experienced unlawful treatment based on University programs and activities.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

•  Master's degree in education, disability services, rehabilitation, counseling, or a related field .

Experience:

• Minimum of five years, of progressively responsible work experience in the provision of disability services in an educational setting.
• Demonstrated experience with applying the federal regulations that provide the legal framework for disability services.
• Demonstrated experience with determining reasonable disability accommodations and services for post-secondary student .
• Supervisory experience.
• Some sign language skills.

Certifications:

• Comply with University vaccination requirements.
• Compliant with all state licensure requirements for individual areas of professional practice, if applicable.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• In-depth knowledge of the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act .
• Knowledge of disability accommodations and best practices in the provision of services to students with disabilities in a college setting.
• Knowledge of a wide range of disabilities including, learning disabilities .
• Knowledge of best practices and innovations in the field of higher education disability services.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office software and assistive technologies. 

Preferred Competencies

• Excellence in interpersonal communication with the ability to maintain good working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and other constituents.
• Work under pressure in a demanding academic environment; demonstrate decisive insight and develop novel approaches to achieving access.
• Utilize sound judgement to make reasonable decisions.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Takes initiative, highly motivated, conscientious, organized, has a strong work ethic, dependable, reliable, highly adaptable, and enthusiastic.
• Demonstrated skill in monitoring systems and services to judge effectiveness and make improvements.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, supervise and work with and enhance a team.
• Some sign language skills are beneficial.

Working Conditions

• In-person work, but may offer remote schedules as appropriate.
• May require participation in off-campus programs.
• Lifting, bending, ambulating, sitting for prolonged periods of time, communication, and extensive computer usage.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)
• Three References Contact Information (preferred)

Job Family Legal & Regulatory Affairs

Role Impact Individual Contributor

FLSA Status Exempt

Pay Frequency Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours 37.5

Benefits Eligible Yes

Drug Test Required No

Health Screen Required No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required No

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

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