Student Disability Services Specialist

POSITION DETAILS

As a leading online school in New York since 2006, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) offers the most online bachelor’s and master’s degree options at the City University of New York, and serves as the University’s first undergraduate all-transfer college. With 26 degrees and numerous other non-degree and grant-funded workplace learning programs, CUNY SPS meets the needs of adults who wish to finish a bachelor’s degree, progress from an associate’s degree, earn a master’s degree or certificate in a specialized field, and advance in the workplace or change careers. Consistently ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report for its online offerings, CUNY SPS has emerged as a nationwide leader in online education. The School’s renowned and affordable online programs ensure that busy working adults may fulfill their educational goals on their own time and schedule. As CUNY SPS moves beyond its’ 20th year, we dedicate ourselves to engendering an innovative and transformative student-centered experience.

The Office of Student Services is seeking a Student Disability Services Specialist to provide support and programming for students with disabilities. Reporting to the Associate Director of Student Services, the Student Disability Services Specialist will support the School’s commitment to providing disability services.

In addition to the CUNY Title Overview, specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Develops and reviews individual educational plans that incorporate individually designed support services and accommodations within the guidelines of Section 504 and the American with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Disseminates approved accommodation information to faculty.
• Collects, reviews, and organizes clinical documentation of disabilities and professional recommendations for accommodations.
• Prepares internal and external institutional data reporting pertaining to service utilization.
• Works with students and responds to student inquiries as appropriate.
• Maintains and updates student data in the Disability Services database system, Accommodate and CUNYFirst.
• Advises students on disability related “incomplete” grade requests.
• Refers students to external resources including psychological centers, clinical practices, state agencies, and relevant non-profits
• Maintains current website content pertaining to disability services.
• Trains and schedules part-time staff such as note-takers, readers, scribes, and test proctors.
• Participates in University-wide training and professional development opportunities, represents CUNY School of Professional Studies at conferences, contributes to CUNY-wide initiatives related to disability services and accommodations.
• Supports the Office of Student Services as needed.

NOTE:

• Until further notice, work will be performed in a hybrid manner with 70% onsite presence.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree and four years’ related experience required.

The preferred candidate will have:

Professional experience in providing disability services in higher education. Experience working with neurodiverse students, including students with learning disabilities and autistic students, as well as providing accommodations and referrals.

Experience working with a fully online adult population of students with disabilities

Familiarity with career development services and transition support for students with disabilities.

Familiarity with diverse student body including adult learners, veterans, nonnative English speakers and military personnel, persons with disabilities, and/or distance learners.

Knowledge of disability related resources and services in New York City.

Knowledge in non-profit grant writing, learning disabilities, and/or college liability.

Excellent written and oral communication skills, with particular strength in online communication.

Experience with web-based conferencing tools (Skype, GoToMeeting, Google Hangouts, etc.); strong computer application skills, including proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.); experience with CUNYFirst (PeopleSoft) and Blackboard a plus.

Ability to provide support and reasonable accommodations for students in an online platform while still maintaining the integrity and structure of the academic experience. 

Ability to multi-task, prioritize duties easily and work independently as well as part of a team.

Capable of setting expectations of online accommodations and following through with both faculty and students.

Commitment to campus and University values of equity, diversity and inclusion.

Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.

CUNY TITLE OVERVIEW

Assists with planning and providing a comprehensive program of services for students with disabilities.

• Assists with daily supervision of the unit, including budgets, personnel supervision, and facilities/equipment management
• Provides guidance and advisement to student organizations, administrators, faculty and others on concerns and issues related to students with special needs
• Interacts with counselors, disability accommodations specialists, and external community organizations to maintain a broad inventory of available services
• Presents programs and workshops, and prepares communications to students and others promoting the goals of the unit
• Organizes and provides for assistive technology and interpretive services
• May develop and/or review individual educational plans that incorporate individually designed academic support services and accommodations within the guidelines of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Job Title Name: Student Disability Services Specialist

CUNY TITLE

Higher Education Assistant

FLSA

Exempt

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Salary commensurate with education and experience with a salary range of $64,649 – $70,238.

CUNY’s benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.

HOW TO APPLY

Visit www.cuny.edu, access the employment page, log in or create a new user account, and search for this vacancy using the Job ID# 30046 or Title. Select “Apply Now” and provide the requested information.

• Candidates should provide a resume and cover letter.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

CLOSING DATE

April 18, 2025

JOB SEARCH CATEGORY

CUNY Job Posting: Managerial/Professional

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.

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