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.
Position SummaryThe Lead Disability Specialist and Supervisor position primarily focuses on supervising professional career staff, staff development, and the planning, coordination, and implementation of services and processes that ensure students with disabilities have equitable access to the academic and campus environment in compliance with federal and state disability law. The Disabled Students' Program employs two Lead Disability Specialists and Supervisors who work directly with assigned cohorts of Disability Specialists and who collaborate with one another and with the broader DSP Supervisor and Management teams.Application Review DateThe First Review Date for this job is: 06/02/2025.ResponsibilitiesSupervision, Leadership, and Unit Oversight
- Provides direct supervision, mentorship, and professional development to a team of Disability Specialists.
- Oversees workload distribution, performance evaluations, and supporting staff in meeting expectations related to case management, service quality, timeliness, and professional conduct.
- Oversees and leads the recruitment and hiring efforts for the DSP Disability Specialist unit.
- Leads internal training and onboarding for new and continuing Disability Specialists to ensure consistency in practices, procedures, legal compliance, and evolving campus standards.
- Identifies training needs and collaborates with the DSP Senior Policy Analyst to design or coordinate learning opportunities to support team growth and service quality.
- Responds to and resolves student and faculty complaints, escalating complex matters to DSP leadership as needed.
- Collaborates with DSP managers and auxiliary services (Alternative Media, Communications Access, Note Taking, and Proctoring) to ensure coordinated service delivery.
- Partners with academic departments and faculty to address accommodation challenges and continuously works towards a consistent campus-wide approach to disability compliance and support.
- Works closely with the DSP Business Admin team and demonstrates understanding of campus processes and guidelines related to HR, recruitment, purchasing, facilities, and other operational needs that align with university policy and smooth day-to-day operations.
- Leads case review meetings, contributes to policy development, and helps shape strategic planning efforts for the specialist unit.
Strategic Partnerships and Campus Collaboration
- Serves as a key liaison with academic departments, deans’ offices, and student affairs.
- Responds promptly to sensitive or high-level faculty complaints regarding accommodations.
- Represents DSP in campus initiatives, particularly those involving academic access, student experience, or instructional access.
- Collaborates with the DSP Senior Policy Analyst to deliver or coordinate campus-wide training efforts that promote awareness of disability, accessibility, and inclusive teaching practices in higher education.
Systems Leadership and Process Improvement
- Oversees the integration and functionality of case management systems (e.g., AIM) for the specialist unit.
- Provides leadership on system-related needs in partnership with the Auxiliary Services units, helping shape improvements and enhance staff efficiency and student support.
Caseload Management/Other Duties as Assigned
- Maintains a small caseload of students with complex or high-stakes accommodation needs.
- Provides consultation on escalated student cases brought forward by Disability Specialists, Auxiliary Services supervisors, or DSP management.
- Ensures the consistent application of accommodation policies across the team.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- A minimum of 3-5 years of direct experience supervising career/professional/represented staff in a service-oriented, compliance-driven environment.
- Demonstrated ability to manage conflict, address performance concerns, and lead team change management efforts.
- Demonstrated ability to interface with faculty and campus leadership around sensitive, high-stakes accessibility issues and concerns.
- Demonstrated success in working closely with departmental managers, unit supervisors, and administrative leads to support coordinated service delivery, resolve operational issues, and implement programmatic improvements.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively across the organization at all levels.
- Experience in mediating, managing, and resolving conflicts and employing open and clear decision-making processes.
- Demonstrated proficiency and political acumen in working with a broad range of students, faculty, staff, senior administrators, and community leaders.
- Demonstrated skills in problem identification, sound judgment, transparent decision making, critical thinking, and creative problem solving.
- Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to manage competing time and resource demands.
- Master’s degree or higher in education, rehabilitation counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field with a strong focus on disability, student affairs, or higher education and/or equivalent experience/training. A combination of advanced education and relevant experience in disability services within postsecondary settings may also be considered.
Preferred Qualifications
- Professional experience working directly with students with disabilities as an accommodations specialist in a university setting.
- Advanced knowledge and content experience in disability documentation, academic accommodations and adjustments, auxiliary services, and student service delivery.
- Thorough knowledge of the legal framework involving accommodations for students with disabilities through state and federal laws and regulations, and the determination of accommodations, within the current legal framework.
Salary & BenefitsFor information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California'sCompensation & Benefitswebsite.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 annual salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $80,400.00 - $112,900.00.
- This is a full-time, Career position that is eligible for full UC benefits.
- This is an exempt, monthly-paid position.
How to Apply
Please visit https://jobs.berkeley.edu/ - Please submit your cover letter and resume as a single attachment when applying.