job_title - Specialist for Students with Disabilities

Tawteen

1. Assessing Individual Student Needs:

o Conducting personal interviews, medical assessments, and academic evaluations to identify the type of disability and the student's academic and service needs.

o Preparing and regularly updating Individual Support Plans (ISP) in coordination with academic departments, administrative units, and the Admission and Registration Center.

2. Internal and External Coordination:

o Maintaining ongoing communication with faculty members and administrative departments to provide academic accommodations (e.g., extended exam time, accessible course materials, etc.).

o Ensuring a safe and inclusive university environment (architectural accessibility, dedicated internal transportation, reserved parking spaces).

o Coordinating with Omani government entities and associations (Ministry of Social Development, Oman Association for Persons with Disabilities, Oman Association for the Blind, Oman Association for the Deaf, etc.) to secure support, assistive devices, and training.

3. Providing Academic Support and Auxiliary Services:

o Providing and maintaining assistive devices (wheelchairs, Braille displays, text-to-speech and speech-to-text software, AI-based real-time applications).

o Monitoring the implementation and effectiveness of academic accommodations through academic performance reports.

4. Training and Awareness:

o Organizing regular workshops and training courses for faculty and staff on how to support students with disabilities and use assistive technologies.

o Implementing awareness campaigns within the university to promote a culture of inclusion and respect for the rights of persons with disabilities in accordance with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and Omani legislation.

5. Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation:

o Tracking students academic and behavioral performance in collaboration with academic advisors.

o Measuring student satisfaction with provided services through periodic surveys and evaluation meetings.

o Preparing periodic and annual reports for senior management that include challenges, proposed solutions, and performance indicators.

6. Data Management and Reporting:

o Creating and maintaining an accurate, up-to-date, and fully confidential database of students with disabilities.

o Preparing annual statistical reports to support administrative decision-making and meet local and international accreditation requirements.

7. Psychological and Social Support:

o Providing direct psychological and social counseling or referring students to specialized entities when necessary.

o Organizing group support sessions, self-confidence workshops, recreational activities, and field trips to enhance social integration.

8. Policy and Procedure Development:

o Participating in drafting and updating university policies and regulations related to the rights of students with disabilities.

o Proposing continuous improvements to procedures to ensure compliance with quality standards, academic accreditation, and global best practices.

9. Emergency and Safety Management:

o Developing and updating customized emergency and evacuation plans for students with disabilities in coordination with the Health and Safety Department.

o Training responsible teams on the implementation of these plans.

10. Monitoring Technological Developments and Budget Management:

o Continuously researching the latest assistive technologies (including artificial intelligence solutions and real-time translation applications).

o Evaluating their suitability for the university and proposing annual procurement and upgrade plans.

o Preparing the annual budget proposal for devices, software, and support services.

11. Promoting Participation in Student Activities:

o Encouraging students with disabilities to participate in sports, cultural, social, and student club activities.

o Coordinating with the Student Activities Department to provide an inclusive environment and necessary accommodations.

12. Complaints and Feedback Management:

o Receiving, documenting, and professionally and promptly addressing student complaints and suggestions while maintaining confidentiality.

o Preparing periodic reports on complaints, actions taken, and resolution rates.

The employee is required to strictly adhere and comply with Sohar University policies, bylaws, and regulations that are related to their work.

Any other assigned tasks that fall within the competence of the department/faculty.

Knowledge & Skills:

General:

Fully conversant with the Omani labour law.

Moderated level in writing and speaking of Arabic and English languages (following the department/faculty).

Ability to use computers and relevant computer applications for the job.

Clear and effective communicator.

Resourceful (know where to find information for problem-solving).

Team player, leads and supports changes to improve business performance.

Specifics:

Aware of the Health and Safety requirements of staff at work and environmental conservation programs.