Housing Disability Specialist, (4557U) #64460


About Berkeley

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are committed to creating a community that fosters equity of experience and opportunity, and ensures that students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel safe, welcome and included. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

The University of California, Berkeley, is one of the world’s leading institutions of higher education, distinguished by its combination of internationally recognized academic and research excellence; the transformative opportunity it provides to a large and diverse student body; its public mission and commitment to equity and social justice; and its roots in the California experience, animated by such values as innovation, questioning the status quo, and respect for the environment and nature. Since its founding in 1868, Berkeley has fueled a perpetual renaissance, generating unparalleled intellectual, economic and social value in California, the United States and the world.

We are looking for equity-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at Berkeley, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice that requires broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at Berkeley, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, our Principles of Community, and our Strategic Plan.


Departmental Overview

The Disabled Students' Program promotes an inclusive environment for students with disabilities. We equip disabled students with appropriate accommodations and services to achieve their individual academic goals. We are dedicated to supporting disabled students and collaborating with the campus community to remove barriers to educational access and embrace the University’s values of equity and inclusion. We believe that an accessible environment universally benefits everyone.


Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: February 16, 2024


Responsibilities

  • Coordinate housing accommodations and caseload management
  • Review medical documentation from on-campus residential students to determine if student has a qualifying disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act, assess the functional limitations of their disability and the recommendations of the medical or mental health professional to identify reasonable accommodations in the housing environment needed.
  • Review medical or mental health professional documentation for on-campus residents to determine reasonable accommodations related to service animal or emotional support animal requests.
  • Partner with Cal Housing staff regarding the conduct process for alleged animal violations.
  • Provide recommendations to the Cal Housing Assignment Staff about the type of accommodation needed for the student and work with Cal Housing to identify room spaces and locations with the appropriate modifications or accommodations present, including identifying a reasonable alternative if necessary based upon housing availability.
  • Participate in developing and facilitating staff trainings for Cal Housing and Res Life staff focused on better supporting students with disabilities in campus housing.
  • Participate in the implementation of accommodations and provide ongoing support to a caseload of students with disabilities in Cal Housing.
  • Refer on-campus residential students to the appropriate Cal Housing process (Application, Contract transfer, Cancellation, Appeals, etc) after assessing their needs.
  • Work in an interdisciplinary team including staff from the Disabled Students’ Program and University Residences to provide coordination of housing accommodations and referrals for academic accommodations.
  • Referrals and Collaboration
  • Connect students who have a qualifying disability with the Disabled Students’ Program for determination of academic accommodation needs.
  • Collaborate with DSP Specialist on the determination of appropriate academic accommodations.
  • Serve as a part of the DSP disability specialist team.
  • Refer students to the appropriate resource or campus office if they identify other needs surrounding academics, wellness, finances, or other holistic needs.
  • Assist in intervention strategies with Students of Concern.
  • Serve as member of the Cal Housing Assignments Appeals Board, and provide input regarding ADA compliance to the Appeals Board on cases presented by students seeking exceptions to university and residential policy and processes.
  • Advise students of their housing options in the Berkeley area, both on and off campus, when it comes to both access and their other holistic needs.
  • Assist students in navigating the application process and securing reasonable accommodations in the application process, if necessary.
  • Serve as subject-level expert on Fair Housing Act, the California Fair Housing and Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and any other disability-related legal precedent affecting housing.
  • In consultation with legal counsel, provide suggestions to Cal Housing and the Disabled Student’s Program about alterations to policy or process that should be made to remain in compliance or to be progressive within the interpretation of federal and state law regarding housing.
  • Consult with Events and Conferences regarding any chaperone in need of accommodations during their summer stay in the residence halls.
  • In collaboration with Cal Housing staff, provide metrics for annual reports related to accommodations requests.
  • In collaboration with Cal Housing and Residence Life staff, assist in the development and implementation of special projects focused on improving the experience of Students with Disabilities living in the Residence Halls.
  • Conduct academic accommodation intakes when the Disability Specialist team needs support with a high volume of intake appointments.
  • Keep abreast of changing and evolving trends regarding disability accommodation issues, multicultural education/counseling, multicultural education, identity, and student development.
  • Serve on department or divisional committees and work groups.
  • Complete professional development and other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

  • Minimum two years of relevant experience in working with students with multiple disabilities preferably in a post-secondary education setting.
  • Thorough knowledge of procedures for assessing and determining disability accommodation issues.
  • Thorough knowledge of assessment, accommodation, and intervention techniques for students with disabilities.
  • Demonstrated experience interpreting documentation and determining evidence-based accommodation decisions
  • Demonstrated experience in and ability to meet multiple deadlines and work effectively in a fast-paced team environment with competing priorities.
  • Advanced ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
  • Knowledge of federal and state laws such as FERPA, HIPPA, ADA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act laws and the Fair Housing Act.
  • Advanced computer proficiency and analytical skills, including Microsoft Office Suite, Google Drive, and enterprise systems and programs.
  • Excellent interpersonal communication skills, including political acumen, and ability to build and maintain effective relationships at all levels within the University and with outside agencies as well.
  • Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills to communicate student needs and campus responsibilities to faculty, staff, and students throughout the organization.
  • Demonstrated cultural proficiency in connecting with and serving students from varying cultural backgrounds.
  • Must function proficiently in both a Mac and PC environment.

Education/Training:

  • Advanced degree in Special Education, Education, Rehabilitation Counseling or combination of an advanced degree and related experience and/or equivalent training or experience.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Documented experience successfully managing a caseload with a high level of independence.
  • Prior professional experience with program development, implementation, assessment and reporting.
  • Direct experience with coordination of support programming for students with disabilities preferably in a post-secondary setting.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $78,000.00 - $90,000.00.

  • This is a 100%, full-time (40 hours per week), career position that is eligible for full UC benefits.
  • This position is exempt and paid monthly.
  • This is a 100% on-site position

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit:

https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index...


How to Apply

Please visit https://jobs.berkeley.edu/ - Please submit your cover letter and resume as a single attachment when applying.