JVA #25-003 Counselor, Disability Support Services

About this Position

The Disabilities Support Services (DSS) Counselor at Northern Marianas College (NMC) supports students with disabilities by coordinating accommodations, ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504, and advocating for their academic and personal success. This role involves evaluating documentation, providing counseling, collaborating with faculty and external partners, promoting accessibility through outreach, and maintaining confidential records. This position fosters an inclusive environment, supports student success, and contributes to program reviews, while delivering professional, student-centered service.  This position reports to the Director of Learning and Student Services under the Student Support Services Division.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from a U.S. Department of Education recognized accredited institution in Social Work, Rehabilitation Counseling, Special Education, Education, Psychology, Higher Education Administration, or related field AND Four (4) years of working in an educational setting or in a vocational, counseling, or rehabilitation position, primarily supporting individuals with disabilities or;

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Rehabilitation Counseling, Special Education, Education, Psychology, Higher Education Administration or related field from a U.S. Department of Education recognized accredited institution; AND Two (2) years of working in an educational setting or in a vocational, counseling, or rehabilitation positions that support individuals with disabilities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must have a strong computer background, including, but not limited to, word processing, spreadsheets, and databases, preferably Word, Excel, and PowerPoint software applications.
• Able to communicate effectively with students, staff, faculty, and other college stakeholders.
• Demonstrates strong organizational skills and a high attention to detail.
• Capable of handling multiple tasks while maintaining composure under stressful conditions.
• Completes and prioritizes tasks accurately and promptly.Takes initiative and works both independently and cooperatively in a team environment.
• Must be able to deliver workshops/presentations clearly and professionally.
• Commitment to collaboration and transparency, and evidence of effective collaboration with external stakeholders.
• Must be able to build trust with students and stakeholders and can demonstrate empathy.
• Must know state and federal requirements, such as, but not limited to, ADA, Section 504, and FERPA.
• Provides effective phone etiquette and customer service skills.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Evaluate and Coordinate Accommodations:

• Reviews documentation to determine DSS program eligibility.
• Provides accommodations per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 and other relevant laws.
• Works with faculty to adjust classrooms and procure technology.

Ensure Program Compliance:

• Participates in program reviews and assessments.
• Develops DSS policies, procedures and standard operating procedures including online accessibility.
• Maintains confidential records and ensure compliance with disability laws and NMC regulations.
• Prepares reports for accreditation and other purposes using Colleague’s reporting tools.

Support and Advocate for Students:

• Counsels students on success and personal goals individually or in a group setting.
• Educates students, faculty and staff on disability rights.
• Refers students to community resources.
• Implements early interventions for at-risk students through the Retention Alert System.

Collaborate and Train:

• Partners with faculty, staff, high school counselors, and external agencies to meet student needs and for transitional purposes.
• Trains faculty and staff on accessibility and inclusion.
• Works with facilities for physical accessibility.
• Demonstrates collaborative skills and strong teamwork.

Promote Awareness and Outreach:

• Promotes and present DSS services to students and the public.
• Organizes workshops and create accessible materials.
• Recruits and train peer mentors or note-takers.

Provide Excellent Service:

• Engages students and families professionally, upholding college values.
• Ensures compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and other regulations.
• Provides high-quality customer service.
• Maintains a warm and safe environment for all stakeholders.

Support Additional Tasks:

• Assists with campus events, committees, and special projects as assigned.
• Provides additional related duties as needed.

Essential Functions of the Position

Must be able to frequently operate a computer and other office productivity machinery. The individual in this position will frequently communicate with students and their colleague(s) in order to exchange information in various situations. Occasionally lifts office products and supplies, weighing up to 10 Ibs.The employee may be tasked to work outdoors in the sun and heat, on or around wet surfaces, and other areas exposed to the elements.

Work Environment

The Work Environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment may vary. 

Applications must be submitted by 5:00 pm on the closing date.  Deadlines that fall on a non-business day will be extended to the next business day.
 
Employment application forms are available at the Human Resources Office of the College and a pdf.file can be downloaded from our website: http://www.marianas.edu using Adobe Acrobat. Please submit all application materials to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 
All post-secondary education degrees must be from a U.S. Department of Education recognized and accredited institution. It is our requirement that degrees be from a U.S.-accredited college or university. Foreign degrees may be accepted when accompanied with a credential evaluation report. A listing of authorized evaluation reports can be obtained at the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) website at http://www.naces.org/
 
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification (I-9) document form upon hire. Police/court clearance will be required upon job offer.