Disability Services Specialist Academic Advisor

Menlo College

Atherton, CA

 

Disability Services Specialist Academic Advisor

 

Reports to: Director of Academic Advising

Position Type: Full-time, 12 months, Exempt

Compensation: Commensurate with experience

Salary: $65,000-75,000

 

Position Summary

The Disability Services Specialist (DSS) meets with students, evaluates student accessibility needs, and recommends appropriate accommodations and services for students with permanent or temporary disabilities to ensure that all Menlo College programs, activities, and services are accessible. The DSS assists in ensuring compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and other relevant state and federal legislation. The DSS will facilitate and oversee all accommodated and academic placement testing. The DSS also serves as Academic Advisor, maintaining a caseload of advisees who receive accommodations as well as those who do not. 

 

Disability Services and Academic Advising are part of the Center for Academic and Professional Success (CAPS) where advisors and specialists work collaboratively with other CAPS team members in Internships & Career Services, the Writing and Oral Communication Center, the Math and Peer Tutor Center, International Student Services, and First-Year Experience Programs to foster a culture of inclusion and support. Advising and disability services staff collaborate closely with the Office of the Registrar, Admissions, Athletics, Student Affairs, and Academic Affairs. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced student success professional to apply principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as innovation and continuous improvement, to ignite student potential and ensure student success. Depending on experience, opportunities to teach are available.  

 

Principal Duties and Responsibilities 

Disability Services (approximately 40% of duties)

• Manage a caseload of students with permanent and/or temporary disabilities; oversee all activities in ensuring equal opportunity for access to academic and non-academic programs at the College for students with disabilities.

• Collect and interpret medical and educational documentation for students with disabilities in order to identify appropriate accommodations. 

• Serve as a liaison and a resource for students with disabilities; provide information to students regarding their legal rights and responsibilities; collaborate and consult with faculty and staff regarding accommodations and compliance with legal responsibilities.

• Conduct outreach to incoming and prospective students and their families regarding disability services, accommodations, and academic support. 

• Represent Disability Services at various Menlo College weekday, evening, and weekend events, including Admissions Open Houses and New Student and Faculty Orientations.

• Provide recommendations to the Academic Appeals Committee regarding academic probation and disqualification, withdrawal, and readmission to the College for students with disabilities. 

• Collect data on documented disabilities and accommodations and prepare an annual report for the Director of Advising, for assessment, institutional research, and strategic planning purposes. 

• Maintain current knowledge of pertinent laws and regulations regarding access and services for students with disabilities and serves as an informational resource to faculty and staff.

 

Managing Accommodations and Placement Testing (approximately 10% of duties)

• Collaborate with faculty and staff to coordinate accommodations, which may include: exam administration; provision of assistive technology and auxiliary aids; residential accommodations; note takers, etc.

• Coordinate online English and math placement testing for incoming students.

 

Academic Advising (approximately 50% of duties)

• Manage an academic advising caseload and implement a student-centered advising model that supports student success and encourages assigned advisees to actively engage in academic planning.

• Evaluate students’ skills, needs, goals, concerns, and problems and provide appropriate response and referral. Create 4-year plans with assigned advisees, beginning in the first year.

• Ensure that advisees have the information and support needed to successfully achieve Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for the Academic Advising Program.

• Create student success action plans and academic contracts for advisees who are reinstated after academic disqualification.

• Respond to early alerts for at-risk students and develop an appropriate outreach and intervention plan to ensure student success.

• Coordinate with faculty teaching the Transition to College course to deliver academic planning and goal setting workshops to students.

 

Requirements

Required:

•  Bachelor’s degree in education, special education, psychology, or related field; or equivalent experience.

• Experience working with diverse student populations, including first-generation college students.

• Knowledge of the ADA and section 504 and their applications in higher education settings.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Ability to collaborate with staff, faculty, and administrators.

 

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in education, special education, psychology, or related field; or equivalent experience.

• At least one year of experience working with students with disabilities in higher education.

• Knowledge of the unique needs of individuals with disabilities, including knowledge of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and its amendments, and other relevant state and federal legislation. 

• Experience with advising students and facilitating academic planning and strategies for student success.

 

About Menlo College

Menlo College is a diverse and tight-knit community of exceptional individuals. Our mission is to ignite potential and educate students to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy. We attract students from all over the world who are committed to learning, playing intercollegiate sports, starting and leading organizations, and making an impact in their communities. Menlo College is designated as both a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI). Only 1% of all colleges and universities in the U.S. achieve this dual recognition. The Menlo campus is located 30 miles south of San Francisco, in Silicon Valley – one of the world’s most entrepreneurial and innovative regions. Silicon Valley is renowned as an innovation incubator with exceptional opportunities for experience-based learning.

 

Application Process

To apply, submit a cover letter and current resume in an electronic format. Position is open until filled. Please email materials to:

 

Menlo College

Attn: Human Resources Department

1000 El Camino Real, Atherton, CA 94027-4301

or via email to hr@menlo.edu

 

Menlo College is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a strong commitment to diversity. All prospective Menlo College employees are required to satisfy a background check, as well as clearance annually for the operation of a motor vehicle on behalf of Menlo College. As we are an in-person campus, we require proof of full vaccination and a booster or approved exemptions for COVID-19