Job Description

University of Utah Job Description

Job Summary

Advises students with a wide range of disabilities such as learning disabilities, ADHD, psychological disabilities, physical disabilities, medical disabilities and other as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Conducts disability eligibility analyses, provides referrals, approves accommodations, and recommends students for services to support their academic goals. Provides related education to the campus community.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in psychology, special education, social work, counseling, or rehabilitation counseling or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience); the ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups of faculty, staff, and students; and writing and organizational skills required. Three years experience working with college students, preferably students with disabilities required.

Master’s Degree in a related field preferred; the ability to do program planning; and a working knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) preferred.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Disclaimer

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Essential Functions

1. Performs intake interviews to gain a foundation of information to provide assistance for people with diagnosed disabilities.
2. Meets with students who have disabilities on a regular basis to discuss and plan learning strategies, provide advising, as well as encouragement to facilitate their academic progress.
3. Prepares notes to complete advising record after each session, and maintains file to determine and track client progress.
4. Evaluates the probability of a disability, approves eligibility, provides evaluation referrals, and based on the documentation, determines appropriate accommodation needs for the student.
5. Prepares letters of support for student needs, along with letters to faculty pertaining to any accommodations that may be necessary.
6. Evaluates appropriate documentation outlining client strengths and weaknesses, and identifies necessary accommodations, i.e. additional time to take an exam, the need for alternative format, etc.
7. Resolves difficult, and oftentimes crisis situations that require immediate attention, i.e. severe depression, suicide, etc., as well as more moderate problems.
8. Responds to inquiries and explains services to help prospective and current students understand what is available to facilitate and meet their academic needs.
9. Summarizes and disseminates current information and research pertaining to disabilities to the campus community to expand and increase their knowledge on the subject.

Problem Solving

Challenges encountered by this incumbent include working to help students to understand the procedures and policies related to the ADA and university policies regarding students with disabilities. Incumbents are expected to possess extensive knowledge of the ADA in the context of higher education as well as working knowledge of academic programs, policies and procedures, and student support services. Ability to work with a diverse student population, including those that may be experiencing varying levels of personal and/or academic crises. Other times, the incumbent encounters faculty who are reluctant to accommodate a student with a disability, which requires them to specifically identify resolutions while educating the instructor’s responsibilities pertaining to the ADA.

Comments

Work Environment and Level of Frequency typically required

Nearly Continuously: Office environment.

Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required

Nearly Continuously: Sitting, hearing, listening, talking.

Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking. 

Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.