Educational Support / Accessibility and Disability Services Specialist - CCOM Office of Student Affairs and Curriculum
The Office of Student Affairs and Curriculum in the Carver College of Medicine is seeking an Educational Support Services Specialist. This position serves as resource for disability services and related student needs at Carver College of Medicine. This is a .5 FTE position. They will facilitate the interactive accommodation process, coordinating requests for reasonable accommodations, and providing consultation and guidance to students, faculty, staff, and academic program leadership regarding disability-related rights, responsibilities, policies, and procedures.
The position serves as a resource for accessibility and disability services within the College, working collaboratively with University partners and interdisciplinary teams to support consistent and effective implementation of approved accommodations. The Specialist assists in the development, implementation, assessment, and continuous improvement of accessibility-related programs, processes, resources, and educational initiatives while supporting compliance with applicable disability laws, regulations, and University policies
Primary Duties
Enhance and Support Student Educational Experiences and Increase Retention. Foster a Sense of Community and Engagement for Students:
Provide individualized non-clinical counseling, advising, and support to students regarding disability-related needs, academic access, adjustment to the educational environment, and strategies to support their educational success.
Meet individually with students to identify barriers affecting their educational experience, explore available resources and support options, and assist students in developing strategies to address identified needs.
Provide ongoing student support and follow-up related to accommodations, accessibility needs, and other barriers affecting academic participation and success, making referrals to appropriate University or clinical resources when needs fall outside the scope of the position.
Coordinate accessibility and disability-related services for students across three Carver College of Medicine academic programs.
Guide students through the interactive process associated with requesting and implementing reasonable accommodations, including gathering relevant information, identifying individual needs, and coordinating appropriate next steps.
Manage and monitor student accommodation requests and related processes to promote timely, consistent, and effective delivery of services.
Review disability documentation and other relevant information to evaluate accommodation requests and coordinate the determination of appropriate accommodations in accordance with established guidelines, legal requirements, and institutional policies.
Provide non-clinical counseling and advising to students regarding disability-related needs, academic access, available resources, institutional processes, and responsibilities associated with approved accommodations, and provide individualized support to address barriers affecting their educational experience.
Collaborate with faculty, staff, and academic program leadership to support the implementation of accommodations within complex academic and educational environments.
Identify barriers that may affect student access and educational participation and recommend strategies, resources, or process improvements to support student success.
Maintain appropriate documentation and program records and monitor service delivery and outcomes.
Assist in assessing accessibility and disability services and provide reports, recommendations, and information to leadership to support program effectiveness and alignment with College and University goals.
Monitor approved accommodations and provide ongoing support, follow-up, and problem-solving to address implementation concerns and changing student needs.
Establish and Maintain Relationships with Partners to Provide Educational Support Services. Partners Include on-campus Units and External Agencies (Local, State, National and International):
Collaborate with counseling, mental health, academic support, and other University resources to connect students with appropriate services when needs extend beyond accessibility and educational support services.
Serve as a resource and consultant to faculty, staff, and academic program leadership regarding accessibility, disability-related rights and responsibilities, reasonable accommodations, and applicable institutional policies and procedures.
Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with University offices and other campus partners involved in accessibility, disability services, student support, and academic programming.
Coordinate with interdisciplinary teams to evaluate and address complex accommodation needs within medical and health sciences education environments.
Facilitate communication among students, faculty, staff, academic programs, and appropriate University partners to support effective implementation of accommodations.
Provide guidance and consultation regarding accessibility considerations in academic programs, educational activities, and student services.
Participate in relevant committees, work groups, and professional networks related to accessibility, disability services, and student support.
Remain current on emerging practices and developments related to accessibility and disability services in higher education and communicate relevant information and recommendations to stakeholders.
Administrative (HR, Budget), Supervision and Training:
Assist in developing, implementing, evaluating and recommending policies, procedures, resources, and practices that support effective delivery of accessibility and disability services.
Assist in developing and providing education, training, and resources for faculty, staff, students, and other stakeholders regarding accessibility, accommodations, disability-related responsibilities, and applicable processes.
Monitor program processes and identify opportunities to improve consistency, efficiency, accessibility, and service delivery.
Collect, maintain, and analyze program information and prepare reports or recommendations regarding service utilization, trends, needs, and program effectiveness.
Maintain confidential student records and disability-related documentation in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and University policies, exercising sound judgment in the collection, use, storage, and disclosure of sensitive information.
Support compliance with applicable federal and state disability laws, regulations, and University policies by maintaining effective processes, documentation, and communication.
Assist leadership with planning and development of accessibility-related initiatives and services based on identified student, program, and institutional needs.
Percent of Time: 50%25
Pay Grade: 4A
https://hr.uiowa.edu/pay/guide-pay-plans
Benefits Highlights:
-Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans
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Required Qualifications
A Bachelor’s degree in education, student affairs, psychology, rehabilitation counseling, disability studies, education, social work, or an equivalent combination of education and research experience is required.
A minimum of one year of related experience in disability/accessibility services, student services, higher education, educational support services, or a related area.
Demonstrated knowledge of disability-related accommodations and accessibility practices in an educational setting.
Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with students, faculty, staff, administrators, and other stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain accurate records, exercise independent judgment, and handle sensitive information appropriately.
Desirable Qualifications
A Master’s degree in higher education, student affairs, counseling, rehabilitation counseling, disability studies, education, social work, or a related field is preferred.
Experience providing disability or accessibility services in a higher education environment.
Experience coordinating reasonable accommodations and participating in the interactive accommodation process.
Knowledge of federal and state disability laws and regulations applicable to higher education.
Experience developing or delivering training and educational resources.
Experience working with students in medical, health sciences, graduate, or professional education programs.
Experience providing counseling, advising, or individualized support to college, graduate, or professional students.
Position and Application Details
Applicants must upload a Resume and Cover Letter and mark them as a 'Relevant File' in order to be considered.
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days and may be removed after the posting period has ended.
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested later in the recruitment process.
For additional questions, please contact amy-stewart@uiowa.edu.
The Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine is a highly ranked medical school where students learn to become accomplished clinicians, researchers, and educators. The program emphasizes case-based learning, problem-solving skills, early patient exposure, and strong community-based experiences.