The Assistant Director reports to the Director of Disability Support Services (DSS), assists in the day-to-day management of DSS, and acts as the unit leader in the absence of the Director. The Assistant Director works collaboratively with the DSS staff to provide equal access to students with documented disabilities, including but not limited to: physical/mobility disabilities, learning disabilities, neurological conditions, sensory disabilities, attention deficit disorders, psychological disabilities, and chronic medical conditions. The Assistant Director reviews documentation presented by students who self-identify as having disabilities and/or other academic concerns. Determines and implements reasonable and appropriate accommodations, academic adjustments, and auxiliary aids in compliance with university policy and federal/state equal access laws.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Assistant Director will be a valued member of the DSS team at the South Orange Seton Hall campus to support students with disabilities to be accommodated. We are seeking a proactive individual with experience in Disability Support Services that is student-focused, team-oriented, and enjoys working with people to acheive their goals. Assists in the day-to-day management of DSS, ensuring equal access for students with disabilities in compliance with university policy, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the New Jersey Law against Discrimination. This involves interfacing with students, faculty, and other administrators on a daily basis, as well as parents and external organizations on occasion. The Assistant Director assumes the leadership role of the unit in the absence of the Director.
This person will review documentation presented by students who self-identify as having disabilities to ensure compliance with university policy and federal/state equal access laws when determining reasonable accommodations on a case-by-case basis. Determines reasonable accommodations, academic adjustments, auxiliary aids, and academic interventions for students with disabilities. Produces faculty notification letters for distribution by students. Makes appropriate referrals to university support services and off campus professionals as needed. Provides guidance, educational screenings, and possible referrals for non-identified students who inquire about self-perceived disabilities.
This person will coordinate all aspects of note-taking accommodations, including the peer note-taking program and distribution of equipment. Maintains inventory of equipment loans. Provides training to students on how to use equipment and software. Ensures all equipment and technology is in good working condition.
This person will provide outreach to students by participating in open houses and new and transfer student orientation events. Provides training annually to many departments including, but not limited to, Freshman Studies, Housing and Residence Life, and EOP/Pre-Dental program. Presents to classes or to student organizations, as requested. Consults with and provides training materials and workshops for university faculty and staff to increase disability awareness and promote universal design of instruction.
The Assistant Director will communicate with a variety of individuals including but not limited to: one-on-one, group and/or workshop communication with students, parents, faculty, staff, and university administration. This position will also communicate with individuals and groups from other colleges and universities and professional organizations.
Required Qualifications:
Specific knowledge and understanding of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (504), the ADA Amendments Act, and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD) and their application to postsecondary education. Applicant must have specific knowledge and understanding of psychological, psychoeducational, neurological, and medical reports/evaluations and the ability to glean specific information to determine a student’s functional limitations in an academic setting. Competent clerical and reception skills. Must be familiar with basic office computer systems and have experience with the application of assistive technology in a postsecondary setting. Must be able to learn industry-specific database to manage accommodation requests, submit case notes, etc. The applicant must be able to develop and implement efficient processes for service delivery. The applicant must possess the critical reasoning skills necessary to come to logical conclusions when analyzing complex quantitative documentation and qualitative interview information. This position requires the ability to methodically perform the required due diligence when making disability related decisions. Must have excellent writing skills and the ability to produce accurate written correspondence and informational materials. Must have excellent oral communication skills with the ability to articulate a clear message both in one-on-one conversations and when presenting to a group. Must have a clear understanding of the academic setting demands of postsecondary education, and the ability to work a collaboratively and collegially with colleagues and other members of the university community. Must possess the leadership skills to supervise and manage the unit in the absence of the Director.
Desired Qualifications:
Bachelors degree required, masters preferred.
Salary Grade:
AD160 - Administrative
Exempt/Nonexempt:
Exempt
Physical Demands:
General Office Environment
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Seton Hall University is committed to programs of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and the principles of affirmative action.
Seton Hall University is a major Catholic university. In a diverse and collaborative environment it focuses on academic and ethical development. Seton Hall students are prepared to be leaders in their professional and community lives in a global society and are challenged by outstanding faculty, an evolving technologically advanced setting and values-centered curricula.