Special Instructions to Applicants

Please submit cover letter and reference.

Department Summary

As a pivotal member of UCLA Student Affairs, you'll ignite the Bruin spirit and contribute to a vibrant community that champions academic success and holistic development. UCLA Student Affairs is the backbone of the Bruin journey, supporting students from admission to graduation and beyond. Engage in a role that spans personal growth, academic success, and community enrichment, connecting students with a wealth of resources and opportunities. Here, you're not just part of a team; you're part of the UCLA legacy. Join us in shaping the future of UCLA, where every day you'll make a difference in the lives of our students and the broader Bruin family.

The Center for Accessible Education (CAE) facilitates academic, housing, dining, transportation, and other accommodations designed to promote equal educational access for UCLA students with qualifying disabilities and provides services and programs for the population of approximately 48,000 UCLA undergraduate and graduate students, in compliance with UCLA's responsibilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act. The CAE also supports the mission of Student Affairs to contribute to the teaching, research and public services purposes of the University. The CAE is a central student service unit within Student Affairs and is the sole UCLA department authorized to determine student eligibility for disability accommodations and services.

We invite you to apply to be part of a dynamic team in a supportive environment where you can use your organizational and interpersonal skills and attention to detail to enhance the overall effectiveness and employee engagement in the Student Affairs organization. While you may not meet 100% of this job’s qualifications, if much of this job and qualifications describe you, then you are highly encouraged to apply.

Position Summary

Working in the Center for Accessible Education (CAE), the Senior Disability Specialist serves as a technical expert in the field of Disability Resources with recognized expertise in specific areas related to services and accommodations for graduate and professional students. The Senior Disability Specialist works with a specialized population of graduate and professional students to determine reasonable accommodations and provide disability-related support and coaching on theses and dissertations, research responsibilities, internships and field placements, practicals and clinicals, and other academic milestones unique to graduate and professional programs. Other major responsibilities include: Interpreting and assessing whether determined accommodations conflict with or violate technical and academic standards set by the Division of Graduate Education, appropriate professional school, or accreditation agency, liaising with on-campus and off-campus departments and programs to coordinate services and to explain services for graduate and professional students served by CAE, and leading disability awareness presentations and programming for campus faculty, staff and students in graduate and professional academic programs.

Qualifications

• 3 – 5 years Professional experience in post-secondary settings with students who have disabilities, particularly those in graduate and professional programs. (Required)
• 3 – 5 years Professional experience in post-secondary settings with graduate students or professional school students. (Required)
• Advanced knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Assembly Bill 746. (Required)
• Working knowledge of UC Guidelines and Practices, and University Policy as they pertain to disabled students. (Preferred)
• Advanced knowledge of academic and technical standards and expectations of students in graduate and professional academic programs. (Required)
• Advanced knowledge of accommodations and disability resources practice supporting students in graduate and professional programs. (Required)
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability to provide counseling on disability management and compensatory strategies for students with disabilities. (Required)
• Advanced skill in collaborating with individuals, depts, and organizations both on and off campus to identify and implement reasonable accommodations and support for graduate and professional students, including for theses and dissertations, internships, field placements, practicals, clinicals, etc. (Required)
• Demonstrate skill in communicating effectively orally and in writing to obtain and convey information. Strong interpersonal skills to interact sensitively with students (with various disabilities and from diverse backgrounds) and with campus colleagues, governmental officials and community representatives. (Required)
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with other staff members, subordinates and management. (Required)
• Ability to interpret, analyze, advise on, and implement complex policies and procedures related to graduate and professional academic program requirements, support services, and professional/technical standards. (Required)
• Demonstrated ability to advise, guide, and lead other staff members in the delivery of support services and accommodations to students. (Required)
• Ability to assist in general office functions when needed. (Preferred)

Education, Licenses, Certifications & Personal Affiliations

• Master's Degree In an educational field of study or similar. (Required)