Associate Director, Student Disability Services

Department
 

CSL Student Disability Services Administration

About the Department
 

Student Disability Services (SDS) is located within Campus and Student Life. SDS is responsible for engaging in an interactive process with students to determine their eligibility for reasonable accommodations under the Rehabilitation Act Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Amendment Act. The SDS team is committed to advancing disability inclusion in all aspects of campus life through the implementation of supports, services, and auxiliary aids. The SDS team serves more than 10% of the UChicago student body, ensuring students have access to the outstanding programs and services that the University offers.

Job Summary
 

Reporting to the Deputy Director of SDS, the Associate Director works in a leadership role on the SDS team to collaboratively manage disability access for College, Graduate and Professional students with disabilities. The Associate Director will liaise with medical consultants, IT services, University Library Systems, Housing and Residence, UChicago Dinning, Facilities Services, Parking and Transportation, College Programming Office, Environmental Health and Safety and University of Chicago Police Department, vendors, area deans of students, disability liaisons, faculty, other academic appointees, and other administrators. The Associate Director also has supervisory responsibility of two or more direct reports who are responsible for implementing accessibility services on behalf of eligible students with disabilities. This is a 12-month, full-time position; weekend and evening hours may be required.

Responsibilities

• Meets with students about their access needs. Reviews supporting documentation provided by students, including medical, educational, and/or psychological assessments. 
• Makes determinations of whether or what reasonable accommodations are needed in accordance with the ADA, Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, ADAA, state and local disability regulations, the Fair Housing Act, relevant caselaw and legal guidance, and University policies and procedures.
• Manages a caseload of college, graduate, and professional students with disabilities. Performs a broad range of duties related to the case management of students’ requests for disability services and the implementation of reasonable accommodations and refers students for other appropriate services.
• Documents communication and events by writing and filing case notes. Uses office database (AIM) to maintain and securely store student records in addition to sending accommodation emails, maintaining confidential documentation, scheduling appointments, recording meetings and case notes, and documenting communications with students and University personnel regarding the accommodation process.
• Advises students of their rights and responsibilities under federal disability laws.
• Trains and supervises full-time SDS staff and provides oversight for part-time student employees. Directs daily operations of supervisee portfolios.
• Oversees the provision of auxiliary aids and services. Generates creative and practical solutions to address current and emerging needs. Provides students with resources related to disability issues and accommodation needs.
• Assists the Director(s) and/or Access Coordinators with the administration of access services. Serves as back-up support and oversight for SDS portfolios (e.g., test proctoring, coordination of document conversion or ASL interpreting, notetaking, document conversion) and front desk duties, as necessary.
• Provides training and support to instructors, advisers, deans of students, disability liaisons and campus partners on disability service implementation, accessibility and the laws.
• Develops and disseminates educational materials and presentations for faculty, staff, and students to promote SDS services. Has a shared responsibility to appropriately accommodate students, and engages with faculty and staff via the interactive process to ensure adequate knowledge of their roles in accommodating students.
• Responds to student, parent, faculty and community member questions regarding disability services by phone, Zoom or email.
• Participates with the SDS leadership team in advancing a social justice perspective of disability access on campus.
• Assists the Director in the daily operations of the office. Prepares financial and/or administrative reports as needed.
• Assists with the development of policies and procedures which reflect best practices and/or industry standards
• Has a deep understanding to develop and administer policies related to non-discriminatory practices for persons with disabilities and unlawful harassment.
• Participates in local and national disability organizations such as the Coalition for D