Disability Accommodations Director

Aurora University seeks talented staff and administrators who are passionate about supporting an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning.

Position Purpose: The Disability Accommodations Director supports Aurora University by coordinating services provided to students with disabilities. The person in this position is responsible for ensuring compliance in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (1973) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990). The Director will oversee services classified as reasonable accommodation such as note-takers, readers, sign language interpreters, equipment loans, modified testing services, advocacy, and other adaptations. Accommodations and services are provided to students who self-disclose and supply verification of the existence of a disabling condition. A person is considered disabled when he or she has a mental or physical impairment that limits one or more major life activities such as mobility, hearing, sight, and learning.

Core Competencies:

  1. Represents Aurora University in the most positive manner with prospective, former and current students, clients, suppliers, and the community we serve. Interacts effectively with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students and other customers of our service, learns and uses operating practices of the department and Aurora University.
  2. Upholds the Mission Statement: Aurora University is an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning. As a teaching-centered institution, we encourage undergraduate and graduate students to discover what it takes to build meaningful and examined lives. We empower our students to achieve lasting personal and professional success.
  3. Handles all information with tact and discretion and recognizes the confidential nature of university business.
  4. Supports learning through performance of essential job functions and performing other duties and functions as necessary or as assigned.

Essential Job Functions:

  1. Evaluates student documentation and provides eligibility determination for accommodations in accordance with ADA, Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, and ADAA.
  2. Conducts access meetings with new students and determines appropriate level of services (provisional, temporary, permanent) and makes recommendations for accommodations, services, and referrals.
  3. Arranges for the implementation of accommodations to meet student needs and performs other duties to facilitate equal access.
  4. Ensures compliance with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 by monitoring the successful implementation of individualized accommodations.
  5. Works collaboratively with faculty, staff, and external service providers and agencies to coordinate and implement all access-related services for students.
  6. Manages daily operations of the testing center with a focus on academic integrity, which includes staff supervision, test administration, and materials conversion.
  7. Oversees the provision of assistive technology and coordinates the acquisition of auxiliary aids, interpreters/captioning services, etc. to provide an infrastructure of equal access.
  8. Provides and/or coordinates students/staff assistive technology training.
  9. Coordinates the acquisition of alternate formats for printed materials as needed.
  10. Maintains confidential, accurate, and complete records of student accommodations.
  11. Meets with registered students to ensure awareness of university resources and services and advocates for utilization.
  12. Teaches self-advocacy skills so students can effectively communicate with faculty, staff, and peers.
  13. Creates materials designed to educate students with disabilities on services available at Aurora University.
  14. Collects, maintains, and analyzes student data for on-going departmental review and improvement.
  15. Works collaboratively with AU's Pathways program.

Essential Job Requirements:

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in education, special education, psychology, counseling, or related field; Master's degree in higher education administration, student personnel, special education, rehabilitation counseling, or a related field preferred.

Experience:

  • Two years of professional experience working with students with disabilities in an educational or comparable institutional setting.
  • Experience reviewing and/or interpreting disability documentation (e.g. psychological assessments, special education records, audiology reports, etc.) for the purpose of determining reasonable accommodations.
  • A minimum of three years of disability support or related experience is required, preferably at a post­ secondary institution.
  • Experience working with students with disabilities.
  • Experience with assistive technology and textbooks in an alternative format.

Skills:

  • Knowledge of the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
  • Ability to work with confidential, highly sensitive information.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication and problem-solving skills.
  • Outstanding organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
  • Must be a self-starter with the ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and meet deadlines in a timely manner.
  • Reliable, punctual, prompt, and efficient.
  • Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with campus partners, characterized by cooperation, attention to detail, flexibility, and personal responsibility.
  • Professional and team-oriented with an ability to interact with diverse groups of students, parents, faculty, and staff with respect and sensitivity.
  • Computer proficiency is required including using Microsoft Office programs.

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to sit or stand at a desk.
  • Ability to move about campus.
  • Ability to bend, stoop, use stairs, and lift up to 25 pounds.
  • Ability to use a computer and general office equipment.
  • Travel in own vehicle to other AU locations.

Benefit-eligible positions offer excellent benefits including health, dental, life, vision, long term disability, a 403(b) retirement plan through TIAA, and tuition remission.

To apply, please send resume, cover letter, and contact information for three references including name, telephone, and email address.

If you were referred by a current employee of Aurora University please include the name of the employee in your submission.

Aurora University
Human Resources
347 South Gladstone Ave
Aurora, IL 60506
jobs@aurora.edu - email

Aurora University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.