Counselor, CAADS
Listed compensation
Salary Range: $49K–$61K
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, weekend coverage and time off.
Job Description
We have an opening for a Counselor, Center for Access and Disability Services (CAADS) at our Chattanooga State campus!
Our Purpose - We support and empower everyone in our community to learn without limits.
Our Values
We cultivate a welcome and supportive environment.
We care about the well-being of each other.
We instill trust through integrity and transparency.
We encourage fearless innovation and resilience.
We collaborate to build a better future.
Our Mission - We are Chattanooga State, a dedicated team that delivers accessible, innovative learning opportunities that surpass expectations.
Together, we enrich the lives of students, and their families; develop a talented workforce; and partner with our community to lead boldly into the future.
Position Summary
In alignment with the College’s mission and values, the Counselor provides services and support to students with disabilities under the direction of the CAADS Director.
This position reviews disability documentation, engages in the interactive process to determine reasonable accommodations, and coordinates services to ensure access to College programs and activities in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
The Counselor collaborates with students, faculty, and staff to support student engagement, retention, and academic progress in a professional and welcoming environment.
Essential Functions
Holistic Student Support
- Review disability-related documentation to determine eligibility for services and engage in the interactive process with students to determine reasonable accommodations.
- Develop and maintain accommodation plans and communicate approved accommodations to appropriate campus partners.
- Coordinate accommodations and services with faculty, staff, and external vendors (including assistive technology services, ASL interpreting services, and alternate format providers).
- Provide ongoing support and coaching to students throughout the semester, assisting them in navigating accessibility needs and disability-related barriers in the academic environment.
Teaching Excellence
- Assist the Director with department operations, reporting, and documentation processes.
- Provide testing and proctoring support as needed, including coordination of approved testing accommodations.
- Participate in CAADS-related outreach efforts, including informational sessions, campus meetings, and community-based partnerships as assigned.
- Perform other duties as assigned in support of CAADS operations and departmental goals.
Organizational Culture and Program Innovation
- Advocate for students as needed by collaborating with campus departments to help address disability-related barriers and support a coordinated, student-centered experience.
- Maintain a welcoming and supportive environment for students and visitors.
- Support retention and student success efforts by promoting awareness of CAADS services and encouraging appropriate utilization.
Knowledge, Skills, and Work Characteristics
- Knowledge of the ADA, Section 504, and applicable disability-related compliance standards.
- Ability to apply the interactive process and determine reasonable accommodations in accordance with legal guidelines.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work effectively with students, faculty, and staff.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks, maintain accurate records, and meet deadlines.
- Strong written communication skills, including documentation and professional correspondence.
- Ability to use office technology, including databases, word processing, and data entry systems.
Physical Requirements
- Physical requirements include those of working in a typical office setting.
- When participating in events with the departmental display materials, the counselor must have the ability to lift 10 pounds.
Required Qualifications
- Education and training: Master’s degree in special education, counseling, psychology, or like field.
- Work Experience: Two years of working with individuals with disabilities
- Working knowledge of the ADA and Section 504 law/guidelines
Preferred Qualifications
- 3-5 years of experience working in a college or university disability services setting.
- Demonstrated experience coordinating accommodations and providing case management support to disabled students.
- Advanced knowledge of ADA, Section 504, and higher education disability services best practices.
- Experience with assistive technology and/or accessible instructional materials processes.
Salary Range: $48,572 - $60,715
- Application review will begin 7 days after posting date *
Key Responsibilities
The Counselor provides essential services and support to students with disabilities by reviewing documentation, determining reasonable accommodations through the interactive process, and coordinating necessary services to ensure program access in compliance with ADA and Section 504. This role also involves ongoing student coaching, assisting with department operations, and participating in outreach efforts to support student engagement and retention.
Requirements
Required qualifications include a Master's degree in a related field such as special education, counseling, or psychology, along with a minimum of two years of experience working with individuals with disabilities and working knowledge of ADA and Section 504 guidelines. Preferred qualifications include 3-5 years of experience in a college disability services setting and demonstrated case management experience.
Qualifications
- Education
- Master's degree (postgraduate degree)
- Experience
- 2+ years of experience
Key Skills
Disability Services — Counselor Career Context
Of the 50 active Counselor listings this role was benchmarked against, 56% are remote, 38% have no call, 70% require no weekends.
The cost-of-living index for Tennessee is 91.9 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$55k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $59k in an average-cost state. 58.6% of Tennessee clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
Counselor pay on WeekdayDoc is up 2.5% vs. the prior quarter (through Sep 2026).
Work-Life Balance Analysis
WeekdayDoc's proprietary algorithm rates Counselor, CAADS at Tennessee Board of Regents a 6.6 out of 10 for work-life balance — classified as good. This places the position in the Above average in Counseling — ranked against 13,751 active Counseling listings on WeekdayDoc.
Location & Logistics
Tennessee has no state income tax, which can significantly increase take-home pay compared to high-tax states. At the posted ~$55k midpoint, that is roughly $2k–$4k a year versus a typical 4–7% state rate.
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