Director - Access and Disability Services

General Function:
Responsible for the administration and leadership of ADS. Oversees the provision of legally mandated accommodations and specialized instructional programs for students with disabilities. Hires, supervises and evaluates departmental staff. Develops and manages departmental budget including applicable grants. Liaisons with other college departments, faculty, community organizations and state/federal agencies. Plays a lead role in raising awareness and educating the college community about serving students with disabilities and related college services.

Administrative Leadership:

Provides administrative direction for the provision of access, accommodations and instructional programs for students with disabilities, in collaboration with the Manager, Deaf Institute and Accommodation Services.

Directly oversees the operations of Learning Services, Counseling, and administrative support staff within ADS.

Hires, trains, supervises and evaluates part-time faculty and full and part-time staff in the above areas. Makes personnel and staffing recommendations.

Coordinates with other College departments (i.e., Admissions, Center for New Students, Testing Center, etc.) for the recruitment, testing, transition and orientation of new students with disabilities. Provides specialized orientation and advising services as needed.

Collaborates with faculty, academic departments, Student Development, Information Technology, Marketing, Enrollment Services and the Physical Plant to promote student success and access for students with disabilities.

Works closely with the area high schools and community agencies to assist students in transitioning into and out of college.

Provides input and recommendations about the educational needs of students who are disabled through appropriate college committees or task forces.

Makes recommendations regarding the development and implementation of staff and faculty development programs related to serving students with disabilities.

Monitors federal trends, legislation and state of Illinois governance (ICCB and IBHE) about disability and accessibility issues for students

Interprets and applies federal/state legislation about campus access, reasonable accommodations and auxiliary aids. Consults with other administrators about institutional accessibility issues. Aides in the investigation of 504/ADA complaints as needed.

Fiscal and Budgetary Responsibilities:

Develops and monitors departmental budget, including educational funds, grants, auxiliary funds and donations. Coordinates with other departments and/or agencies regarding provision of services.

Coordinates the management of various grants in accordance with grant guidelines and responds to mandates for budgetary and programmatic results. Oversees and provides direction to staff responsible for other grants. Develops and monitors corporate or privately funded initiatives.

Develops requests for the annual departmental budget and grant applications. Prepares proposals for corporate or personal support through the Foundation. Maintains relationships with donors/supporters in coordination with the Foundation.

Evaluation and Assessment:

Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of ADS programs and services. Utilizes data and other measures to implement changes and improvements as needed. Conducts an annual analysis (End of Year report) and periodic Program Reviews (five year cycle) of ADS.

Develops and modifies procedures, and makes policy recommendations to facilitate the delivery of reasonable accommodations and instructional support.

Collects and provides data required for federal, state, local and institutional reports and databases.

Supervision:

Under the supervision of the Assistant Provost/Dean of Student Development.

Supervises part-time faculty and full and part-time staff in multiple employee classifications by developing schedules, assigning work and evaluating performances.

Provides direction to full-time faculty in ADS who are under the general supervision of the Assistant Provost/Dean of Student Development.

Education:
Masters Degree in Higher Education, Disability Services, Rehabilitation or Counseling.

Experience:
Previous significant work experience in an educational/college setting providing Disability Services. Must have prior managerial and supervisory experience. In-depth knowledge of key legislation (Rehab Act, ADA, state regulations) related to disability and of the functional impact of various disabling conditions. Must have grant management skills and budgetary experience. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Prefer someone with skill/fluency in American Sign Language.