Job Information
University of Massachusetts Amherst Assistant Director for Operations - Disability Services in Amherst, Massachusetts
Assistant Director for Operations - Disability Services
Apply now (https://secure.dc4.pageuppeople.com/apply/822/gateway/default.aspx?c=apply&lJobID=524334&lJobSourceTypeID=801&sLanguage=en-us) Job no: 524334
Work type: Staff Full Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department:Disability Services
Union:PSU
Categories: Student Affairs & Services
About UMass Amherst
UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.
Job Summary
The Assistant Director of Operations provides support to the Associate Director of Operations with all aspects of Disability Services operations to ensure administrative, programmatic, and day-to-day services are provide to campus constituents, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and 2008 Amendment Act. The Assistant Director maintains a reduced caseload of students by facilitating an interactive process of determining eligibility for appropriate accommodations, and supporting Access Coordinators ensuring that individuals with disabilities receive appropriate accommodations, adjustments, and modifications as mandated by federal, state, and local laws.
Essential Functions
Manages a diverse caseload of University students and campus visitors with a range of disabilities and accommodation requirements.
Interprets medical, psychological, and/or educational documentation to determine appropriate accommodation eligibility.
Identifies and provides developmentally appropriate support, advocacy, counseling, and referrals for a range of academic, professional, social, psychological, and medical concerns.
Maintains contact notes, collects work output data, generates notifications of accommodation eligibility.
Exercises sound professional and ethical judgment to informally resolve questions and concerns pertaining to accommodations, modifications, and related disability matters.
Supports the administration of services for prospective, undergraduate, graduate students, and the public who use the services of the University. Assists with the review of current policies, establishment of new policies and department procedures.
Maintains a working knowledge of and ability to apply, the legal guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ADAA of 2008 as prescribed by the Dept. of Education and other relevant federal, state, local and institutional guidelines.
Knowledgeable on a wide range of types of disabilities. Keeps abreast of ongoing research, development, strategic and programmatic leadership, implementation, and coordinate service programs to stay on the cutting edge.
Supports the oversight of the day-to-day management of the Operations Team, supervises and provides direction to assigned professional staff, provides back up support for the accommodation review process and assists with complicated cases.
Supports Access Coordinators in adherence to ADA regulations, amendments, laws, and policies that guide the provisions of equal access to students registered with Disability Services.
Resolves conflicts between students, parents, staff, and faculty regarding disability related issues. Responds to crisis and provides assessment and appropriate referrals.
Maintains records, tracks outcomes, prepares reports and conducts assessments and evaluation activities for the department.
Provides the Associate Director of Operations with ongoing updates of data management, key communications with students or key constituents, and any issues that affect the overall quality of Disability Services operations. Gathers data to generate reports and maintains statistical reports which justify budgetary expenditures and/or requests for services.
Provides leadership within the department and back up in the absence of the Associate Director of Operations.
Provides workshops, presentations and consultation for administration, management, faculty, staff, and students which focuses on the awareness of the rights of people with disabilities in academic, work, program, and service areas.
Understands and is committed to implementing University and Departmental DEI goals, guidelines and initiatives.
Other Functions
Performs related duties as assigned or required. Understands responsibilities with respect to Title IX, Clery and other compliance requirements.
Demonstrates capacity, skill, and willingness to engage students and contribute to student success.
Understands responsibilities regarding conflicts of interest and behaves consistent with law and university policy.
Contributes toward creating a positive and respectful workplace. Uses access to sensitive and/or not yet public University-related information only in the performance of the responsibilities of position and exercises care to prevent unnecessary disclosure to others.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
Bachelor’s Degree.
Three (3) years’ experience in fields related to providing services to individuals with disabilities.
Knowledge of the laws governing ADA and demonstrated ability to master new regulations or changes to old regulations.
Demonstrated administrative experience.
Demonstrated experience in using Microsoft Office Suite, including Teams, software portals for communication, and the management of databases.
Strong interpersonal skills and strong verbal/written communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
Experience in Higher Education Administration, Human Services, or Special Education.
Experience at a public institution.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
Typical office environment.
Work Schedule
Monday – Friday; 8:30am-5:00pm.
Salary Information
Level 27
PSU Hiring Ranges (https://www.umass.edu/hr/documents/exempt-hiring-ranges)
Special Instructions to Applicants
Upload your resume along with your completed application. Our team will check references at the final stage of the interview process. Please be prepared to provide contact information for at least three (3) professional references. This position will remain open until filled or the advertised closing date, whichever occurs first. Early submissions are recommended.
UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.
Advertised: Jul 22 2024 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Oct 27 2024 Eastern Daylight Time