Student Disability Services Specialist Full Time NEW

Founded in 1863, Saint Mary’s College of California is a residential institution in the Moraga Valley, 20 miles east of San Francisco, rooted in the Catholic, Lasallian, and Liberal Arts traditions. Enrolling more than 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students, the College integrates liberal and professional education within a mission shaped by the De La Salle Christian Brothers. Known for academic excellence, innovation, and responsiveness, Saint Mary’s fosters shared inquiry, meaningful student engagement, and a strong commitment to diversity, leadership, and service.

Why Join Saint Mary’s College?

At Saint Mary’s, your work has visible impact. As a close-knit residential college, employees work collaboratively across departments—your ideas, leadership, and contributions directly shape the student experience and the future direction of the institution. Colleagues partner across divisions, decisions are grounded in mission, and innovation is encouraged. If you are seeking a workplace where purpose, community, and professional growth intersect—and where your work truly matters—Saint Mary’s offers that opportunity.

Job Title

Student Disabilities Services Specialist

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director of Student Disability Services, this position is responsible for developing, implementing, evaluating, direct and coordinatingomplex Student Disability Services (SDS) policies and practices which maintain the college’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Sensitive, highly confidential student medical and psychological information is assessed in order to determine and provide reasonable and appropriate accommodations to ensure that students with disabilities have access to participate in and enjoy SMC’s educational programs and campus life.

Essential Responsibilities

Arrange Accommodations for Students

• Meets with student to conduct intake interviews to determine eligibility to receive ADA accommodations.
• Reviews medical documentation to verify student eligibility for accommodation.
• Consults, when appropriate and necessary, with medical and psychiatric providers to gain clarity regarding student’s conditions.
• Evaluates accommodation requests and determined approved accommodations in line with ADA laws and current best practices.
• Determines and extends disability accommodations campus wide, including in classrooms, residence halls, physical space on campus, enrollment and financial aid.
• Notifies appropriate faculty and staff of individual student’s accommodations to ensure that appropriate and reasonable services are provided.
• Coordinates provision of adaptive equipment, assistive technology and other supportive materials for eligible students with disabilities.
• Oversees accommodation coordination and delivery, taking a lead role in coordinating the testing and note taking accommodations.
• Conducts documentation follow up and re-evaluation for students requesting ongoing accommodations.

Consultation and Education

• Consults, advises, coaches, and implements accommodation services campus wide with faculty and staff.
• Offers mediation and support surrounding concerns or conflicts between SDS students/faculty/staff.
• Recommends facility modifications to address campus barriers.
• Develops, prepares and delivers in-service education for faculty, staff and students related to SDS, student/faculty issues, best practices and SMC legal obligations.
• Represents SDS department at Admissions, Orientation and other events to meet with prospective and current students to provide information about the SDS office.

SDS Office Administrative Management

• Uses ADA database to keep all notes and updated records of all student interactions, including appointments, phone calls, documentation received, interaction with faculty/staff.
• Purchases and maintains SDS equipment and software as well as tracks and orders supplies for the department.
• Trouble shoots when problems arise – student schedule changes, instructor changes, difficulty reaching instructor.

Professional Development

• Attends training and professional development opportunities to stay current on federal and state laws regarding students with disabilities.
• Seeks out opportunities to determine best practices for student disabilities in higher education and looks to implement at SMC.

Other Duties as Assigned

Experience And Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree preferred.

Experience: Minimum three (3) years of experience.

Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge and experience working with and applying student disability law in higher education preferred.
• Strong analytical, customer service and dispute management skills required.
• Occasional evening and weekend work as needed.

Licenses & Certifications

N/A

Supplemental Information

Please upload your responses to the following questions as a separate document along with your resume. Use clear, specific examples from your experience, including your role, actions taken, and outcomes where applicable. Responses will be used to evaluate your qualifications and fit for the position.

