"Lead Student Disability Specialist"

Position Information

The Student Disability Resources Center provides services for students with various permanent or temporary disabilities. These disabilities may include learning disabilities; attention deficit disorder; autism, visual, mobility, or hearing impairments; psychological disabilities; chronic systemic disorders (e.g., lupus, Crohn's disease, multiple sclerosis, diabetes); injuries. The Lead Disability Specialist interprets medical documentation to recommend and facilitates reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities to ensure their access to the educational opportunities of the University of California, Riverside.

The Lead Student Disability Specialist serves as a technical leader with a high degree of knowledge in the overall field and recognized expertise in specific areas related to services and accommodations for graduate and professional students. Major responsibilities include assessment of disability documentation forms, medical documentation, and psychological/psychoeducational evaluation to verify disability in accordance with University, State, and Federal guidelines to determine appropriate accommodations and support.

The Lead Disability Specialist will interpret and assess whether accommodations conflict with or violate technical and academic standards set by the Graduate Division, appropriate professional school, or accrediting agency. They are responsible for providing information to graduate and professional UCR students who believe they may have a disability and make appropriate referrals to on and off-campus resources; provides specialized disability-related counseling for graduate and professional students; liaisons with on and off-campus departments and programs to coordinate services and to explain services for graduate and professional students served by SDRC; leads and/or facilitates support groups and instruct workshops in disability management advocacy; provides disability awareness presentations for faculty, staff, and students.

Other assignments are made by the Associate Director/Director on a project basis. The Lead Disability Specialist's work is reviewed periodically with the Associate Director/Director through status reports, meetings, and when actions necessitate a deviation from standard guidelines. The Lead Disability Specialist will counsel office staff and students on disability management concerns. They will develop and maintain relations with campus departments, community agencies, and national organizations. They will perform research and development of training and evaluation tools, screening mechanisms and teaching modules. Prepares other written materials, and assists, as needed, in other SDRC services and functions. Position is expected to work evenings and weekends during high demand periods (e.g., final exams, programs, events, outreach, etc.).

Requirements

Educational Requirements: Advanced degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training required. PhD or PsyD in clinical or counseling psychology or related field, or a Master's degree in counseling psychology (or related field) and two years of experience as a professional psychologist preferred.

Experience Requirements: 6 - 10 years of related experience required. Professional experience in post-secondary settings with students who have disabilities, and working knowledge of support services and accommodation methods required. Experience in interpreting psycho-educational reports and neuropsychiatric reports required.

License Requirements: Licensed Educational Psychologist and Licensed Psychologist preferred.

Certification Requirements: Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and Learning Disability Specialist Certification preferred.

Minimum Requirements: Advanced knowledge of the legal framework involving accommodations for students with disabilities through state and federal laws and regulations. Advanced knowledge of procedures for assessing and determining disability accommodation issues. Advanced knowledge of assessment, accommodation, and intervention techniques. Skill to communicate with instructors and other organizational entities regarding a student's accommodations and other academic needs. Working knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Assembly Bill 746. Knowledge and ability to provide counseling on disability management and compensatory strategies. Ability to organize and teach workshops and support groups. Ability to work collaboratively with individuals, departments and organizations. Skill in communicating effectively (oral and written). Interpersonal skills to interact sensitively with students and campus colleagues. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships. Demonstrated ability to advise and lead other staff members. Ability to interpret, analyze, and advise on complex policies and procedures. Demonstrated skill in interviewing techniques, training, teaching and empowering students with disabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Functions as the organization's resource expert in a particular field of disability as it relates to a student's education.
• Leads other Disability Specialists managing and facilitating support services and accommodation practices for students with disabilities.
• Develops presentations and participates in programs for the benefit of students with disabilities and the campus community, promoting awareness, sensitivity, and competence in ensuring access for people with disabilities.
• Supports departmental operational needs, including assisting with exam accommodation administration, opening/closing coverage, etc.
• Other duties as assigned.

For more information, visit the Employee Benefits Overview.