THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA

Position Description

Assistant Director
Disability Support Services

ORDER#:06-110
REQ#:100209
SALARY LEVEL: AS-5

The Catholic University of America (CUA), the national university of the Catholic Church, is a thriving community of research, teaching, learning and service in our nation’s capital city. The mission of the Student Life Division is to promote and facilitate the growth of students to a full and balanced maturity. The Office of the Dean of Students (DOS) supports the mission of the university by providing programs and services designed to encourage the development of the whole student throughout his or her CUA career.

The Office of Disability Support Services (DSS) provides programs and services designed to support and encourage the integration of students with disabilities into the mainstream of the university community. DSS coordinates support services for students with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, psychological disabilities, and some illnesses. Services include disability advocacy and advising, classroom and test accommodations, early registration, housing accommodations, assistance with foreign language substitution applications, taped/scanned books, assistive technology training, and referral for testing and additional services. In addition, DSS provides faculty and staff training and consultation on disability issues, and actively supports university recruitment and retention initiatives.

Position Summary
In support of all aspects of the mission of the department, division, and University, the assistant director is responsible for the coordination and implementation of accommodations and services for students with Learning Disabilities (LD), Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD), and Traumatic/Acquired Brain Injuries (T/ABI) for the Office of Disability Support Services under the mandates of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

The Assistant Director acts to support the integration of students with disabilities into the student community and serves as a resource for faculty and staff regarding disability issues. In this capacity, the assistant director works with undergraduate, graduate and Law School students, and alumnae on an as-needed basis and in accordance with the regulations established under disability law.

The assistant director, in collaboration with the Director and other staff, is responsible for developing, implementing and evaluating systems and processes of the essential functions of the office. The assistant director ensures that programs and services are implemented with attention to high standards, quality, collaboration and fiscal soundness. In addition, the assistant director will support departmental and divisional programmatic initiatives that positively impact student retention, academic success, and enrichment.

The assistant directors primarily responsibilities include the following:
• Plan, develop, implement and evaluate disability support systems and processes which supplement global University and departmental objectives and provide support services and program access for students with disabilities.
• Review and interpret confidential psycho-educational evaluations to determine eligibility for services and prescribe appropriate academic accommodations. Develop, monitor, adjust, and evaluate individual accommodations for students with LD, AD/HD, T/ABI based on individual documentation, needs, and abilities.
• Assist with the development, coordination, and implementation of faculty and staff workshops and seminars on disability law and serving students with disabilities.
• Provide information about disability-related services and documentation requirements to current and prospective students, parents, university administration, faculty, staff, and high school teachers/counselors.
• Have a working knowledge of disability law and current trends in higher education for students with disabilities.
• Compile data and statistics reflecting progress, trends, use of services and appropriate recommendations for future initiatives. Directly manage departmental database, and serve as the departmental expert for and liaison to this software.

This position reports to the Director of Disability Support Services and represents the department in a variety of public relations forums and university events. The Assistant Director assists the Director with specific administrative tasks as necessary and acts in the absence of the Director.

Minimum Qualifications
An earned Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Personnel, Special Education, Rehabilitation Counseling or a related field, or equivalent experience in disability service provision.
The incumbent will have a minimum of three years experience with disability support service provision at the post-secondary level, or equivalent in training and experience.

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Needed
Ability to interpret psycho-educational evaluations and determine eligibility for services. Working knowledge of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 508 of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and other appropriate laws pertaining to higher education and disability; Strong computer skills, including all MS applications and database management software; Supervisory/managerial experience; Strong oral, written and interpersonal communication skills; experience presenting information to a diverse group of individuals; Proven “hands on” and energetic team member. High degree of initiative and ability to work with minimal supervision; Good collaborative, problem-solving, planning and organizational skills. Strong ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, and handle heavy workloads under pressure and within deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications
Sign Language, Assistive or Instructive Technology, or Diagnostic Cognitive Assessment

Working Conditions
Must be supportive of the mission and vision of The Catholic University of America. CUA was founded in the name of the Catholic Church and maintains a unique relationship with it. The University’s operations, policies, and activities reflect this foundation and relationship and are conducted in accordance with its stated mission. Regardless of their religious affiliation or denominational affiliation, all employees are expected to conduct and support the University’s mission in the fulfillment of their responsibilities and obligations appropriate to their appointment.

CUA is a smoke, alcohol, and drug free workplace.

To apply, submit a completed CUA Application for Employment as well as any necessary attachments such as a cover letter, resume, and the names and telephone numbers of 3 professional references to: The Catholic University of America, Office of Human Resources, ATTN Employment Manager, Washington, D.C. 20064. You may also apply by e-mail to: resumes@cua.edu or by fax to: (202) 319-5802. http://humanresources.cua.edu/

The Catholic University of America is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.