Disability Services Officer

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in special Needs Education, Disability Studies, Counselling Psychology, Social Work, Rehabilitation Studies, or a related field.
• Master’s degree is an added advantage.
• Minimum of 3 years' relevant experience working with persons with disabilities, preferably in a higher education or student services setting.
• Working knowledge of the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2025, and disability-inclusive practice in Kenya.
• Training or certification in Kenyan Sign Language is an added advantage.
• Christian commitment and practice.
• Strong advocacy, negotiation, and cross-departmental coordination skills.
• Excellent case management, documentation, and confidentiality practices.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with genuine empathy and respect for the dignity of persons with disabilities.
• Sound knowledge of assistive technologies and accommodation practices in an academic setting.
• Ability to train and sensitize diverse audiences (faculty, staff, students).

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Build and maintain relationships with external disability-focused organizations, the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), and other referral partners.
• Conduct intake assessments to identify individual accommodation needs (academic, physical, sensory, learning, and psychosocial).
• Conduct or coordinate training for faculty and staff on disability etiquette, inclusive teaching practices, and reasonable accommodation procedures.
• Coordinate with Estates/Facilities to identify and address physical accessibility barriers (ramps, signage, accessible washrooms, lift access), housing arrangements.
• Ensure institutional compliance with the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2025 (Act No. 4 of 2025), Article 54 of the Constitution of Kenya, and applicable Commission for University Education (CUE) guid
• Ensuring consistent Christian behavior in line with the university’s vision
• Flag institutional gaps in accessibility or compliance to the Dean of Students and recommend corrective action.
• Implementing change initiatives to achieve desired university strategic goals
• Lead disability-awareness and inclusion initiatives for staff, faculty, and the wider student body.
• Liaise with faculty and academic departments to arrange reasonable accommodations (e.g., extended examination time, alternative formats, note-taking support, sign language interpretation).
• Maintain accurate records and statistics on students living with disabilities for institutional reporting and regulatory compliance purposes.
• Maintain confidential student disability files and accommodation plans in line with data protection requirements.
• Make appropriate referrals to counselling, medical, financial aid, or other support services as needed.
• Manage any budget allocated to disability support services and assistive resources.
• Participate in Student Affairs departmental planning and contribute to relevant risk registers and policy reviews.
• Prepare periodic reports on disability services, accommodation requests, and outcomes for the Dean of Students.
• Represent the interests of students living with disabilities in relevant University committees and forums.
• Respond to disability-related concerns, complaints, or incidents of discrimination in coordination with the Dean of Students.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for prospective and enrolled students living with disabilities, from admission through graduation.
• Support implementation of Daystar University's Accommodation Policy and related Student Affairs policies as they pertain to students living with disabilities.
• Support students living with disabilities during emergencies or critical incidents in line with university protocol.
• Work with the Library and ICT departments to ensure availability of assistive technology and accessible learning materials.