Disability Specialist

The Disability Specialist focuses on ensuring equitable access within the academic environment and determining reasonable and appropriate services and accommodations to students with disabilities based on the impact of the disability on their access to learning (i.e., neurological, psychiatric and personality disorders, learning disabilities/disorders, as well as orthopedic and loco motor disabilities and other disabilities).

This is a NON-CLASSIFIED employment opportunity. Visit the State of Colorado for Classified employment opportunities.

The Disability Specialist focuses on ensuring equitable access within the academic environment and determining reasonable and appropriate services and accommodations to students with disabilities based on the impact of the disability on their access to learning (i.e., neurological, psychiatric and personality disorders, learning disabilities/disorders, as well as orthopedic and loco motor disabilities and other disabilities).

Minimum Qualifications

• Completed Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in Education, Special Education, Counseling, Psychology, Vocational Rehabilitation, Social Work, or a closely related field.
• Two years of professional level experience working with persons with disabilities.

Professional level experience is defined by the Colorado Division of Human Resources: A position that involves the exercise of discretion, analytical skill, judgment, personal accountability, and responsibility for creating, developing, integrating, applying, or sharing an organized body of knowledge. Colorado revised statute (C.R.S. 24-50-135(1) allows colleges to exempt positions from the State Personnel Classified System that are determined to be professional level work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completed Master’s degree in Education, Special Education, Counseling, Vocational Rehabilitation, Social Work, Student Affairs in Higher Education, Student Affairs Services, or a closely related field.
• Two years of documented professional level experience working with students with disabilities determining accommodations; experience with crisis management; assessing for assistive technology needs in a secondary or post-secondary educational environment.
• Documented experience evaluating or reviewing diagnostic tests and/or disability documentation: i.e., medical, mental health, IEP/504 plans, Psycho-Educational reports, etc.
• Two years of professional level experience using standard desktop computer application software and operating systems (i.e., Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to communicate in sign language.
• Ability to communicate bilingually.

Applications accepted until position is filled.

Must be a State of Colorado resident or able to relocate to Colorado prior to first date of employment.

Application Instructions: Application must be submitted online. Incomplete applications may not receive full consideration. A complete application will include:

• Cover letter – Address the minimum and preferred qualifications in the order listed on the job announcement.
• Resume – Reflect experience, education, knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Unofficial Transcripts – Unofficial transcripts for all degrees conferred. Official transcripts are required if hired for the position.
• Professional References – Provide names and contact information for three recent professional references who can address your expertise and background for this position.

This position may be eligible for a variety of employee benefits. Pikes Peak State College participates in the Colorado Public Employees’ Retirement Association (PERA) contribution rates.

Note: Prior submission of application materials will not be considered.

Essential Functions

Direct Student Interaction

• Conduct initial and subsequent interactive conversations with students to review disability documentation and determine reasonable accommodations to ensure accessibility to academic programs and services.
• Ensure all supports and services are appropriate, reasonable, and complies with disability laws and privacy regulations.
• Assist or provide training related to study/behavior strategies, advocacy strategies, time management and organizational skills.
• Create and maintain accurate, organized records.
• Assist and manage students in crisis.
• Assess student needs for assistive technology and accommodate appropriately.
• Facilitate the implementation of student accommodations by establishing and maintaining communication between student and faculty and consulting with campus and community resources to identify and address accessibility issues.
• Refer students to community and campus resources.
• Monitor and ensure ongoing compliance with local, state, and federal regulations related to accessibility in the Higher Education realm. (i.e., ADA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act).

Departmental Collaboration

• Facilitate the collaboration with other Disability Specialists, the Access Specialist, the Accommodations Testing Coordinator, Interpreting Services Coordinator, and the Computer Access Lab Coordinator regarding the appropriate documentation or services for students with disabilities.

Professional Development and Education

• Consult with faculty and student service staff. Participate in professional development opportunities established by the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, Academic Divisions, and other college departments as requested. Participate in program review, development, assessment of retention efforts, and cross departmental training.

General Duties, Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Cultural competence and demonstrated evidence, understanding, and commitment to the concepts of diversity, multiculturalism, and their application in the workplace.
• Familiarity with relevant disability laws.
• Work effectively as a member of a team.
• Strong problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Effective conflict resolution skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to provide training and information to faculty.
• Knowledge of community referral resources.
• Ability to travel between campuses and work a flexible schedule as needed to support department and student needs.

As part of the State of Colorado, PPSC offers a competitive benefits package:

• PERA retirement benefits.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage.
• Life and Disability Coverage.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Paid Holidays.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Accrued Annual and Sick Leave.
• Some positions may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

This job description reflects Pikes Peak State College’s best effort to describe the essential duties and qualifications of the job. It is not an exhaustive statement of all the duties, responsibilities or qualifications of the job. This document is not intended to exclude an opportunity for modifications consistent with providing reasonable accommodation.

EEO Statement: Pikes Peak State College is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Americans with Disabilities Act institution. We value diversity, strive for a more unified campus where all people are valued, treated fairly, and possess a sense of belonging. Pikes Peak State College encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.