Director, Disability Support Services

Pay Grade: Manager 7 

The Director manages the department of Disability Support Services in adapting Wake Technical Community College's general services to the individual and specialized needs of students with disabilities in order to provide students with disabilities equal opportunities and access to Wake Technical Community College's materials, programs and facilities.
 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described.

*Oversees the hiring training, and evaluation of DSS leadership, staff and temporary employees in a multi-campus environment

*Facilitates a team approach in the development of DSS policies and procedures for aspects of service delivery

*Ensures compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act  (ADA) of 1990, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and other appropriate laws mandating reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities in postsecondary education

*Adjudicates conflicts that arise concerning accommodation issues with students, faculty, parents, and external agencies

Interprets disability documentation, and guides DSS staff, when necessary, toward the implementation of reasonable and appropriate accommodations

Collaborates with faculty and staff in an advisory capacity to promote the development of programs and activities that will incorporate students with disabilities into the college community

Serves as a resource to college administrators, faculty, and staff on matters concerning students with disabilities

Works with designated College Administrators in response to investigations of formal complaints made by students with disabilities regarding discrimination.

Represents the department and division on college committees and initiatives

Act as a mediator between faculty and students for accessibility related grievances

Organizes and participates in special projects and events (like graduation, open house, student orientation, etc.) necessitating occasional long and irregular hours and committee service including evening and weekend commitments as necessary

Responsible for the acquisition, maintenance, and coordination of the use of adaptive equipment, technology, and software.pertaining to higher education and disability

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in writing and verbally

Effective public speaking skills; ability to make group educational presentations

Knowledge of various disability types and awareness of the manifestations of the disability and the accommodations that would be reasonable and appropriate

Possesses a comprehensive understanding of applicable federal and state laws, i.e. Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and thoroughly understands the types of accommodations available to students with disabilities in the postsecondary setting

Effective leadership, supervisory, and administrative skills

Computer skills in Microsoft Office, presentation software and an ability to utilize database tools to track, monitor, and organize students and communications

Strong interpersonal communication, demonstrated ability to establish and develop productive and collegial relationships, collaboration, and communication with college constituencies (e.g., staff, faculty, students, managers, etc.) and build effective teams as needed

Ability to travel as necessary to carry out job duties

Exceptional organizational and time management with demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate, prioritize, and effectively execute multiple initiatives, programs, and events and meet established deadlines

Knowledge and appreciation of the value and advantages of a community college education

Maintain confidential and sensitive information and records

Keeps abreast of state-of-art technology, techniques, laws, services, and philosophy relevant to disability areas

Minimum Requirements

Master's degree in education, special education, counseling, rehabilitation counseling, psychology or related field with experience conducting a thorough review of medical and/or psychological documentation & following up with appropriate professionals regarding current functional limitations.

Three (3) years' experience working with students with disabilities and providing reasonable accommodations in a higher education setting

Three (3) years of management experience including supervision of staff

Preferences

Five (5) years of management experience including supervision of staff

Essential Personnel 

TBD