Overview

Concordia University is needing a Disability Support Services Coordinator who wants to be a part of this mission.  The main campus (and this role) is located in Seward, Nebraska. If you thrive in a Christian atmosphere and community-driven environment, you will enjoy Concordia University’s community feel. If you want to learn more about Concordia University, Nebraska, please visit www.cune.edu.

Position Purpose:
The primary function is to provide comprehensive disability support services to help students achieve their academic potential and to ensure that the programs of the University are accessible to all students.  This is accomplished through academic accommodation(s), as necessary, academic support services, and University and external consultation within the context of Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act as amended and the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act as amended.  This is a full-time position with full-times benefits package.

Responsibilities:

  • Has primary responsibility for Disability Support Services (DSS).
  • Collaborates in all aspects of the Academic Resource Center (ARC): tutoring and writing services offered; academic guidance (includes conditionally admitted students and students on academic probation); and academic services for students with documented disabilities.  Collaborates with ARC personnel to develop goals and implement strategies consistent with overall strategic plan for the Academic Resource Center.
  • Provides the highest quality resources and disability support services to all CUNE students at Concordia University, Nebraska.
  • Develops programs and services for students with disabilities based on needs assessment and evaluation.
  • For individual students: assesses accommodation requests, reviews documentation, develops accommodation plan, distributes accommodation plans to students and faculty, assists with implementation of accommodations as needed, refers to appropriate offices when needed.
  • Reviews and assesses requests and documentation for student disability-related accommodations related to housing and dining services.
  • Reviews and assesses requests and documentation for emotional support animals within campus housing, in accordance with FHA guidance and laws.  Is familiar with federal and state laws pertaining to service animals.
  • Creates, maintains, and/or updates all policies, guidelines and forms related to accommodation requests and implementation.
  • Remains knowledgeable of current state and federal laws, regulations and trends in the field of education related to equal access, and discriminatory practices that violate Section 504/ADA.
  • Updates web pages for DSS reflecting services provided, best practices, and information and resources for parents, faculty, and students.
  • Serves in a consultative role with faculty, staff, and students within the undergraduate and graduate colleges to identify barriers that limit access to programs and services on the physical campus and within the virtual/online campus.
  • Designs and conducts programming to educate the CUNE community about the needs of students with disabilities at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
  • Collaborates with all faculty (including adjunct faculty) and other campus entities to ensure and provide services and accommodations to students with disabilities.
  • Identifies strategies and resources (internal and external) to consult and/or facilitate Best Practice responses to disability issues and accommodation requests.
  • Explains University services and procedures to students and families, fields phone inquiries and email communications.
  • Secures alternate formats of textbooks, materials, and/or assistive technology needed for students with accommodations.
  • Manages a caseload of students for academic coaching in collaboration with ARC.
  • Remains knowledgeable about state and federal laws, as well as legal decisions related to Assistive Technology in post-secondary institutions.
  • Manages, oversees and projects budget for DSS/ADA services to ensure balance at end of each fiscal year.
  • Serves on campus committees related to (but not limited to) students with disabilities and students at risk of low academic performance.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education-

  • Master’s degree in educational psychology, special education or a related field and demonstrated work experience in college-level student support services, preferably serving students with learning and other cognitive disabilities preferred.

 

Experience-

  • Three years of experience implementing legally mandated accommodations and understanding the needs of students and disabilities in a higher education setting preferred.

 

Specialized Knowledge-

  • Clear knowledge and understanding of all relevant legislation–Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and related standards, and translation of legislation into policy.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of all categories of disabilities and appropriate accommodations in higher education setting.
  • Demonstrated ability to interpret psycho-educational assessment tools, standardized assessments, medical and diagnostic reports; summarize reports written by others; draws service implications from them.
  • Best practices related to students at-risk and supporting students academically in a higher education setting.
  • Knowledge of adaptive equipment and assistive technology.

 

Proficiencies-

  • Proficiency in use of software applications including Microsoft applications, databases, spreadsheets and word processing required.