Disability Resources Counselor

NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) provides quality and affordable higher education to empower lives and strengthen communities within Northwest Arkansas and surrounding areas.

As the largest community college in Arkansas, NWACC is recognized as a leader in education. NWACC offers a full range of associate degrees, certificates and workforce training programs that prepare students for rewarding futures and careers.

NWACC employees are dedicated to fostering a diverse educational community and cultural learning environment that supports student success.

The Disability Resources Counselor is responsible for assisting the Director in the administration of services for Disability Resources (within the division of Student Affairs) for the coordination of programming and services for identified students with disabilities to ensure their equal access to the academic programs and student activities of the College. This includes responsibilities for direct service to students with disabilities; interaction with faculty and other stakeholders; and the effective co-administration of relevant policies and procedures that assure compliance with state and federal disability laws, as well as concordance with Northwest Arkansas Community College policies and procedures.

Essential Duties:

• Conducts student intake and Access Plan Meetings; reviews disability-related documentation and supports accommodation eligibility and determination processes

• Coordinates timely implementation of approved academic accommodations and provides academic guidance and disability-related support to eligible students

• Provides targeted outreach and transition support for dual enrollment and Early College Experience students in collaboration with High School Relations, affiliated high schools, and prospective student outreach partners

• Supports the acquisition, production, and use of alternative-format materials and assistive technology

• Collaborates with faculty, staff, and community partners to address access needs, accommodation questions, and disability-related concerns

• Maintains accurate records of student contacts, accommodation decisions, and related documentation in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and College procedures

• Manages competing priorities, identifies urgent concerns, and maintains current knowledge of disability services, accessibility, and higher education compliance requirements

• Represents the department at campus and community meetings, committees, and task forces; contributes to departmental assessment and continuous improvement efforts

• Supervises student workers, practicum students, and/or graduate interns, as assigned

• Performs other related duties as assigned

Rate of Pay: $51,193 Annualized *Higher compensation may be considered based on qualifications directly related to position

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Community Mental Health Counseling, Counselor Education, or a closely related field required.

• At least 2 years of related experience and/or training

• Must obtain and maintain professional certification or licensure (such as, CRC or LAC) relevant to the position within twelve (12) months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Existing professional licensure/certification preferred.

• Experience providing direct services to individuals with disabilities in a higher education setting preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of disability services, accessibility, accommodations, and applicable laws, regulations, and best practices in higher education
• Ability to gather, review, analyze, and document information to support sound administrative and accommodation-related decisions
• Strong organizational, coordination, case management, and program assessment skills
• Ability to interpret academic requirements and student needs in relation to approved accommodations
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive student information
• Excellent oral, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively and respectfully with diverse student populations, faculty, staff, and community partners
• Skill in using databases, case management systems, and standard office technology to maintain records and support service delivery
• Ability to support process improvement, goal setting, policy implementation, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Ability to provide leadership, guidance, and training to student workers, interns, and/or support staff

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

The following physical activities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.
While performing the functions of this job, the employee is:
Frequently:
• Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding
• Sitting
• Standing
• Walking
Constantly:
• Hearing
• Repetitive motion
• Talking

The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading; and/or visual inspection at distances close to the eyes.

Environmental Conditions:

The following work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

NWACC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, please see our EEO policy.