Associate Director DSS - Disability Services for Students

TITLE

Assistant Director, Disability Services for Students

JOB SUMMARY

This position assists the Director of Disability Services for Students with administrative duties and oversees programs for students with disabilities in relation to ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA). Work is performed under minimal supervision due to extensive technical or specialized knowledge and/or experience with evaluation based on attainment of program objectives. Work is performed under the supervision of the Director of Disability Services for Students and performance is based upon completion of assignments and results obtained. The performance evaluation is conducted through the performance evaluation system and in accordance with the University Policies & Procedures.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to: Director, Disability Services for Students

Supervises: Senior secretary, coordinators, and student staff members.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES - May include, but not limited to the following:

• Designs, develops, and implements a comprehensive program of services to meet the needs of students with disabilities within the framework of federal regulations, current accepted learning theories, and available financial resources.

• Manages the progress of students with disabilities concerning skills for college survival including learning strategies, self-advocacy, organizational skills, time management and social communication skills.

• Facilitates, in concert with the director, a program to improve knowledge, skills and usage of computers and assistive technologies by students with disabilities for the purpose of enhancing academic success.

• Manages daily operations of the testing center including staff supervision, test administration, and materials conversion.

• Coordinates acquisition of assistive technology, auxiliary aids, to provide infrastructure of equal access.

• Assists Director in managing fiscal operations of the office including overseeing budget, travel and human resources.

• Oversees all functions of department in Director's absence.

• Evaluates, verifies, and interprets documentation from various professionals to determine eligibility.

• Provides interpretation and assistance in implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and the Rehabilitations Act to faculty, staff, and administrators.

• Advises students, faculty, and departments on appropriate and recommended reasonable academic accommodations.

• Assists in development/implementation of DSS policies and procedures.

• Provides training to faculty and departments on disability awareness.

• Participates in professional organizations and professional development activities.

• Responsible for establishing job standards for subordinate staff and effectively evaluating staff under charge. The performance evaluation is conducted through the performance evaluation system and in accordance with the University Policies & Procedures.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Provides supervision and support for DSS staff and ensures that student, faculty and staff issues are addressed in Director's absence

• Maintains inventory of the office equipment and assistive technology equipment.

• Performs other duties as requested.

EDUCATION

Master's degree in Counseling (general or rehabilitation), Disability Studies, Higher Education, or related field.

EXPERIENCE

Three years in Higher Education, preferably in an office providing disability support services.

REQUIREMENT

Valid driver's license issued by the State of Texas and a safe driving record such as required by the university for Driver's Authorization.

Regular and reliable attendance at the University during regular scheduled days and work hours is an essential function of this position.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES - The following are essential:

• Ability to work with a diverse population.

• Ability to multi-task in a high traffic area with constant interruptions.

• Ability to think critically and logically to solve problems as they arise.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and the public.

• Ability to provide administrative guidance within area of responsibility, providing direct training and supervision as needed.

• Ability to apply budgetary and fiscal planning techniques within financial constraints.

• Ability to organize work effectively, conceptualize and prioritize objectives and exercise independent judgment based on an understanding of organizational policies and activities.

• Ability to communicate and have strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.

• Ability to use a personal computer and other office equipment, including related university software and email.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described in the Essential Duties and below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The employee may be required to travel.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

All employees are responsible for maintaining an environment that is free from discrimination, intimidation, harassment, including sexual harassment. Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment.

SAFETY

TWU promotes a safe working environment. Employees are responsible for completing assigned tasks safely and efficiently, and supervisors are responsible for creating and maintaining a safe work environment. Employees must report any unsafe work conditions or practices, as well as any near-miss incidents, to their supervisor and Risk Management. Supervisors and employees should ensure that injury/accident reports are submitted to the Office of Human Resources and Risk Management within 24 hours of the incident.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Texas Woman's University, an AA/EEO employer, provides equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected category, class or characteristic.

All offers of employment will be contingent on the candidate's ability to provide documents which establish proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States. Positions at Texas Woman's University deemed security-sensitive require background checks and verification of all academic credentials.

If you are a male between the age of 18 and 25, federal law requires that you must be registered with the U.S. Selective Service System, unless you meet certain exemptions under Selective Service law. Under HB 558, enacted by the 76th Texas State Legislature, if you are currently of the age and gender requiring registration with Selective Service, but knowingly and willfully fail to do so, you are ineligible for employment with an agency in any branch of Texas state government. For additional information regarding registration or status, you can contact the Selective Service System at 847-688-6888 or www.sss.gov.