• Please describe your experience reviewing or coordinating accommodation requests. How do you assess needs and ensure appropriate and compliant outcomes?
• Describe your experience applying ADA (or similar regulations such as Title IV or Title IX) in your work. How have you ensured compliance while supporting individuals effectively?
• Provide an example of a time you had to analyze detailed or sensitive information to make a decision. What was your process, and what was the outcome?
• Describe a situation where you had to navigate a challenging conversation between parties (e.g., student, staff, or other stakeholders). How did you approach it?
• Tell us about a time you worked collaboratively with others to solve a problem or improve a process. What was your role?
• This role involves managing a high volume of requests, particularly during peak periods. How do you prioritize and stay organized while maintaining accuracy and responsiveness?

Saint Mary’s College of California Employee Benefits Guide

Saint Mary’s College of California provides a comprehensive and competitive benefits program designed to support the health, financial security, and overall well-being of eligible faculty and staff.

This Benefits Guide provides a general overview of available programs. It is not a contract and does not modify plan documents, insurance policies, or official College policies. In the event of any discrepancy, official plan documents and College policies govern.

Health Insurance

The College Offers a Range Of Medical Plan Options To Allow Employees To Select Coverage That Best Meets Their Individual And Family Needs. Plan Offerings May Include

• PPO medical plans
• HMO medical plans
• High Deductible Health Plans (HDHP), where applicable

Specific carriers and plan designs are outlined in the annual open enrollment materials.

Eligible Dependents

Eligible Dependents May Include

• A legally married spouse
• A state-registered domestic partner
• Qualifying children up to age 26

Dependent eligibility is subject to plan terms and required documentation.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Saint Mary’s College offers employees the opportunity to participate in pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts, which may include:

• Health Care FSA – for eligible medical, dental, and vision expenses
• Dependent Care FSA – for eligible childcare or dependent care expenses

Annual contribution limits are established by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Life Insurance

The College provides employer-paid basic life insurance coverage for eligible employees. Additional voluntary life insurance options may be available, including:

• Basic Term Life
• Basic Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
• Optional Employee Life Insurance
• Optional Dependent Life Insurance
• Optional AD&D coverage

Coverage levels, eligibility, and enrollment details are outlined in plan materials.

Dental & Vision Insurance

Eligible employees may enroll in dental and vision coverage. In some cases, dental and vision plans may be elected independently of medical coverage, providing flexibility based on individual needs.

Plan details, network information, and coverage summaries are provided during enrollment.

Disability Benefits

Saint Mary’s College provides disability coverage designed to protect income in the event of a qualifying illness or injury. Benefits may include:

• Short-Term Disability (STD)
• Long-Term Disability (LTD)

Eligibility and benefit amounts are determined according to plan documents.

Retirement Benefits

Saint Mary’s College offers retirement benefits to support long-term financial planning. Eligible employees may participate in:

• A defined contribution retirement plan
• Employer contributions in accordance with College policy
• Voluntary employee pre-tax and/or Roth contributions, subject to IRS limits

Plan details, vesting schedules, and eligibility requirements are outlined in official retirement plan documents.

Employees are encouraged to review plan materials carefully and consult with financial advisors as needed to fully understand retirement options.

Additional Benefits & Campus Resources

As part of the Saint Mary’s College community, faculty and staff may also enjoy:

• Tuition Assistance Programs
• Access to campus fitness and wellness programs
• Access to the College library and the Hearst Art Gallery
• Discounts at the campus bookstore and dining services
• Access to cultural events and campus activities
• Community partnerships and local discounts in the Lamorinda area

Equal Employment Opportunity

Saint Mary’s College of California is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful work environment consistent with its Lasallian values.

Important Notice

All benefits, policies, and programs described in this guide are subject to change without notice. Participation and eligibility are governed by official plan documents, College policies, and applicable federal and state laws.

Contact Information

For Additional Information Regarding Employee Benefits

Human Resources

Saint Mary’s College of California

Moraga, CA 94575

Email

01

Do you possess at least a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have working knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and its application in an educational or workplace setting?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have experience reviewing, coordinating, or supporting accommodation requests for students, employees, or clients?

• Yes
• No

04

Are you able to work full-time on-site, Monday through Friday for this position?

• Yes
• No

05

Are you able to work in a high-volume environment, particularly during peak periods such as the start of an academic term?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you have legal authorization to work in the United States?

• Yes
• No

Required Question