Assistant Director of Counseling Services for Student Accessibility Support Center

Stony Brook University•Town of Brookhaven, NY

4d•$75,000 - $77,000

About The Position

The Assistant Director will work with the Associate Director on providing leadership, building consensus, and offering consultation to address the reasonable accommodation process across a decentralized environment. In collaboration with and in their absence of the Associate Director, the Assistant Director will provide supervisory oversight of professional staff and programs. The incumbent is responsible for determining eligibility and overseeing the facilitation of reasonable accommodations for qualified university students with disabilities to ensure equitable access to the programs, services and activities for the institution. They will serve as a resource for students and their families; meeting with and assisting regarding accommodations, academic performance, registration, and referrals to appropriate resources. The Assistant Director will liaise with faculty members and service providers within the Stony Brook University community to advocate for student needs and will take a lead role in outreach activities aimed at student, family, and university community education. The incumbent will identify and assist in developing new programs that meet the evolving needs of students with disabilities, and will collaborate with Admissions, Academic Advising, Residence Life, and other areas across campus to address accommodation needs and raise awareness. The Assistant Director serves as a member of the SASC leadership team and supports the Associate Director in ensuring departmental compliance with Section 504 and the ADAAA. This position assists with strategic planning, operational oversight, and supervision of professional staff to ensure equitable access for students with disabilities. In the absence of the Associate Director, the Assistant Director assumes responsibility for departmental management and decision-making. Additionally, the incumbent will analyze best practices and trends related to ADA and disability-related issues and provide recommendations to the Associate Director for implementation. The Assistant Director may represent the Associate Director, Director, and/or SASC at university meetings, as necessary. The incumbent plays a crucial role as a team member within Student Health, Wellness & Prevention Services. In this capacity, they collaborate with other team members to collectively contribute to the overall functioning and effectiveness of the services provided. This involves actively participating in team meetings, sharing insights, and engaging in collaborative decision-making processes. The incumbent's role extends to fostering a cooperative and supportive atmosphere, ensuring seamless teamwork, and collectively working towards the common goals and objectives of Student Health, Wellness & Prevention Services. Supervision of Counselors & Accommodation Process Provide direct supervision, training, and support to counselors managing accommodation requests. Ensure compliance with federal regulations and institutional policies. Serve as subject matter expert on accommodations, guiding counselors in applying federal and state mandates. Confer with staff to address problem-solving situations and provide technical guidance. Clarify individual program goals and advise on procedural matters. Track and analyze productivity data to monitor efficiency and outcomes. Recommend improvements based on data and program needs. Participate in program assessment, long-term planning, and reporting. Staff Development, Supervision and Educational Services Contribute to the evolution of SASC by staying abreast of current legislation, emerging research, national trends, and resources for students with disabilities in higher education. Consult with the Director and University Counsel regarding legal related concerns. Supervise, train, and evaluate the SASC staff to ensure compliance with ADA, section 504 and section 508 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Coordinate the response to crises with the Director and provide support for staff through the assessment process. Consult with students regarding reasonable accommodations, monitor their progress and follow-up as needed. Provide academic supportive counseling to students. Assist students in developing problem-solving approaches through which they can address their needs and concerns. Serve as a resource to the student and make appropriate referrals to campus partners. Compliance, Data and Assessment Assist in the collection of data and reports to support strategic planning. Acts as a resource for faculty and mediates between faculty and students grievances. Conduct intake interviews and evaluate student’s eligibility for accommodation under the American with Disabilities Act by assessing the student’s documentation of disability. Keep accurate, comprehensive, and up-to-date records related to the student. Academic Advising, Academic Departments, Center for Prevention and Outreach, Counseling and Psychological Services, Office of Institutional Diversity and Equity, Student Accessibility Support Center, Student Health Services, University Police, and other Student Affairs or University departments. Professional Development and Committee Involvement Participates in opportunities that promote their learning, growth, and development (i.e., classes, training, committees, webinars). Contributes to the Division of Student Affairs and Stony Brook University by attending and/or supporting events, activities, and programs sponsored by areas within and outside of your department/unit (i.e., campus-wide traditions, events, programs). Other duties or projects as assigned as appropriate to rank and departmental mission. Evening and weekend work will be required at times.

Requirements

Master’s degree (foreign equivalent or higher) in Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, Education, or a related field.
Three (3) years of full time experience working with young adults with disabilities in an educational or community setting.
Knowledge and experience with Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Nice To Haves

Experience assessing documentation and creating accommodation plans.
Clinical experience providing crisis intervention, including suicide risk assessment and management.
Leadership experience.
Experience with legal issues and case law related to disability services in higher education.
Experience working in testing center operations.

Responsibilities

Provide direct supervision, training, and support to counselors managing accommodation requests.
Ensure compliance with federal regulations and institutional policies.
Serve as subject matter expert on accommodations, guiding counselors in applying federal and state mandates.
Confer with staff to address problem-solving situations and provide technical guidance.
Clarify individual program goals and advise on procedural matters.
Track and analyze productivity data to monitor efficiency and outcomes.
Recommend improvements based on data and program needs.
Participate in program assessment, long-term planning, and reporting.
Contribute to the evolution of SASC by staying abreast of current legislation, emerging research, national trends, and resources for students with disabilities in higher education.
Consult with the Director and University Counsel regarding legal related concerns.
Supervise, train, and evaluate the SASC staff to ensure compliance with ADA, section 504 and section 508 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Coordinate the response to crises with the Director and provide support for staff through the assessment process.
Consult with students regarding reasonable accommodations, monitor their progress and follow-up as needed.
Provide academic supportive counseling to students.
Assist students in developing problem-solving approaches through which they can address their needs and concerns.
Serve as a resource to the student and make appropriate referrals to campus partners.
Assist in the collection of data and reports to support strategic planning.
Acts as a resource for faculty and mediates between faculty and students grievances.
Conduct intake interviews and evaluate student’s eligibility for accommodation under the American with Disabilities Act by assessing the student’s documentation of disability.
Keep accurate, comprehensive, and up-to-date records related to the student.
Participates in opportunities that promote their learning, growth, and development (i.e., classes, training, committees, webinars).
Contributes to the Division of Student Affairs and Stony Brook University by attending and/or supporting events, activities, and programs sponsored by areas within and outside of your department/unit (i.e., campus-wide traditions, events, programs).
Other duties or projects as assigned as appropriate to rank and departmental mission.