"Assistant Director, Disability Resources & Services"

Assistant Director, Disability Resources & Services

University of Colorado | Denver

Official Title: Student Services Assistant Director
Working Title: Assistant Director, DRS
FTE: Full-time
Salary Range: $73,100 - $75,000
Position #00706419 - Requisition #38142

About the University of Colorado - Denver

Millions of moments start at CU Denver, a place where innovation, research, and learning meet in the heart of a global city. We're the state's premier public urban research university with more than 100 in-demand, top ranked bachelors, master's, and doctoral degree programs. We partner with diverse learners-at any stage of their life and career-for transformative educational experiences. Across seven schools and colleges, our leading faculty inspires and works alongside students to solve complex challenges and produce impactful creative work. As part of the state's largest university system, CU Denver is a major contributor to the Colorado economy, with 2,000 employees and an annual economic impact of $800 million. To learn more about how CU Denver helps learners meet their moment, visit ucdenver.edu.

Job Description

Assisting the Director with ensuring institutional compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) by overseeing the delivery of accommodations and support services for students with disabilities. This position consists of direct support to students, outreach to academic departments, supervision of five professional employees, and administrative duties.

Assistant Director for Disability Resources & Services:

What you will do:

Student Support & Case Management:

• Review disability related documentation with regard to currency, completeness and appropriateness in accord with Section 504 and the ADAAA.
• Conduct intake interviews with eligible students and determine appropriate accommodations based on identified limitations. This position will support a caseload.
• Provide direct support and services to recruit and retain students with disabilities. Document interactions with prospective and registered students.

Supervision & Leadership:

• Supervise four Disability coordinators as well as one Assistive Technology coordinator (total of 4.5 FTE) including weekly meetings for case review and/or administrative matters; coordinate their annual performance plan and complete their annual evaluations.
• Create and implement an Accommodation Review Committee to support the consistency of accommodations and facilitate a clear grievance process.
• Assist the DRS Director with Deaf/HOH Services, including scheduling ASL interpreters and CART services.
• Regularly engage in assessment of situations and employ independent decision-making to address the situations.
• Maintain current knowledge of disability-related issues including relevant case law and rulings.
• Assist the director with identifying changes to processes and procedures for efficiency and best use of resources to fulfill the office mission.
• Adhere to departmental standards established in Disability Resources & Services as well as policies and procedures of the University of Colorado Denver.

Programming, Outreach & Assessment

• Conduct disability-related outreach, education, and programming to the university community as well as outside communities.
• Participate in relevant committees effectively representing disability issues, like the Facilities Committee and the Tri-Institutional Accessibility Committee.
• Assist the DRS Director with the university Commencement Committee. Attend the two days of Commencement ceremonies each year (one day in Fall Semester, one day with two ceremonies in the Spring Semester).
• Serve as a liaison between the Office of Disability Resources & Services and the faculty to assist with the implementation of accommodations.
• Serve as a representative for the Office of Disability Resources & Services and attend orientations and open houses.
• Attend and present at professional conferences, workshops, brown bags, seminar sessions and/or professional organizational meetings. Stays abreast of current research by reviewing publications, journals, technical information, etc. Anticipate needs and trends of postsecondary disability-related issues.
• This position may be asked to assist in other areas of office operations including supporting special projects, assistance with reception desk coverage, and proctoring of final exams.

Qualifications you already possess (Minimum Qualifications)

• Bachelor's Degree in education, special education, counseling, rehabilitation counseling, psychology or human services field.
• Four (4) years of related professional experience, including at least one (1) year of experience working in Higher Education.
• Experience working in accessibility services or disability services in higher education.
• Substitution: A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor's degree on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualification to possess (Preferred Qualifications)

• Master's Degree in education, special education, counseling, rehabilitation counseling, psychology or human services field.
• Two (2) years of experience working in accessibility services or disability services in Higher Education.
• Experience, licensure, and/or certifications in crisis management and assessing/supporting mental health.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge:

• Applicable federal and state laws, i.e., Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act & Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, along with relevant case law pertaining to disability in higher education.
• The types of accommodations available for students with disabilities in the postsecondary setting.
• Demonstrated experience in independent decision-making.
• A professional understanding of intersectionality of identities in disability services.

Skills:

• Creative problem-solving
• Critical thinking
• Supervision skills
• Conflict resolution and mediation
• Interpersonal skills
• Clear communication
• Organization, attention to detail, and time management
• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.

Abilities:

• To mediate meetings regarding disabilities, accommodations, grievances
• To conduct a thorough review of medical and/or psychological documentation & follow up with appropriate professionals regarding current functional limitations
• To coordinate accommodations with faculty, administrative and facilities staff
• To develop and present information regarding the assessment and implementation of accommodations in the postsecondary setting
• Ability to work with students a wide variety of backgrounds and with a variety of needs.

Conditions of Employment

• Occasional work during the evening and/or weekends may be required.
• This position follows a hybrid work structure where employees can work remotely or from the office, as needed, based on demands of specific tasks or personal work preferences. Working from the office is encouraged when working on tasks that require a high degree of collaboration.