DIRECTOR OF ACCOMMODATIVE SERVICES

Director of Accommodative Services

Pay Status and Classification: Exempt, Regular Full-Time

Supervisor: Director of Counseling Center

Position Purpose: Leads the Accommodative Services Office at Union College, providing strategic direction and overseeing day-to-day operations to support students with disabilities.  Sets department goals, establishes organizational structures, develops policies and procedures, educates stakeholders, and supervises staff to ensure effective delivery of services.  Advocates for students with disabilities, determines and coordinates accommodations, and promotes inclusivity within the campus community.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

1.  Leadership and Program Management: Oversees the Accommodative Services Office, establishing goals, crafting policies, and guaranteeing adherence to pertinent legislation such as Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Guides and supports the Assistant Director, Testing Coordinator, and a cohort of Peer Mentors to deliver inclusive assistance to students with disabilities. Handles the annual budget for the department.
2. Reviewing Documentation and Assigning Accommodations: Examines and updates medical, psychoeducational, neuropsychological, and pertinent documentation. Identifies and enacts appropriate accommodations mandated by law. Chairs the Committee on Special Housing to assess and decide on special housing requests, including assigning single housing units and emotional support animals.
3. Student Support and Advocacy: Collaborates with students to evaluate their requirements, coordinates accommodations, and devises initiatives to meet their needs. Champions students’ rights and enlightens the campus community about disability-related matters. Works closely with campus departments to facilitate accommodations for temporary disabilities, medical needs, housing, and mental health.
4. Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration: Engages with faculty, staff, students, parents, and community members to advise on disability services, legal rights, and accommodations. Collaborates with college attorneys, consultants, deans, and faculty to address concerns and ensure compliance.  Supports students in study abroad programs and graduate school applications by providing required paperwork and ensuring their needs are accommodated.

Qualifications:

1. A master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling, psychology, education, student affairs, higher education administration, or a related field is required.
2. Must possess a minimum of seven (7) years of leadership experience in developing, coordinating, and managing disability-related services, preferably within a higher education setting.
3. Comprehensive knowledge of legislation and practice concerning disabilities, including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, the ADA Amendments (ADAAA) of 2008, and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
4. Understanding of physical, cognitive, and emotional/mental impairments.  
5. Ability to comprehend and interpret psychological assessments, disability documentation, and diagnostic testing and determine appropriate reasonable accommodations.
6. Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to advocate for students and engage with stakeholders effectively. 
7. Strong attention to detail and the ability to apply institutional goals and objectives to decision-making processes.
8. Able to exercise exceptional judgment and problem-solving skills, ensure strict confidentiality, and demonstrate outstanding professionalism in a range of situations. 
9. Able to support, contribute to, and strengthen a vibrant, culturally diverse, and inclusive learning community.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

We know some job seekers may not apply for career opportunities unless they meet every qualification in the position description including the preferred qualifications. We are most interested in hiring the best staff and faculty colleagues, and recognize that a successful candidate may come from a less traditional career path. We encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our preferred qualifications. 

Note: All new hires of Union College are subject to a thorough education, work experience, and criminal history background check.

Compensation

The annual salary range this position is $80,000.00-$90,000.00. Except for roles with a set rate of pay, the wage/salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The stated hiring rate/range represents the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the rate/range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

We offer exceptional benefits including:

• Generous Vacation, Sick and Personal Time
• Winter Recess Break in Addition to Paid Holidays
• Healthcare, Dental, and Vision Insurance (Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts)
• Free On-Campus Fitness Facility Access and Discounts for On-Campus Wellness Programs
• Employee Scholarships toward Certifications, Seminars, Training and Professional Development
• Pre and Post Tax participation in a 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Salary Continuation Program in the event of Disability
• Tuition Assistance Program for Employee, Spouse and/or Dependents

Accommodations

If you require an accommodation throughout the interview process, please don't hesitate to contact our Human Resources department at hr@union.edu or 518-388-6108. We are committed to ensuring that all candidates have equal access to opportunities and can participate in a fair and inclusive hiring process.

Diversity at Union College

Union College is an equal opportunity employer and strongly committed to student and workforce diversity. Increasing diversity on campus is a critical priority for Union, one that is integral to our mission of preparing students for a globally interconnected world. Union provides a blend of intellectual, social and cultural opportunities to facilitate the integrated academic, social and personal development of a diverse community. We value and are committed to a host of diverse populations and cultures including, but not limited to, those based on race, religion, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin and veteran status. Union College is committed to providing access and will provide reasonable accommodation in its application process to individuals with disabilities that request such accommodations.

Union College

Officially chartered in 1795, Union College is the fifth oldest liberal arts college in the country. Located in the Capital District of New York State, Union is a highly selective residential and undergraduate college, home to 2,200 students and 220 faculty, and offering 44 majors. Union was the first liberal arts college to rethink the traditional liberal arts education and adopt an engineering curriculum. That pioneering approach continues today with an education that encourages students to work beyond the limits of disciplinary boundaries, allowing them to think globally and lead innovatively in a world where problem solving requires breadth across humanities, arts, social sciences, science, and engineering.