Director of Access and Disability Services



Director of Access and Disability Services

Salary

$76,017.32 - $95,000.00 Annually

Location

Crystal Lake, IL

Job Type

Administrator

Job Number

202300333

Division

Student Affairs

Department

Access & Disability Services

Opening Date

12/20/2023

FLSA

Exempt

Bargaining Unit

NO

Max Number of Applicants

100

Pay Grade

A3

Work Week

40 Hours | Flexible schedule to meet department needs to include evenings and/or weekends as needed.

Position Summary

The Director of Access and Disability Services works collaboratively across all levels of the institution to coordinate services and ensure that students with disabilities, English Language Learners, and other students who experience barriers in college programs, services, and facilities have equal access through the provision of accommodations and universal design techniques.  Using a comprehensive, student-centered approach, the Director provides leadership and vision for the Office of Access and Disability Services through the development of programs and procedures that provide timely and effective support and advocacy for students with disabilities.  The Director is responsible for interpreting and applying the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and coordinating institutional compliance with federal and state laws requiring equal access to education for individuals with disabilities.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

  • Provide leadership and direct the operations of Access and Disability Services (ADS). This involves hiring, training, motivating, and managing so the team performs at the highest level possible
  • Ensure compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act 
  • Interpret federal/state laws and regulations to develop and implement policies, procedures, and forms to achieve compliance with the ADA and section 504. When appropriate will determine what applies and provides a timely recommendation for resolution
  • Review, plan, develop, discuss, and implement policies, services, accommodations, and procedures in collaboration with faculty and staff to ensure equal access and opportunity for students with disabilities, English Language Learners, and/or face other barriers to education 
  • Determine appropriate accommodations for students consistent with their documentation during an initial intake appointment and throughout the time the students attend MCC. Arrange for the implementation of these accommodations
  • Provide disability awareness and professional development training for faculty, staff, and administration
  • Provide consultation with faculty, staff, and administration regarding academic accommodations, compliance with legal responsibilities, as well as instructional, programmatic, physical, and curriculum modifications. Will work through each situation and determine the most reasonable service for support
  • Serve as the 504 Coordinator
  • Collaborate with faculty, staff, and administrators in the development and implementation of innovative practices to improve instruction and academic support of students with disabilities
  • Partner with faculty, staff, and administration to refer and engage with students to ADS through enrollment and retention initiatives
  • Recruit, hire, train, provide direction, and coordinate assessment of ADS department tutors, accessibility aids, and student employees
  • Through a collaborative approach, lead efforts in maintaining College-wide compliance with accessibility regulations and mandates, including, but not limited to, facilities, technology, instructional design/materials, purchasing, communications and procedure development
  • Oversee and customize digital database containing confidential ADS student profiles, disability documentation and related forms and embrace the use of other institutional technologies and software’s
  • Support the outreach and programming efforts of the Access and Disabilities services team to provide information, education, and resources
  • Keep up-to-date on assistive technology needs, recommend the purchase of appropriate equipment and software, and provide training of staff and students on the use of such technology in collaboration with Information Technology Department and external vendors
  • Oversee the acquisition and conversion of textbooks and course materials into alternative formats
  • Participate in campus efforts where there is an opportunity to present college information to effectively guide and support students with disabilities.
  • Disseminate information through departmental and institutional publications and web pages regarding ADS and community resources
  • Prepare and complete reports required by the College, state, and federal authorities 
  • Develop and manage the fiscal responsibilities for the ADS office operations, including budget preparation and administration, grant request preparation and administration, purchase orders, approval of expenditures, and report reconciliation 
  • Serve as liaison to high schools, social service agencies, and appropriate MCC staff to recruit and retain students with disabilities
  • Work collaboratively with others (e.g. colleagues, stakeholders, vendors) to accomplish functions and responsibilities
  • Participates in local, state, regional, and national organizations and listserves related to serving students with disabilities and educational needs
  • Assume additional duties as assigned by immediate supervisor

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited institution in Special Education, Counseling, Education, or related field
  • Five years’ experience working with special populations in higher education or other related experience in education or social services
  • Demonstrated commitment and experience in working with students with disabilities at the post-secondary level
  • Two years of leadership experience either in directly managing employees or project management 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Master’s Degree from a regionally accredited institution in Rehabilitation Counseling, Education, Counseling, or related discipline
  • One year working with disabilities assessments, program coordination, vocational rehabilitation, diagnostic testing or other related work with individuals with disabilities
  • Community college experience

McHenry County College offers a complete benefits package to full-time Administrators, including medical, dental, vision, life and long term disability coverages, and flexible spending accounts. Employees also receive 15 paid holidays and a competitive bank of vacation, sick, and personal leave time along with an optional Administrator Sick Leave Pool. The College also offers employees the opportunity to save for retirement through deferred compensation plans.

The College waives tuition and fees for any full time employee who takes credit courses at MCC as well as providing tuition reimbursement for pre-approved course work taken at a regionally accredited institution upon successful completion of such course.

01
Do you have a Bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution in Rehabilitation Counseling, Education Counseling, or related discipline?
  • Yes
  • No
02
Do you have five years' experience working with special populations in higher education or other related experience in education or social sciences?
  • I have five years' experience working with special populations in higher education
  • I have five years' related experience in education or social sciences
  • No

Required Question

Agency
McHenry County College
Address
8900 U. S. Highway 14

Crystal Lake, Illinois, 60012
Phone
(815) 479-7562