Coordinator of Disability Services

COORDINATOR OF DISABILITY SERVICES

GRADE 12, Union: VSC-UP PAT, Exempt

BASIC FUNCTION

To provide specialized support to eligible students with learning disabilities or difficulties, including: assessment, development of support plans, counseling, and instruction. Assist in ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Work collaboratively with other team members to create and sustain a culture that promotes student learning and engagement, student success, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

* Interpret federal/state laws and regulations to assist in developing and implementing policies, procedures, record-keeping, and forms to achieve compliance with the ADA. Document contacts with students and maintain case notes.
* Review and investigate complaints and grievances relating to accommodations.
* Consult with medical professionals, vocational rehab counselors, occupational or technical experts as needed to ensure accommodation decisions are appropriate and reasonable.
* Conduct interviews with students, employees, medical professionals, vocational rehab experts, and other occupational or technical experts to obtain or clarify information related to ADA claims.
* Confer with parents, diagnosticians, guidance counselors in order to obtain documentation of learning difficulties or disabilities.
* Review and interpret diagnostic evaluations to plan services and appropriate accommodations for students eligible for remedial programs.
* Provide screening and referral for students with learning difficulties or other special needs to receive counseling.
* Assist students with special accommodations to support their learning process or identify special teaching strategies that are specific to the unique needs of the student to ensure their success.
* Provide other academic support services as needed.
* Demonstrate inclusivity and provide excellent customer service in all modalities, including in-person, telephone, e-mail, video call, live chat, texting, and the like.
* Provide resources, information, and technical advice for faculty who work with students with disabilities.
* Publicize disability services through classroom visits, meetings with department chairs, faculty, and staff, Academic Support publications, and campus events such as Career Fair, Open House, and registration.
* Assist with planning and preparation and participate in special summer programs for high-risk students, including: design and advising related to learning plans, and participation in activities with other staff.
* Confer regularly with the Director of Disability Services, Academic Support staff and other University offices/personnel, and community service providers to plan, coordinate and evaluate services/activities, exchange information, investigate and resolve problems, refer students for assistance with special needs.
* Perform various administrative tasks associated with assigned function, such as preparing activity and progress reports, evaluating programs, and advertising program services.
* Keep abreast of current developments in the field. Attend professional meetings and conferences relevant to the job.
* Perform other related duties as needed.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Direct supervision is received from the Director of Disability Services.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

Supervision of 5-8 student workers.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Master's degree, preferably in rehabilitation counseling, or related field with coursework and experience in counseling people with disabilities, or comparable experience from which similar skills can be derived.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

* Experience with a program for students with disabilities at an institution of higher education.
* Experience teaching, counseling, or administrative management experience in secondary or postsecondary education, working predominantly or exclusively in programs for students with disabilities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

Knowledge:

* Knowledge of federal and state laws as they pertain to working with students with disabilities in an educational setting, including but not limited to ADA.
* Knowledge of accommodations and support services typically provided to students with disabilities in higher education.
* Knowledge of state, regional, and national TRIO associations and their work in advocating for TRIO funding and programs.
* Understanding of the educational goals and objectives of Vermont State University.
* Experience working with a direct caseload of students.
* Knowledge of how to support a culture where accessibility and equity is the norm.
* Experience maintaining confidential records.
* Knowledge of how to interpret complex laws, policies, contracts, and other legal documents to ensure compliance.

Skills:

* Excellent time management and critical thinking skills.
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
* Strong facilitation and presentation skills.
* Strong problem-solving skills.
* Proven record of accountability and follow-through with the ability to meet deadlines.
* Strong skills in supervising and supporting student workers.

Abilities:

* Ability to work with community agencies that serve people with disabilities.
* Ability to apply legal and policy provisions to various problems consistently and correctly.
* Demonstrated ability to positively influence student skill development, such as communication skills, leadership skills, academic skills, technical skills, non-cognitive or 'soft' skills, and social skills.
* Demonstrated ability to foster student development in the attainment of student success goals, such as academic purpose, sense of belonging/identity, agency, career readiness, civic readiness, access & equity.
* Demonstrated positive attitude regarding Vermont State University and a desire to improve student outcomes, including attention to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
* Demonstrated ability to support a diverse community and promote diverse perspectives, cultures in an inclusive environment.
* Ability to relate effectively to other university personnel, including faculty, as well as parents and community service providers.
* Ability to work weekends and evenings.

Location: Lyndon campus with travel requirements to the others.

This general outline illustrates the type of work which characterizes the job classification. It is not an all-encompassing statement of the specific duties, responsibilities and qualifications of individual positions assigned to the classification.

Vermont State University is a part of the Vermont State Colleges System (VSCS). VSCS values individual differences that can be engaged in the service of learning. Diverse experiences from people of varied backgrounds inform and enrich our community. VSCS strongly encourages applications from historically marginalized and underrepresented populations. VSCS is an equal opportunity employer, in compliance with ADA requirements, and will make reasonable accommodations for the known disability of an otherwise qualified applicant. Please contact our HR office for assistance with accommodations at humanresources@vermontstate.edu.