Disability Services Specialist

The Position:

Disability Services Specialist

Job Summary:

The Disability Services Specialist will assist the Director of the Office of Disability Services in all student disability-related issues at Muhlenberg College. The Disability Services Specialist must have a thorough understanding of the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) as revised in 2008, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and an understanding of assistive technology.

Schedule & Benefits: This is a full-time, year-round position based in Allentown, PA, with an anticipated schedule of seven hours per day (1,820 hours per year). Muhlenberg offers a highly competitive benefits package, including but not limited to, generous holidays (including 3 days off for Thanksgiving and an extended winter break between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day), vacation (22 days per year to start), sick leave, paid parental leave, tuition programs at the undergraduate and graduate level, medical, dental and vision coverage, flexible spending plans, College-provided short-and long-term disability at no cost to the employee, life insurance, and retirement. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit institution, Muhlenberg is a qualifying employer under the federal government's Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

The College & Surrounding Area: Founded in 1848, Muhlenberg College is a private, residential liberal arts college offering baccalaureate and graduate programs. At Muhlenberg, we are committed to a campus community that ensures students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel welcome, respected, valued and included. Muhlenberg College is dedicated to shaping creative, compassionate, collaborative leaders through rigorous academic programs in the arts, humanities, business, natural sciences and social sciences; pre-professional programs in law, health and theology; and progressive workforce-focused post-baccalaureate certificates and master's degrees. A diverse city of 125,000 located in Pennsylvania's scenic Lehigh Valley, Allentown is the third-largest city in the state and is located just 60 miles north of Philadelphia and 90 miles west of New York City. The region, also comprising neighboring Bethlehem, Easton and more, is home to a vibrant arts scene, extensive parks and recreational opportunities, and a rich blend of diverse cuisine. Check out Allentown and Life in the Lehigh Valley | Muhlenberg College to learn more.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities:

• Facilitate the Disability Determination Process of undergraduate, GCE and Adult Education students, including outreach to these students and their families;

• Consult and develop Accommodations Plans;

• Implement auxiliary aids and services;

• Assist in the coordination and administration of a centralized process for Assistive Technology Services including accessible materials;

• Support the coordination and administration of a centralized process for Accommodated Testing & the administration of the Accommodated Testing Suite;

• Assist in the centralized process for Housing Accommodation Requests and Dining Accommodation Requests in collaboration with the Special Housing/Special Dining Committee(s);

• Support students with disabilities in the application submission and certification of documentation and accommodations for GRE, LSAT, Praxis, MCAT, etc.;

• Assist in the coordination of accommodations, auxiliary aids, and services for off-site co-curricular and extra-curricular activities including Study Abroad, Washington Semester, Student Teaching, Internships, and Community Service activities;

• In consultation with Health Services and/or Counseling Services, assist in the coordination and administration of specialized services for student with temporary medical conditions;

• Consult on and coordinate services for students with disabilities with other key departments including the Academic Resource Center, Counseling Services, Student Health Services, and Housing and Residence Life;

• Collaborate on and develop/revise Office of Disability Services publications and website information;

• Collect, analyze, and distribute ODS-related, as appropriate;

• Assist and support ADA compliance of programs, events, and facilities access on campus; and

• May perform other duties as assigned.

While no one person may possess all the qualifications listed below, the ideal candidate will have many of the following professional experiences and characteristics:

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in a relevant field, e.g. special education, psychology, social work, counseling, etc. or equivalent related experience in lieu of master's degree a plus.

• Knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADAAA) as amended (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973and knowledge of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) as it relates to postsecondary education is essential.

• Minimum one year related professional experience required; higher education disability services experience a plus.

• Demonstrated ability to interpret disability-related documentation and determine eligibility for disability-related accommodations, auxiliary aids, and services.

• Embrace and support the College's efforts to ensure our community meets our commitments to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

• Ability to embrace a comprehensive approach to the determination of appropriate accommodations and services including student interview, review of documentation, and consideration of supplemental information from a variety of sources.

• Strong communication, interpersonal and collaboration skills.

• Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Knowledge of Assistive Technology resources and functions.

• Ability to safeguard and ensure confidentiality of student academic and medical records.

• Serve as advocate to increase and develop awareness, understanding, and support for students with disabilities among the various campus constituencies and beyond.

• Ability to serve as resource and work effectively with all constituencies including students, staff, faculty, parents, and members of the external community.

• Ability to assist in the planning, organization, implementation, and assessment of programs and services for students with disabilities.

• Successful completion of satisfactory background checks.

To apply, upload your complete application package as a single PDF document. A complete application package includes: 1) cover letter; 2) resume; 3) separate diversity statement summarizing professional experiences and capacities that prepare you to contribute to our diversity, equity, and inclusion goals; and 4) names/contact information for three professional references. Application review will continue until the position is filled. To initiate your application, use the APPLY button.

An equal opportunity employer, Muhlenberg College is committed to recruiting and retaining outstanding faculty and staff from racial and ethnic groups that have been traditionally underrepresented in higher education. Please visit our Diversity & Inclusion page for additional information about Muhlenberg's commitment to supporting a diverse and inclusive community.

Legal Notice

Muhlenberg College Annual Crime Reporting- As provided by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1998, prospective employees of Muhlenberg College are entitled to request and receive a copy of the College Annual Security Report (ASR). The ASR can be accessed at http://www.muhlenberg.edu/annualsecurityreport . This report includes crime statistics on certain reportable crimes, as well as Muhlenberg College Safety Policies. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus safety and police, such as policies concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault and other matters. Anyone wishing a paper copy of the ASR may contact the Campus Safety Office at 484-664-3112.