Assistant Director Disability Services

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building: 50 Haven Avenue
• Salary Range: $85,000 - $100,000

Position Summary

Reporting to the Senior Executive Director, Disability Services, this position is responsible for the delivery and oversight of accommodations and  related services for students with disabilities, including academic accommodations, sign-language interpreting services, and housing accommodations for a caseload of students with disabilities enrolled at the schools and programs on the Columbia University Irving Medical Center Campus (CUIMC). The CUIMC schools are the College of Dental Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Mailman School of Public Health, and School of Nursing. In addition to Medicine, the College of Physicians and Surgeons also include the Institute of Human Nutrition as well as the Occupational and Physical Therapy programs.  This position will serve as a subject matter expert and primary resource to educate, train, and guide CUIMC departments and faculty in understanding disability access, rights and responsibilities.

This is an essential onsite role that requires occasional weekend and late evenings hours during times of peak operational volume.  Some hybrid work options may be considered. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. 

Responsibilities

• Manage reasonable accommodations and support services for students with disabilities. Evaluate all documentation received and obtain additional information when necessary.  Participate in discussions with appropriate university officials to determine the reasonableness of an accommodation and provide feedback regarding recommendations.  Conduct follow-up with students to determine effectiveness of action taken.  Ensure that criteria and procedures for assessing accommodations are clearly identified and disseminated.  Educate students in understanding their disabilities as well as their rights and responsibilities related to reasonable accommodations.  Ensure compliance with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 by monitoring successful implementation of individualized accommodations. 

• Manage active caseload of students with disabilities and develops a case management system that supports accurate record keeping for each student including relevant information related to eligibility, provision of services, and basis for accommodation decisions and recommendations. Primary responsibility will be for CUIMC students; however, some Morningside students may be assigned.

• Develop plans for individual students’ academic and/or personal accommodations in concert with other advisors as needed.   Oversee the registration process; advise students about the registration process and make recommendations for accommodations and support services.  Compile reports and analyze data regarding students registered with Disability services and accommodations data for CUIMC students, faculty, staff, and visitors--data elements include utilization, efficiency and cost. 

• Provide consultation relevant to disability issues.  Serve as a subject matter expert and liaison to other University departments and divisions to facilitate services for students with disabilities.  Interface regularly with faculty and University administrators, including CUIMC schools, Columbia Health, Public Safety, and Student Financial Services on disability issues.

• Present on behalf of Disability Services throughout campus.  Perform outreach to students, faculty and staff and represent Disability Services at orientation and other events. Provide ongoing technical assistance to faculty, class deans, and other advisors regarding the University's obligations to students with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Maintain knowledge of current federal, state and local regulations pertinent to students with disabilities in higher education.  Maintain and develop a network of contacts and actively seek out and participate in professional development activities to ensure a continual flow of current and emerging information in disability service.

• Manage accommodations for visitors and participants in on-campus events sponsored by the University as well as events not sponsored by the University but held in University facilities. 

• Assume functional and procedural supervision including performance management, mentoring, training, scheduling, and oversight of direct reports. Identify professional development opportunities for direct reports including assessing needs of staff and coordinating relevant trainings.

• Perform ongoing assessment of services and campus-wide Disability Services initiatives.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required. 

• Minimum of 4-5 years of experience in the provision of services for students with disabilities in a college/university setting or related field. 

• Must demonstrate knowledge of Section 504, ADA regulations and other relevant laws pertaining to disability in higher education.

• Expertise in evaluating documentation of disability, determining eligibility for services and accommodations, and generating a plan for the provision of services and accommodations in collaboration with the students, faculty and staff. 

• Requires exceptional case management and writing skills. Proven ability to communicate clearly and interact effectively with students, faculty, and staff from a broad range of programs and disciplines. 

• Supervisory experience required. Ability to exercise sound judgment, take initiative, and work as part of a team committed to diversity and multicultural issues.   

• Must be detail-oriented with strong organizational and follow-up skills and ability to pivot and work under pressure.

• Computer proficiency is required.  

Preferred Qualifications

•  Master's degree preferred in Counselor Education, Rehabilitation Counseling, Special education or related field. 

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.