Access Specialist - Professional Students (DRES)

Access Specialist – Professional Students

Disability Resources & Educational Services

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Job Summary

The position will be responsible for working with professional students in their chosen academic program and College to determine academic accommodations, with careful consideration of the program's technical standards, curriculum, and clinical experiences. This position will work with professional students, across all documented disabilities, to determine eligibility for academic adjustments and services, to ensure equal access to curricular and co-curricular opportunities in compliance with the ADAAA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Advises disabled students in professional programs at the University and instructors in the planning, determination, and implementation of academic adjustments, modifications, and auxiliary aids and services.
• Collaborates with faculty, administration, and other professionals across campus to discuss any program standards, curriculum requirements and the implication for full implementation of approved academic accommodations for disabled students.
• Advises other campus administrative and service units on the physical, programmatic, informational, and attitudinal access issues relating to the needs of disabled students.
• Collaborates with other DRES staff in the ongoing refinement of internal service policies, procedures, and practices.
• Counsels/advises students in areas such as accommodation requests for licensure exams and employment applications.
• Participates in the development and implementation of disability education training at the University.
• Serves as DRES liaison to the College of AHS and other campus departments/units as needed.
• Remains current in the knowledge and understanding of the ADAAA, ADA, and 504, as well as OCR and DOE decisions relative to post-secondary services to students with disabilities.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Additional Physical Demands

The position will hold hours within each of the Colleges the position is a liaison with, to facilitate easy access of the disabled students to DRES. The role is a 12-month, in-person position.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in any field.
• Knowledge of and experience in the delivery of ADAAA/504 mandated post- secondary academic adjustments and services for disabled students.
• Minimum 1 year experience determining disability accommodations within higher education setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in rehabilitation, education, higher education, disability studies, or closely related field.

• Experience working with graduate and professional students in the delivery of academic adjustments and services.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to organize, categorize, and prioritize workload effectively and efficiently under minimal supervision.
• Ability to work with stakeholders from varied background and with a range of identities and needs.
• Ability to work with student populations representing a wide range of backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. We strive to provide a competitive salary, considering factors such as available market data, internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, collective bargaining agreements, and budget constraints. The salary range for this position is $55,000 to $65,000 with the final salary offer determined through a thorough assessment of these elements.

This position is eligible for sponsorship for work authorization, except for sponsorship of a new H1B petition that would incur the $100,000 fee.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on March 12, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Bobbie Clegg at [email protected]. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next . Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [email protected].

Requisition ID : 1034786

Job Category : Education & Student Services

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