Manager, Student Life and Development

Qualifications and Experience:

The successful candidate must possess at minimum, a Master’s degree from a recognized university which should be in Social Sciences, Humanities, Education or a closely related field.

Candidates should also possess:

• Professional experience activities involving students with disabilities
• Experience in a managerial position
• Knowledge of assistive technology and accessibility tools for students with diverse needs
• Demonstrated competence in managing disability services through effective coordination, and promotion of inclusion and independence for persons with disabilities
• Candidates with the following would have an advantage:
• Bachelor’s degree in the field of Social Sciences, Student Services or related field
• Membership in a related professional association
• Proficiency in counselling
• Proficiency in assessing needs of persons with disabilities
• Demonstrated competence in student advocacy and academic accommodations (understanding what special requirements are needed for students with disabilities)
• The following would be considered assets:
• Certification in Psychology or Social Work
• Experience in student services in a higher education environment
• Evidence of prior collaboration with faculty, staff, and external agencies to support equity and student success

Key Responsibilities

• Managing the delivery of support services for students with disabilities
• Working with academic and administrative Units and Departments to ensure that students with disabilities are afforded equal opportunity to benefit from their university experience
• Overseeing and managing all the operations of the Department, inclusive of department budget, programmes, strategic plans, staffing, policy development and implementation, for example the One UWI Disability Policy
• Overseeing academic and other types of support to all students, including postgraduate and mature students, international and regional students and students with disabilities
• Developing and implementing programmes which facilitate the improvement of academic performance of all students on the campus
• Conducting meetings with all students to deal with any type of issue or challenges that they may be facing
• Engaging in sensitization and awareness initiatives for the Campus community on student with disabilities
• Fostering collaboration by networking, liaising, and coordinating activities with both campus partners and external organizations
• Ensuring appropriate accommodation is in place to support students requiring assistance during examinations
• Preparing annual reports and estimates of needs for the department
• Adhering to the guiding values, mission and vision of the University of the West Indies
• Performing any other duties that may be assigned by the Director 

Personal Attributes

The Campus places high priority on individuals of integrity who can work well in a team and student friendly environment. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with proficiency in both oral and written English, are essential.

Candidates should also:

• Possess advocacy skills to champion inclusiveness and equity
• Possess report writing, project and programme development skills
• Possess strong leadership skills
• Possess an inclusive and team-oriented management style
• Possess good planning, organizing and networking skills
• Possess cultural sensitivity
• Be a strategic and critical thinker
• Demonstrate empathy and compassion by understanding individual needs and managing support that promotes dignity, inclusion, and independence for persons with disabilities
• Display patience and tolerance by managing diverse needs and fostering an inclusive, respectful environment for persons with disabilities
• Be solution and results oriented
• Be committed to continuous improvement of service delivery
• Be able to understand and embrace working with diverse populations of students 

The University would like to thank all applicants for their interest. Please note, however, that only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged or contacted.