Deputy Director, Student Disability Services

Deputy Director Of Student Disability Services

The Deputy Director of Student Disability Services works collaboratively with students, faculty, and staff across the University to determine and implement reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. The Deputy Director will help lead and manage services, support, and accommodations for students with disabilities and helps to remove barriers so that all students can fully participate in the life of the University. The Deputy Director employs knowledge of current disability services best practices and strategies and works as a resource to campus partners. The Deputy Director reports to the SDS Director and is responsible for managing and overseeing the staff operations of the department. The Deputy Director is in charge of all administrative functions for student service portfolios, communications for the department, and developing and monitoring progress toward departmental goals. In collaboration with the Director, the Deputy Director will actively engage in planning initiatives, assessing services, and representing Student Disability Services within the UChicago community.

Responsibilities include :

• Providing thought leadership, oversight for various aspects of the Student Disability Services office, and strong support for the goals developed by the Director, thus enabling focus on strategic initiatives.
• Hiring, supervising, and managing the workload of Associate / Assistant Directors and Access Coordinators' portfolios; establishing job standards and providing opportunities for staff and student employee development.
• Managing a caseload of students with disabilities, including conducting intake interviews, determining eligibility for reasonable accommodations, and facilitating the implementation of accommodations with campus partners.
• Effectively communicating with students and families regarding the disability accommodation process, resources, and referrals to other campus services.
• Overseeing all direct report's supervisory duties and implementation of auxiliary supports and services ensuring timely and effective implementation of accommodations such as notetaking services, communication access, testing accommodations, assistive technology, and accessible course materials.
• Conducting trainings for staff and campus stakeholders on disability rights, inclusion, and compliance with relevant legislation, including the ADA and the Rehabilitation Act.
• Collecting, verifying, and securely maintaining disability documentation and other relevant confidential information; analyzing students' diagnostic psycho-educational assessments; referring documentation for clinical reviews as necessary.
• Coordinating and collaborating with diverse university departments- including IT services, University Library Systems, Dining Services, College Housing, Facilities Services, Parking and Transportation, College Programming Office, Environmental Health & Safety, legal counsel, area deans of students, disability liaisons, faculty, advisory boards, administrators and others- as well as external agencies and vendors serving people with disabilities.
• Providing technical guidance and serving as a liaison to faculty, staff, administrators, other higher education institutions, and community disability organizations as needed.
• Maintaining accurate records and documentation; assisting with the development and revision of policies and procedures which reflect best practices among peer institutions; updating Student Disability Services website and newsletters; maintaining student-tracking database (AIM).
• Assisting the Director with budget management, including account monitoring, payroll processing, vendor / contractor accounting, and preparation of financial and administrative reports.
• Representing Student Disability Services on university-wide committees and at public events, presenting topics related to disability, accessibility, and SDS services.
• Overseeing compliance with university policies, regulations, and law related to disability services; monitoring and implementing activities outlined in the University's strategic plans.
• Supervising the implementation of compliance activities designated by the University's strategic plans. Monitoring University compliance with regulations and laws.
• Coordinating teams developing and administering policies related to affirmative action, non-discriminatory practices for persons with disabilities, and unlawful harassment or sexual misconduct.
• Performing other related work as needed.

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline. Preferred qualifications include a master's degree in higher education, disability services, rehabilitation, counseling or related field, progressively responsible work experience in disability services or a related field, demonstrated leadership and management experience, and strong interpersonal skills.

This is a 12-month, full-time position; weekend and evening hours may be required. Ability to use computers extensively for 6 hours or more. Ability to travel to various off-campus locations.

Application documents required include a resume and cover letter. The documents must be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.