SUMMARY STATEMENT

The Disability Support Services Advisor is responsible for delivery of support and advisement services to students with disabilities. These services may include conducting intake assessments and referrals, providing academic advisement, arranging reasonable accommodations, and monitoring student progress.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

A.    The Disability Support Services Advisor reports directly to the Director of Student Cohorts, Compliance, and Intervention.

B.    This position does not require the supervision of other staff.

C.    The Disability Support Services Advisor works most closely with faculty, the Academic Testing Center, the Learning Support Center, Student Support and Registration, Admissions and Enrollment Management, Financial Aid, Records, the CARE team, as well as the BIT team when needed.

DUTIES

A.       Provides direct services to students with disabilities who have self-identified to the College.

1.    Conducts initial intake meetings with new students, evaluates their documentation, assesses individual needs, identifies reasonable accommodations, and initializes the student's record in Clockwork database.

    

2.    Performs academic advisement to new and returning students with disabilities including services such as interpreting placement test results, providing up to date transfer information, relaying College catalog information, and assisting students in the use of various online platforms.

    

3.    Assists student with financial aid questions and processes, particularly providing FAFSA assistance, financial aid estimates, informing students of any missing financial aid documents, informing students of social security tuition waiver requirements, and assisting students with SAP appeal information as needed.

    

4.    Maintains frequent contact with DSS students each semester and monitors their progress via Retention Alerts, faculty reports, and student contacts.

    

5.    Maintains inventory of assistive technology used by DSS students.

    

6.    Coordinates the provision of textbooks and materials in alternative formats to DSS students who qualify for this accommodation.

    

7.    Assists with coordinating interpreting services for deaf students as needed.

    

B.    Promotes services for students with disabilities on campus and services as a resource for College students, faculty, and staff regarding disabilities.

1.    Provides disability related training as needed to faculty, staff, and student workers.

    

2.    Serves on College committees as assigned.

    

C.    Promotes services for students with disabilities in the community and serves as a resource for various community agencies and surrounding high schools.

1.    Interacts with local agencies and high schools to assist with the transition of persons with disabilities to HCC.

    

2.    Serves on community committees as appropriate such as the Special Education Advisory Committee (SECAC) for Washington County Public Schools and the Maryland Association of Higher Education and Disability (MD-AHEAD).

    

3.    Conducts information sessions for community agencies and surrounding high schools as needed.

    

D.    Attends professional development workshops and meetings to ascertain current needs, practices, programs, and legislation.

E.    Serves as a member of the CARE team and assists identified DSS students accordingly.

1.    Assists in training and awareness efforts for student, faculty, and staff to support a culture of reporting and proactive College response.

    

F.    Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's required in Human Services area (e.g. Education, Social Work, Psychology, Vocational Rehabilitation, etc.) Master's degree preferred.  Training or work experience with individuals with disabilities in a higher education setting prefe red.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of disabilities and appropriate post-secondary accommodations, thorough knowledge of federal laws pertaining to students with disabilities, including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act and its Amendments; strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to maintain confidentiality; ability to work independently and with others; ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with students and others of diverse backgrounds; computer skills to include Microsoft Office and the ability to navigate various databases.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Typical office environment with frequent interruptions.  Some evening and weekend hours required.