Background

Daystar University is a chartered interdenominational and evangelical Christian University. Its mission is the development of Christian Servant Leaders for the expansion of God’s kingdom in Africa and the world. We invite applications from suitably qualified candidates to fill the following vacant positions. The Disability Services Officer is responsible for coordinating support services for students living with disabilities (SLWD) at Daystar University, ensuring their full access to academic, social, and spiritual life on campus. The role provides direct case management, oversees reasonable accommodations, champions an inclusive and accessible campus environment, and ensures the University's practice remains aligned with Kenyan disability law and international best practice. The Officer serves as the University's principal point of contact and advocate for students living with disabilities within the Division of Student Affairs.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for prospective and enrolled students living with disabilities, from admission through graduation.
• Conduct intake assessments to identify individual accommodation needs (academic, physical, sensory, learning, and psychosocial).
• Maintain confidential student disability files and accommodation plans in line with data protection requirements.
• Liaise with faculty and academic departments to arrange reasonable accommodations (e.g., extended examination time, alternative formats, note-taking support, sign language interpretation).
• Coordinate with Estates/Facilities to identify and address physical accessibility barriers (ramps, signage, accessible washrooms, lift access), housing arrangements.
• Work with the Library and ICT departments to ensure availability of assistive technology and accessible learning materials.
• Support implementation of Daystar University's Accommodation Policy and related Student Affairs policies as they pertain to students living with disabilities.
• 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) guidelines.
• Maintain accurate records and statistics on students living with disabilities for institutional reporting and regulatory compliance purposes.
• Flag institutional gaps in accessibility or compliance to the Dean of Students and recommend corrective action.
• Lead disability-awareness and inclusion initiatives for staff, faculty, and the wider student body.
• Conduct or coordinate training for faculty and staff on disability etiquette, inclusive teaching practices, and reasonable accommodation procedures.
• Represent the interests of students living with disabilities in relevant University committees and forums.
• Build and maintain relationships with external disability-focused organizations, the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), and other referral partners.
• Respond to disability-related concerns, complaints, or incidents of discrimination in coordination with the Dean of Students.
• Make appropriate referrals to counselling, medical, financial aid, or other support services as needed.
• Support students living with disabilities during emergencies or critical incidents in line with university protocol.
• Prepare periodic reports on disability services, accommodation requests, and outcomes for the Dean of Students.
• 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.
• Implementing change initiatives to achieve desired university strategic goals.
• Ensuring consistent Christian behavior in line with the university’s vision.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Christian commitment and practice.
• 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.

Key Skills and Competencies

• 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.
• Excellent case management, documentation, and confidentiality practices.
• Strong advocacy, negotiation, and cross-departmental coordination skills.
• Ability to train and sensitize diverse audiences (faculty, staff, students).

• Serve as the primary point of contact for prospective and enrolled students living with disabilities, from admission through graduation.
• Conduct intake assessments to identify individual accommodation needs (academic, physical, sensory, learning, and psychosocial).
• Maintain confidential student disability files and accommodation plans in line with data protection requirements.
• Liaise with faculty and academic departments to arrange reasonable accommodations (e.g., extended examination time, alternative formats, note-taking support, sign language interpretation).
• Coordinate with Estates/Facilities to identify and address physical accessibility barriers (ramps, signage, accessible washrooms, lift access), housing arrangements.
• Work with the Library and ICT departments to ensure availability of assistive technology and accessible learning materials.
• Support implementation of Daystar University's Accommodation Policy and related Student Affairs policies as they pertain to students living with disabilities.
• 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) guidelines.
• Maintain accurate records and statistics on students living with disabilities for institutional reporting and regulatory compliance purposes.
• Flag institutional gaps in accessibility or compliance to the Dean of Students and recommend corrective action.
• Lead disability-awareness and inclusion initiatives for staff, faculty, and the wider student body.
• Conduct or coordinate training for faculty and staff on disability etiquette, inclusive teaching practices, and reasonable accommodation procedures.
• Represent the interests of students living with disabilities in relevant University committees and forums.
• Build and maintain relationships with external disability-focused organizations, the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), and other referral partners.
• Respond to disability-related concerns, complaints, or incidents of discrimination in coordination with the Dean of Students.
• Make appropriate referrals to counselling, medical, financial aid, or other support services as needed.
• Support students living with disabilities during emergencies or critical incidents in line with university protocol.
• Prepare periodic reports on disability services, accommodation requests, and outcomes for the Dean of Students.
• 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.
• Implementing change initiatives to achieve desired university strategic goals.
• Ensuring consistent Christian behavior in line with the university’s vision.

• 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.
• Excellent case management, documentation, and confidentiality practices.
• Strong advocacy, negotiation, and cross-departmental coordination skills.
• Ability to train and sensitize diverse audiences (faculty, staff, students).

• Christian commitment and practice.
• 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.