Disability Services Specialist

Palm Beach Atlantic University•West Palm Beach, FL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

In support of the university’s mission and objectives, the Disability Services Specialist assists in the management of disability services accommodations, ensuring compliance with ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. This role involves guiding students and families through the accommodation request process, maintaining accurate student records in the accommodations management system, and collaborating with faculty and staff to communicate policies and guidelines related to disability services. The specialist works closely with university departments to ensure accessibility, provide solutions to recurring challenges, and support the academic success of students with disabilities.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in special education, education, counseling, psychology, social work, or related field, required
1+ years of experience with diverse student populations in supplemental instruction and academic support models.
Proficient knowledge of the ADA, ADAAA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and FERPA.
Customer Service Orientation – Keeps internal and/or external key stakeholder(s), students, parents, faculty, staff and community partners in mind at all times.
Professionalism – Displays a high level of professionalism, e.g. timeliness, reliability, communication, and work ethic.
Christ-first Faith – Provides spiritual support to community members, including students, on their Christian faith journey.
Adaptable/Flexibility – Ability to change or adjust to change.
Analytical Thinking & Decision Making – Identifies and understands trends and/or issues, connects data points through analysis and logical conclusions/actionable strategies.
Attention to Detail – Ability to efficiently and accurately focus on a specific task or number of tasks. Reviews details with a critical eye.
Change Management – Ability to drive and implement change both internally and externally.
Confidentiality – Maintains the necessary confidentiality and discretion required for the position.
Conflict Management – Functions professionally and wisely during difficult conversations, while under stress, and while managing challenging situations.
Continuous Improvement – Implement or brainstorm ways to optimize a process.
Effective Communication – Expresses ideas and information in a clear and concise manner both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well-articulated messaging across a wide variety of audiences.
Establishes Trust – Gains the confidence of others by actions and words that promote being honest, forthcoming, and vulnerable.
Problem-solving – Anticipates, evaluates, diagnoses, and resolves problems in a systematic and fact-based manner.
Project and Time Management – Effective planning and priority setting. Ability to manage several complex projects simultaneously while working under pressure to meet deadlines.
Results Orientation & Accountability – Takes accountability and identifies, executes and drives actions to consistently achieve desired results.
Self-development – Grow one’s self-awareness, abilities, skills, and/or talent.
Strategic Mindset – Ability to step out of the everyday details, view the situation from above and provide an objective perspective
Teamwork & Collaboration – Creates a climate that fosters commitment to a common vision and shared values that promote cooperation and working together through trust and support of others both departmentally and cross-functionally.
Technology – Strong aptitude to learn new technologies as department processes evolve.
Ability to work non-routine hours during certain times of the year.
Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Engages with both current and prospective students and parents/guardians to guide them through the accommodation requests process.
Determines and grants reasonable accommodations in compliance with ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Monitors, adjusts, and evaluates the accommodation process to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations pertaining to disability and accessibility services.
Maintains student profiles and records in the accommodations management system.
Serves as a liaison between the university and our accommodations management system vendor.
Communicates effectively with faculty members regarding accommodations and ensures clear explanations of policies and guidelines.
Facilitates educational and informational sessions for faculty, staff, and student leaders, focusing on effective strategies for supporting students with disabilities and optimizing the use of the accommodations management system.
Cultivates relationships and collaborates with university partners (Academic Affairs, Residence Life and Housing, Dining, Auxiliary Services, Facilities, ITS, and Human Resources) on accommodation requests and approvals.
Identifies consistent areas of struggle for students with accommodations and partners with other university offices to provide pathways to success.
Manages students’ dietary accommodations and/or housing accommodations processes, facilitating coordination with appropriate university departments, as needed.