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Northeastern University

Disability Specialist

Northeastern University, Oakland, California, United States, 94616


About the Opportunity

Summary of Position:

The DAS Specialist serves as an integral part of Disability and Access Services (DAS), Oakland. Under the general direction of the Associate Director, the Disability Specialist is responsible for the formulation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of appropriate services for students with disabilities with a focus on maintaining innovative student-centered services. This position plays a pivotal role in providing integration of students with disabilities into the Northeastern University community. DAS provides a wide range of legally and professionally required services to students with accommodations. This is a high volume, high intensity position that requires daily interactions with students who may feel distressed.

Essential Job Functions:Direct Service to Students

Counsel and advise students; provide specialized skills and compensatory strategies for students with disabilities.Advocate for students with disabilities with faculty, administrators, and parents.Guide faculty to an understanding of how to make accommodation for students in their classes. Support student advocacy and learning strategies.Provide support services to ensure the academic success, retention, and graduation of students with disabilities.Support with Testing Center functions such as supervising the scheduling and coordination related to test proctoring and managing student workers who function as test proctors, note takers and other accommodation related jobs

Review and Establish Services for Students with Disabilities

Determines eligibility for services and determine appropriate academic accommodations and auxiliary services based on provided medical documentation.Manage and maintain a caseload of students, communication students and complete records.Assist current and prospective students and their families through the process of acquiring appropriate documentation and registering for services.Work closely with Housing, Dining Services and Residential Life to ensure students, their emotional support animals, service animals, and the campus communities' needs are met.

Outreach and Training

Under the direction of the Associate Director, participate in education efforts to assist departments within the University to understand the policies and procedures involved in providing access individuals with disabilities and to improve the quality of access and services at Northeastern University.Participate in outreach and training efforts to students eligible for services through Disability Access Services (DAS).Provide training for the Northeastern University Oakland community on ADA principles and best practices for accommodations.Function as a resource expert in disability as it relates to a student's education and access.

Committees and Miscellaneous

Participate in departmental committees.Co-lead the Divisional efforts to build relationships with students and faculty to ensure we are meeting the needs of our campus communityAdditional duties and projects as assigned by the Associate Director

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

Participate in the Oakland CARE team, and other committees as required.Support the mission and goals of the Division of Student Life including some evening or weekend work during peak times of the yearAdditional duties and projects as assigned by the Associate Director.Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

Strong case management skills working with historically marginalized communitiesExceptional customer service experience in a fast-paced office environmentStudent centric practices; problem analysis and problem-solvingMicrosoft Office (especially Excel)Disability related laws including, but not limited to, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Federal Fair Housing Act, and Office of Civil Rights (OCR) rulingsUnderstanding of all the components of auxiliary services including alternative formats and accessible technologyUnderstanding and experience with institution grounded in a social justice mission orientated foundationSkills and Abilities:

Interpersonal skills, discretion, confidentiality, patience, diplomacy, and courtesyA commitment to personal learning and continued growth around areas of race, gender, power, and privilegeOral, written and organizational skills with attention to detail/accuracyExercise appropriate initiativeTime management skills and ability to manage multiple projects requiring independent execution.Work under pressure and deadlinesBuild positive relationships with various constituencies of the Northeastern University's diverse, multi- cultural. global communityDemonstrate skills in problem identification, sound judgment, transparent decision making, critical thinking, and creative problem solvingExcellent group process and communication skills, problem-solving skills to resolve academic accommodation and/or disability management, and interpersonal, organizational, verbal, and written communication skills.Ability to update skills on a continual basis and complete appropriate training and certificationsEducation and Training:

Bachelor's degree AND 2+ years of experience in a similar setting, master's degree (preferred) in Rehabilitation Counseling, Counseling, Educational Psychology. Social Work, or related field or, equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities have been achieved.Working knowledge of ADAAA and regulations and the ability to explain them and the implications for students with disabilities in higher education, as well as principles, concepts, methods, and techniques of universal design.Experience with standards, requirements, and regulations regarding confidentiality of information.Experience with evaluating disability documentation, including psychoeducational, psychological, and medical evaluations.Demonstrated knowledge of computer and assistive technologies.Experience working with disability services in education or applicable areasExperience managing disability and accommodations in an electronic records platform, preferred, or similar management experience.Experience in developing and presenting in-service trainingPhysical, Mental and Environmental Demands:

Work primarily involves sitting for long hours and using office equipment.The incumbent may spend hours on the computer entering data which requires attention to detail and high levels of accuracy.Work often requires bending to adjust or work with office equipment.The incumbent will be in a busy, open office area. Interruptions and meeting with a variety of people will be required on a regular basis.

This is an in person, student facing role.

The expected hiring salary for this position is $72,688.83, based on the position's scope and responsibilities.

Position Type

Student Services

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.

Northeastern University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff. Northeastern values and celebrates diversity in all its forms and strives to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

To learn more about Northeastern University's commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please see www.northeastern.edu/diversity.