Student Disability Coordinator

The Pennsylvania State University • University Park, FL

3d • $51,000 - $74,000

About The Position

The Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity invites applications for the position of a Student Disability Coordinator in Student Disability Resources (SDR). This position will be responsible for ensuring students with disabilities receive equal access to educational pursuits (e.g., classrooms, instruction, materials, media) through the provision of reasonable accommodations. This involves interacting with faculty and staff to implement accommodations while maintaining the integrity of courses, programs, or policies. This position acts in accordance with federal and state disability laws.

Unique Aspects of the Job:

Apply independent judgment and expertise in a student-centered position
Respond to multi-dimensional matters involving students in crisis, at risk, with intersectional identities, or who have other urgent needs impacting academics, as well as provide guidance to students and their families on sensitive and confidential issues
Support students with disabilities in navigating the complexity of college transition including, but not limited to, legal transition from K-12 to higher education in the rights and responsibilities of students and the obligations of the university; change in academic expectations and environment from high school; and the role and involvement of the students’ family or guardians
Provide disability-related academic support services (i.e., self-advocacy, time management, organization, study skills) and career planning

Requirements

• Demonstrated knowledge of different types of disabilities including, but not limited to, learning, psychological, chronic illnesses, neurological, sensory, mobility, and temporary
• Ability to review, analyze, and interpret medical documentation, neuropsychological reports, other evaluations, and self-reports in order to determine appropriate academic accommodations for each student
• Working knowledge of federal and state laws pertaining to individuals with disabilities (i.e., ADAAA, Section 504), as well as the ability to explain them and the implications for students with disabilities
• Thorough understanding of appropriate accommodations for students with disabilities at the postsecondary level
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, writing, and organizational skills to interact effectively with students, campus disability coordinators, faculty, and university departments
• Master's Degree
• 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in higher education, social work, rehabilitation counseling, or related field

Responsibilities

• Use expertise and analysis of individual student situations, observations, self-reports, and documentation to determine eligibility for services and appropriate accommodations
• Develop, monitor, evaluate, and adjust individual accommodation letters for students
• Provide ongoing student case management, follow-up, and support of accommodations, as well as related faculty support
• Administer and implement approved academic accommodations in collaboration with faculty and staff
• Deliver direct guidance to students on a range of issues such as academic progress, academic program policies, accessibility, and career plans in order to assist them in connecting with available resources and making appropriate choices and decisions
• Interact and collaborate with others including, but not limited to, SDR staff, faculty, academic advisers, and other university staff to troubleshoot and resolve student needs and concerns, interpret policies, and mediate complex and sensitive issues
• Maintain accurate and confidential student files, records, and correspondence
• Act as a resource to campus disability offices and SDR, as well as to the larger university community

Benefits

• Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.
• In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time.
• One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees