Deputy Director

Department

CSL Student Disability Leadership

About the Department

Campus and Student Life (CSL) is comprised of a variety of departments that serve all of the University's undergraduate, graduate, and professional school students, as well as the campus community more broadly. CSL's programs and services focus on supporting student academic success, promoting wellbeing, providing opportunities for personal growth and leadership development, developing community and engagement through the residential housing and dining program, and in areas such as artistic expression, spiritual exploration, and athletic competition. CSL has a profound commitment to the diversity of the University of Chicago community and is focused on creating an environment where students can thrive. Through its wide array of programs and services, CSL provides opportunities and experiences that build community, help students grow personally and professionally, and create a place that students can call home.

Student Disability Services (SDS), a department within Campus and Student Life, works in collaboration with University of Chicago faculty and staff to provide resources, support, and accommodations to ensure that all aspects of student life are accessible and inclusive of persons with disabilities. To ensure the intellectual richness of research and education, the University of Chicago seeks to provide an environment conducive to learning, teaching, working, and conducting research that values the diversity of its community. The University strives to be supportive of the academic, personal, and work-related needs of each individual and is committed to facilitating the full participation of students with a disability in the life of the University. The University is committed to complying with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director of Student Disability Services, the Deputy Director of Student Disability Services works collaboratively with students, faculty and staff across the University to determine and implement reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. The Deputy Director will help lead and manage services, support, and accommodations for students with disabilities and helps to remove barriers so that all students can fully participate in the life of the University. The Deputy Director employs knowledge of current disability services best practices and strategies and works as a resource to campus partners. The Deputy Director reports to the SDS Director and is responsible for managing and overseeing the staff operations of the department. The Deputy Director is in charge of all administrative functions for student service portfolios, communications for the department, and developing and monitoring progress toward departmental goals. In collaboration with the Director, the Deputy Director will actively engage in planning initiatives, assessing services, and representing Student Disability Services within the UChicago community.

Responsibilities

• Provides thought leadership, oversight for various aspects of the Student Disability Services office, and strong support for the goals developed by the Director, thus enabling focus on strategic initiatives.

• Hires, supervises, and manages the workload of Associate/Assistant Directors and Access Coordinators’ portfolios; establishes job standards and provides opportunities for staff and student employee development.

• Manages a caseload of students with disabilities, including conducting intake interviews, determining eligibility for reasonable accommodations, and facilitating the implementation of accommodations with campus partners.

• Effectively communicates with students and families regarding the disability accommodation process, resources, and referrals to other campus services.

• Oversees all direct report’s supervisory duties and implementation of auxiliary supports and services ensuring timely and effective implementation of accommodations such as notetaking services, communication access, testing accommodations, assistive technology, and accessible course materials.

• Conducts trainings for staff and campus stakeholders on disability rights, inclusion, and compliance with relevant legislation, including the ADA and the Rehabilitation Act.

• Collects, verifies, and securely maintains disability documentation and other relevant confidential information; analyzes students' diagnostic psycho-educational assessments; refers documentation for clinical reviews as necessary.

• Coordinates and collaborates with diverse university departments- including   IT services, University Library Systems, Dining Services, College Housing, Facilities Services, Parking and Transportation, College Programming Office, Environmental Health & Safety, legal counsel, area deans of students, disability liaisons, faculty, advisory boards, administrators and others- as well as external agencies and vendors serving people with disabilities.

• Provides technical guidance and serves as a liaison to faculty, staff, administrators, other higher education institutions, and community disability organizations as needed.

• Maintains accurate records and documentation; assists with the development and revision of policies and procedures which reflect best practices among peer institutions; updates Student Disability Services website and newsletters; maintains student-tracking database (AIM).

• Assists the Director with budget management, including account monitoring, payroll processing, vendor/contractor accounting, and preparation of financial and administrative reports.  

• Represents Student Disability Services on university-wide committees and at public events, presenting topics related to disability, accessibility, and SDS services.

• Oversees compliance with university policies, regulations, and law related to disability services; monitors and implements activities outlined in the University's strategic plans.

• Supervises the implementation of compliance activities designated by the University's strategic plans. Monitors University compliance with regulations and laws.

• Coordinates teams developing and administering policies related to affirmative action, non-discriminatory practices for persons with disabilities, and unlawful harassment or sexual misconduct.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Master's degree in higher education, disability services, rehabilitation, counseling or related field.

Experience:

• Progressively responsible work experience in disability services or a related field.
• Demonstrated leadership and management experience strongly preferred.
• Supervision experience.
• Prior experience in an educational or university setting.
• Knowledge of a wide range of disabilities.
• Knowledge of disability accommodations and best practices in the provision of services to students with disabilities in a college setting.
• Familiarity with available software and assistive technologies.
• Prior experience working with learning communities specifically designed for students with disabilities.
• Knowledge of best practices and innovations in the field.
• In-depth knowledge of the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to confidently engage and communicate with a wide variety of stakeholders with a high degree of discretion and diplomacy.
• Demonstrated experience communicating effectively in various forms with diverse populations.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Preferred Competencies

• Excellent judgment and problem solving skills.
• Handle highly confidential material and maintain discretion.
• Communicate in writing.
• Communicate orally.
• Condense complicated issues to simple summaries that can be understood by a variety of constituents.
• Create and deliver presentations and/or training.
• Develop and manage interpersonal relationships.
• Handle stressful situations.
• Learn and develop skills.
• Perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
• React effectively, quickly, calmly, and rationally during conflicts and emergencies.
• Work effectively and collegially with little supervision or as member of a team.
• Work with people from diverse cultures, abilities, and backgrounds.
• Follow multi-step operating procedures, consistently and reliably.
• Active listening skills.
• Critical thinking skills.
• Sound, reasonable judgement and decision making skills.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrate strong organization and planning skills.
• Problem solving skills.

Working Conditions

• This is a 12-month, full-time position; weekend and evening hours may be required.
• Ability to use computers extensively for 6 hours or more.
• Ability to travel to various off-campus locations.
• Ability to travel to various on-campus locations.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• List of Three reference (preferred)

Job Family

Legal & Regulatory Affairs

Role Impact

People Manager

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$85,000.00 - $110,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.