Assistant Director, Disability Services

Villanova University, United States

Updated: 3 months ago
Location: Villanova, PENNSYLVANIA
Deadline: ;

Posting Details

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Posting Details (Default Section)


Posting Number: 20233876S
Position Title: Assistant Director, Disability Services
Position Type: Staff
Location: Villanova, PA
Recruitment Type: Internal/External Applicants
Work Schedule: full-time/12-months
Avg Hours Week
Department: 703-Disabled Student Services
Position Summary:
Villanova University’s Office of Disability Services (ODS) is rooted in values fundamental to the division of Student Life: to support the holistic development of students, to foster thriving through inclusion and belonging, to amplify equity and justice on campus, and to enhance well-being. The Office of Disability Services ensures that qualified students with disabilities have equal access to educational opportunities by eliminating physical and educational barriers. We provide support services and accommodations to students with disabilities so they are able to participate freely and actively in all facets of university life.
The Assistant Director for Disability Services works with the Director for the Office of Disability Services as a critical partner in the effort to create and maintain a positive university environment that encourages the success of all students. This includes assessment of difficulties influencing academic performance, individual academic coaching, and study skills strategies. They contribute to the provision of resources to facilitate the University’s compliance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding the provision of services to persons with disabilities. They interact closely with other university offices regarding students’ academic functioning and campus engagement. These include academic deans, academic advisors, faculty advisors, Learning Support Services and other student support offices, online program directors, and other members of the Division for Student Life. They assist the Director in interpreting medical documentation, determining and providing reasonable accommodations, auxiliary aids and services for qualified students with disabilities, referring students with personal, emotional, or psychological problems to Counseling Center, collaborates with Counseling Center colleagues in coordinating student care, and collaborates with other vital ODS partnerships such as Residence Life, Public Safety, Dining Services, University Health Center, Athletics, and the Dean of Students Office.
Villanova University is a nationally ranked university with a vibrant student population supported by dedicated staff, and faculty, located in the western suburbs of Philadelphia. Villanova’s mission calls us to foster a community where care and respect animate all aspects of university life, where our commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion informs our actions every day. At Villanova, we embrace St. Augustine’s belief that we learn best through our relationships and friendships with others, that our ties and connections to one another allow us to improve ourselves and the world around us. At Villanova and in Student Life, we are dedicated to the well-being and inclusion of every person with open collaboration among all of our campus partners to help each person flourish.
Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian order. Diversity and inclusion have been and will continue to be an integral component of Villanova University’s mission. The University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University’s mission and values.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Provide general orientation and individual assessment of study strategies, time management and organizational skills as well as disability related counseling. Provide support and outreach to students and faculty on various study skills topics.
  • Screen students for eligibility for services, and analyze and interpret documentation to determine eligibility for accommodations and appropriate accommodations. Determine eligibility for accessible education and accommodations that will shape the greater student experience at Villanova including but not limited to housing, dining, parking, health and wellness, student involvement and others as necessary. Assist in the administrative oversight of services and resources for students with disabilities, including, but not limited to, testing accommodations; academic assistance; auxiliary aids; note taking assistance, readers, scribes, and others as necessary. Maintain current files with confidential student information.
  • Provide faculty consultation with regards to accommodation and accessibility issues in the classroom. Assist staff in making co-curricular adaptations for program accessibility. Participate in programs, events, workshops, orientations, and training for members of the campus community to promote awareness of, sensitivity to, and understanding of issues related to access for persons with disabilities and students with various permanent or temporary needs. Communicate with campus community concerning issues and trends relevant to the development and success of students. Provide advocacy and coordination to the University’s reasonable accommodation process.
  • Provide leadership and coordination of services and develop and maintain effective working relationships with university departments, faculty and staff to provide information and guidance regarding programs and services.
  • In conjunction with Director, coordinate services with other programs, services and departments including Student Life, University Advancement, Student Involvement, Dining Services, Residence Life, Public Safety, University Health Center, ODEI, First- and Second-Year Initiatives, Dean of Students Office, etc. Serve as a liaison to community agencies, area school districts, and other disability service professionals.
  • Provide information regarding academic support services to inquiring students, parents/families, and referral agencies. Orient new students to the policies and procedures of the Office of Disability Services.
  • Maintain a strong network of Villanova Alumni to increase engagement and awareness with ODS programmatic initiatives.
  • Perform additional duties and assist with special projects as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree required.
  • One to three years in higher education including experience interpreting results of documentation or an equivalent combination of experience is required.
  • Knowledge of current methods of enhancing skills required for excellent academic performance, including assessment of academic difficulties.
  • Knowledge of the laws affecting persons with disabilities (Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act); experience determining reasonable academic accommodations at the post-secondary level, including knowledge of assistive technology including note taking and books in alternate formats.
  • Strong interpersonal, organizational and managerial skills required.
  • Skills in maintaining tact and equanimity is required when dealing with sensitive and confidential student information; exceptional oral and written communication.
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills to work with groups and individuals with diverse backgrounds and disabilities.
  • Strong computer skills (ClockWork, Banner, Word, Excel); willing to learn other software and technology. Demonstrated knowledge of assistive technology that promotes equal access for all students is essential.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Masters degree is preferred in Education, Special Education, Educational Psychology, Counseling or related discipline.
  • Experience with online learning and the technology associated with accessible formats preferred.
Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours:
The Office of Disability Services professional staff interacts extensively with students. Consequently, it is common for meetings and events to be scheduled beyond traditional work hours. A member of the Disability Services professional staff should anticipate the need to work in the evenings and on weekends, as necessary, throughout the academic year.
The Office of Disability Services is a high-traffic and busy work environment with multiple peak periods of work activity across the calendar year. Interruptions of work tasks to attend to phone or walk-in inquiries are the norm. It is important to address all inquiries with courtesy and accuracy.
Special Message to Applicants:
Posting Date: 12/12/2023
Closing Date (11:59pm ET):
Salary Posting Information:
Commensurate with experience.
Salary Band: I
Job Classification: exempt

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