Disability Specialist I, Student Disability Services

About the role

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UT San Antonio) is a nationally recognized, top-tier public research university that unites the power of higher education, biomedical discovery and healthcare within one visionary institution. As the third-largest research university in Texas and a Carnegie R1-designated institution, UT San Antonio is a model of access and excellence — advancing knowledge, social mobility and public health across South Texas and beyond.

UT San Antonio serves approximately 42,000 students in 320 academic programs spanning science, engineering, medicine, health, liberal arts, AI, cybersecurity, business, education and more. With 17,000 faculty and staff, UT San Antonio has also been recognized as a Top Employer in Texas by Forbes Magazine.

Job Summary

The Disability Specialist I provides case management, disability education, guidance, and coordination of academic accommodations for students with disabilities. The position reviews and interprets disability documentation to determine eligibility for services and appropriate reasonable accommodations in accordance with University policy and applicable federal and state laws.

Responsibilities

• Maintains a large caseload of students with a variety of disabilities that are registered with Student Disability Services, and interacts with others on campus as needed to facilitate equal access for students and provide appropriate resources for faculty and staff.
• Participates in departmental Documentation Review Committee meetings to assess students’ documentation and eligibility for Student Disability Services.
• Conducts intake appointments and provides disability services guidance regarding accommodations, accessibility and available resources.
• Analyzes information from appointments, educational and medical records, psychological and diagnostic evaluations to determine needs and eligibility for services in accordance with legal standards.
• Confers with students with disabilities throughout the year to discuss additional needs and educational goals so that an appropriate educational accommodation plan can be developed.
• Provides support and problem-solving assistance and responds quickly to student concerns during academic semester to resolve disability issues and evaluate accommodation adequacy.
• Maintains large caseload of students by documenting, maintaining, and reviewing current and accurate paper and electronic case records, notes and related information.
• Interacts with instructors, staff, and others as needed on campus to develop and implement student accommodation plans.
• Provides information, referrals, and support to prospective and enrolled students with disabilities and their parents/families via phone, email, or other correspondence.
• Assists students in understanding their disability, rights, and responsibilities relating to reasonable accommodations.
• Provides information and referrals to university departments and external contacts as needed.
• Builds and maintains strong working relationships with departmental faculty and staff; act as a liaison between academic departments, the colleges, and Student Disability Services.
• Acts as liaison and mediator in disability related activities between students, faculty, and staff by providing in-service training and participating in outreach activities as requested.
• Works collaboratively with advising and academic groups to develop and implement services and programs that will enhance retention and graduation rates.
• Understands and applies “best practices” in the provision of disability services in higher education.
• Stays abreast of current nationwide disability development trends.
• Maintains knowledge and proficiency in the use of a student databases used in Student Disability Services.
• Serves on office, university, and community committees.
• Seeks out and participate in professional development activities to update skills and abilities as a disability specialist.
• Utilizes local, state, and professional workshops and seminars, including web casts and online resources.
• Participates in disability services programming and Academic Affairs and Academic Success programming.
• Provides basic office coverage.
• Attends both on-campus and off-campus training.
• Takes a proactive approach to assist co-workers in various tasks, to ensure safety.
• Performs work tasks in a safe manner and in accordance with work instructions.
• Makes recommendations to improve safety.
• Serves as advisor or co-advisor to designated student organizations and honor societies by providing guidance, coordinating meetings, and supporting the planning and implementation of programs and activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field.
• One year of working with individuals with designated disabilities or related work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in a related field.
• One year of experience working in post-secondary environment.

Skills

• Organizational and Analytical skills
• Verbal and Written communication
• Diplomacy
• Microsoft Office Suite and Standard Office Equipment

Working Conditions

Office Environment. Physical Demands Exerts up to 10 lbs. of force occasional. Sedentary work; sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary, if walking and standing are required, only occasionally. This position will work primarily on campus. Travel and parking expenses are the employee’s responsibility.

Pay

Salary Range: Up to $53,100 annualized, commensurate with education, experience, and qualifications.

Schedule

Full Time