Student Disability Services Advisor

Student Disability Services Advisor

New River Community and Technical College

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Salary Range: $52,000–$58,000

Make Education More Accessible. Help Every Student Succeed.

At New River Community and Technical College, we believe every student deserves an equitable opportunity to learn, participate, and succeed. We are seeking a knowledgeable, student-centered Student Disability Services Advisor to lead the coordination of disability-related accommodations while advancing accessibility throughout the College’s academic programs and learning environments.

Reporting to the Vice President of Student Affairs, the Disability Services Advisor serves as a key resource for students, faculty, staff, and campus leadership. This position combines individualized student support and accommodation management with proactive collaboration to improve the accessibility of curriculum, instructional materials, technology, and educational experiences.

The successful candidate will balance the daily demands of evaluating accommodation requests and responding to student needs with the broader responsibility of helping faculty and staff incorporate accessible practices into teaching and learning. The Advisor exercises independent judgment, applies applicable federal and state requirements, and develops practical solutions that promote equal access while preserving the essential academic requirements of courses and programs.

Key Responsibilities

Disability Services and Individualized Accommodations

• Meet individually with students, in person or virtually, to assess disability-related needs and determine appropriate academic accommodations, auxiliary aids, and services.
• Review disability documentation in accordance with applicable federal and state requirements to evaluate eligibility for services and support accommodation decisions.
• Conduct introductory interviews to understand students’ perspectives, functional limitations, previous accommodations, educational experiences, study skills, and potential need for additional campus or community resources.
• Develop individualized accommodation letters based on relevant documentation, student interviews, and an assessment of appropriate accommodations.
• Respond to daily accommodation requests, questions, and emerging student needs in a timely, professional, and consistent manner.
• Conduct follow-up meetings to evaluate the effectiveness of accommodations, address concerns, and revise accommodation plans or letters when appropriate.
• Apply knowledge of diverse disabilities and their potential impact on learning to make informed, equitable, and legally compliant accommodation decisions.
• Maintain accurate, confidential, and comprehensive student records, including case notes, communications, documentation, and accommodation-related decisions.
  

Advancing Accessibility in Curriculum and Instruction

• Drive proactive accessibility initiatives across the curriculum by partnering with faculty, academic leadership, and information technology staff to identify and address barriers to student participation and learning.
• Collaborate with faculty to identify accessible instructional strategies, course materials, assessments, and learning resources that support diverse student needs.
• Work with information technology staff and other stakeholders to promote accessible digital content, educational technology, and online learning environments.
• Encourage the integration of accessibility principles into course development, curriculum review, instructional planning, and the selection or creation of learning materials.
• Identify recurring accommodation requests and accessibility barriers to inform opportunities for broader improvements in teaching practices, instructional resources, and academic processes.
• Provide consultation and practical guidance to faculty and staff on implementing approved accommodations while maintaining essential course requirements and academic standards.
• Promote a proactive approach to accessibility that complements individualized accommodations and helps reduce preventable barriers before students encounter them.

Collaboration, Education, and Student Advocacy

• Serve as a primary resource for students and families seeking information about disability services, registration, documentation, and accommodation procedures.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, administrators, and other College partners to resolve accommodation-related questions and support student success.
• Refer students to appropriate campus and community resources based on identified academic, personal, or support needs.
• Deliver presentations, training, and educational programming to students, faculty, and staff on disability awareness, accessibility, accommodation responsibilities, and inclusive educational practices.
• Represent Student Disability Resources at College activities and initiatives that advance student access, engagement, and success.
• Research emerging practices, evaluate alternative approaches, and develop solutions to complex disability-related and accessibility challenges.
• Perform other duties as assigned and comply with College policies, procedures, and applicable standards.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Special Education, Counseling, Rehabilitation Services, or a related field.

Experience

• At least three years of demonstrated experience working with students or adults with disabilities in an educational, counseling, rehabilitation, or related environment.

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel between College locations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Special Education, Counseling, Rehabilitation Services, or a related field.
• Experience evaluating disability documentation and determining reasonable academic accommodations in a postsecondary setting.
• Knowledge of applicable disability-related laws and requirements governing access to higher education. (ADA, FERPA, 504 Rehabilitation Act_
• Experience collaborating with faculty and instructional technology staff to improve the accessibility of curriculum, course materials, and digital learning resources.
• Experience delivering training or consultation on disability awareness, accommodations, universal design, or accessible instructional practices.

An equivalent combination of education and recent, relevant experience may be considered where appropriate.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Accessibility and Regulatory Compliance

• Knowledge of disability-related needs, reasonable accommodations, and applicable federal and state requirements.
• Ability to evaluate documentation, assess functional limitations, and make individualized accommodation decisions using sound professional judgment.
• Ability to balance timely student support, regulatory compliance, and the integrity of academic courses and programs.

Curriculum Accessibility and Continuous Improvement

• Ability to identify barriers in instructional materials, learning technologies, and academic processes.
• Skill in partnering with faculty and staff to develop practical, sustainable accessibility solutions.
• Ability to recognize patterns in accommodation requests and translate those insights into proactive improvements.

Communication and Collaboration

• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to explain accommodation decisions and requirements clearly, respectfully, and professionally.
• Skill in building collaborative relationships, navigating differing perspectives, managing conflict, and identifying workable solutions.

Organization and Independent Judgment

• Exceptional attention to detail, documentation, confidentiality, and case management.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, respond to daily student needs, and meet established deadlines.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while consulting with leadership on complex or sensitive matters.

Problem-Solving and Professional Development

• Ability to research complex issues, evaluate options, and implement appropriate solutions.
• Commitment to continuous learning and the use of effective, evidence-informed accessibility practices.

Our Expectations

All employees are expected to conduct themselves professionally, responsibly, and ethically; contribute to a productive and safe working environment; and support the College’s mission, vision, and values.

Our Mission

New River Community and Technical College provides accessible, affordable, quality education and workforce programs to meet the needs of the region it serves.

Our Values

• Respect: Recognize individual contributions and perspectives, welcome diverse voices, and foster an inclusive College community.
• Honesty: Communicate openly, act ethically, accept responsibility, and provide accurate and transparent information.
• Education: Support continuous learning, share knowledge, expand access to educational resources, and continually assess programs and services.
• Community: Engage with local communities and partners to meet regional educational needs and promote civic engagement.

Our Vision

New River Community and Technical College will improve students’ lives and enrich communities as an increasingly integral part of the educational and economic landscape of southern West Virginia.

Join Us in Expanding Access and Opportunity

If you are passionate about disability services, committed to equitable access, and motivated to improve how students experience teaching and learning, we invite you to bring your expertise to New River Community and Technical College. Help us meet students’ immediate accommodation needs while building a more accessible educational environment for all.