Associate Director- Access and Disability Services

Associate Director, Access and Disability Services

University of St. Thomas

The University of St. Thomas (UST), a private Catholic University committed to the liberal arts and the religious and intellectual tradition of Catholic higher education, located in Houston, Texas, near the vibrant central business district, Texas Medical Center, and museum district, is currently seeking an experienced professional to serve as its next Associate Director of the Access and Disability Services (ADS) department.

The Associate Director serves as a key leader in the ADS department and provides support and advocacy to ensure equitable access for students with disabilities in light of the mission of the University and the Catholic understanding of the human person. As Associate Director, he or she also works to advance initiatives and collaboration with other departments to promote an inclusive learning environment at UST. This full-time, year-round position is appointed by the Director of Access and Disability Services with the approval of the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs (AVP-Student Affairs) and reports directly to the Director of Access and Disability Services.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

Assist in directing and overseeing the department of ADS as outlined below:

• Support the design, implementation, strategic planning, vision, and evaluation of a comprehensive access and disability services program for university students.
• Provide leadership in developing priorities in service delivery, decisions on the type and extent of services provided, and strategies for meeting the campus's accessibility needs.
• Represent the department and advocate for students with disabilities within the UST community.
• Supervise professional and administrative departmental staff, as well as student assistants.
• Recruit, train, schedule, and evaluate all staff within ADS.
• Ensure effective and efficient departmental operation of the ADS office and ADS Testing Center.
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with university administration, faculty, staff, students, and other constituent groups.
• Provide liaison support in the UST community on matters related to access and disability services.
• Oversee the administration and implementation of student accommodations and provide direct services facilitating equal access.
• Participate in relevant Student Affairs Division meetings, committees, or teams.
• Serve as a member of the UST Care Team for students.
• Participate in other University committees as appropriate.
• Assist in preparing and administering annual budgets for ADS.
• Review budget reports and oversee expenditures.

Knowledge and Skills Required:

• Master's degree in higher education, counseling, social work, or a related field.
• Minimum of four years of experience working in access and disability services, with at least three years in a university or college setting preferred.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Competence in professional, ethical, and legal standards in disability services.
• Competence in and commitment to working with multicultural populations.
• Computer skills that include working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint), database management, and familiarity with online research protocol.
• Ability to work and relate well with supervisory and support staff.
• Ability to work well with students, parents, faculty, and staff of the University.
• Commitment to maintain professional development and continuing education units (CEUs) annually.
• Willingness to establish networks through professional affiliations.
• Participate in national and state professional organizations.
• Enthusiasm and ability to promote and further the Catholic identity of the University of St. Thomas in accordance with the Apostolic Constitution of Pope St. John Paul II, Ex Corde Ecclesiae.

The University of St. Thomas considers candidates in light of their professional credentials, experience, and consonance with the University's Catholic identity and purpose. UST is committed to hiring individuals who can help to advance its integra