Disability Support Specialist

Job ID

PS9912-2070-1890

Position Classification

PT Regular Staff Non-Union

Position Summary

The Disability Support Specialist will serve as the primary point of contact for managing academic, housing, and dining accommodations for students with disabilities. This role is specifically responsible for managing the accommodation process, assessing student needs, developing individualized academic support plans, coordinating accommodations with faculty and other units, and providing continuous support to ensure access to University programs and activities. The Disability Support Specialist will also serve as a liaison between students, faculty, and campus services, facilitating a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Accommodation Case Management:

• Determine appropriate accommodations for individual students using an interactive process.
• Review, evaluate, and interpret relevant documentation and information to determine eligibility for reasonable accommodations, conferring with others as needed.
• Send timely, accurate, and appropriate written communication to confirm accommodations and outline next steps for implementation.
• Provide ongoing support, advising, and referrals to students with disabilities to ensure accommodations are appropriate and accurately communicated and implemented.
• Maintain records related to student accommodations, including documentation, case notes, and communications, using an electronic case management system.

Communication, Outreach, and Education:

• Communicate relevant and timely information related to accommodations requests, renewals, and notifications to students, faculty, and other units.
• Serve as point of contact for faculty, departments, programs, and units seeking advice on the implementation of approved accommodations and provide guidance on access, confidentiality, and universal design.
• Provide information about disability services and the accommodations process to prospective and current students as well as departments, programs, and units.
• Develop outreach, communication, and training for students to support access and belonging.

Service and Other Activities:

• At the direction of Executive Director, works collaboratively with other employees across units to advance departmental and institutional priorities.
• Serve on related University committees and teams and contribute to relevant University and community activities.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned, including participating in professional development.

Minimum Qualifications

Education – A college degree
Employment Up to six months (Equivalent combination of education and employment).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficient in word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
• Knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 in the context of university settings.
• Ability to maintain current knowledge of best practices in the field of disability services and higher education.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively across units and with diverse populations.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with students, faculty, and staff.
• Capacity to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Adherence to ethical standards and legal regulations related to disability services and accommodations.

Physical Requirements

Job may require lifting light weight objects (1 to 10 pounds) with no repetitive bending or stooping. Occasionally lift average weight objects (1 to 10 pounds).

Work Environment

Regular exposure to favorable conditions such as those found in a normal office.

Salary/Pay Information

Commensurate with experience

Anticipated Schedule

TBD

Michigan’s largest, most comprehensive private University, University of Detroit Mercy is an independent Catholic institution of higher education sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy and Society of Jesus. Detroit Mercy seeks qualified candidates who will contribute to the University’s mission, diversity, and excellence of its academic community. University of Detroit Mercy is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer with a diverse student body and welcomes persons of all backgrounds.