Director - Access and Disability Services

ABOUT US

QUALIFICATIONS

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.

JOB DESCRIPTION

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.

RESPONSIBILITIES

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 for the recruitment, testing, transition and orientation of new students with disabilities. 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 about disability and accessibility issues for students. Interprets and applies federal/state legislation about campus access, reasonable accommodations and auxiliary aids.

Fiscal and Budgetary Responsibilities

Develops and monitors departmental budget, including educational funds, grants, auxiliary funds and donations. Coordinates the management of various grants in accordance with grant guidelines. Develops requests for the annual departmental budget and grant applications. Prepares proposals for corporate or personal support through 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 and periodic Program Reviews 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.