Disability Specialist Jobs
Disability Specialist jobs are open across government agencies, nonprofits, school districts, and healthcare systems, from entry-level case coordinator roles to senior program and compliance positions, with specializations in vocational rehabilitation, benefits counseling, and accommodations management. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Physical Therapy Specialist - Disability and Human Development, College of Applied Health Sciences
Hiring Department: Disability & Human Development
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID: 1042860
FTE: 1
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Shift: Days
# of Positions: 1
Workplace Type: Hybrid
Salary Range (commensurate with experience): $83,570.00 - 90,000.00 / Annual Salary
About the University of Illinois Chicago
UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has nearly 260,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
Provides direct physical therapy services to individuals with disabilities (clients), working with family, caregivers, nursing home staff, community agency professionals, school professionals, and health insurance case managers as necessary to address the need for complex rehab technology. Manages cases with external partners to achieve successful outcomes. Leads the Assistive Technology Unit's Seating and Wheeled Mobility Group and participates in assessing home modifications and recommending transfer lift equipment. Designs and implements community-based services offered at the ATU and at remote locations (e.g., client homes, Seating Clinic at 55th & Pulaski). Provides direct physical therapy services to individuals with disabilities through the ATU's Home Services Program by evaluating the need for home modifications to ensure safety and ability to age in place in clients' home environments including accessing complex rehab technology and transfer lift equipment and systems.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Designs and implements Seating and Mobility Clinic service structure for clients served under 4 contracts from the Illinois Department of Human Services (Home Services Program, Vocational Rehabilitation, Accessible Housing and Assistive Technology (AHAT) Colbert and AHAT Williams).
- Assesses and evaluates client physical abilities in home, school, and worksite environments, regarding complex rehab technology, specialized seating, lightweight manual mobility bases, powered mobility bases with custom controllers (e.g., head movement, puff-and-sip) and transfer equipment (e.g. ceiling-mounted and floor-based powered transfer lifts, tilt-in-space shower chairs).
- Identifies durable medical equipment and assistive technology needed to address these two areas.
- Provides documentation to request funding from third-party payers for the specified wheelchair and lift equipment.
- Produces letters of justification for review and approval by client’s primary care physician.
- Identifies essential accessibility features which are needed in the client’s home to live independently and safely including but not limited to chair lift and transfer lift systems.
- Investigates, analyzes, and determines the most appropriate combination of complex rehab technology (CRT) related to seating and wheeled mobility and options which will enable the client to maximize their independence and safety.
- Maintains current product information regarding seating and wheeled mobility systems and funding procedures.
- Conducts background research to identify appropriate third-party payers (e.g., State of Illinois – Department of Human
- Services program officers, State of Illinois consent decree-related funding, Medicaid, and/or Medicaid Managed Care) and documents the recommended seating and wheeled mobility system being submitted for prior approval before acquisition or reimbursement after issuance.
- Communicates with third-party payers in response to inquiries.
- Assists with preparation materials and content for presentations and demonstrations give to clients, families, caregivers,
- State of Illinois Department of Human Services project officers, UIC faculty/staff/students on topics such as current research and best practices of seating and wheeled mobility systems, transfer lift equipment, access methods, funding policies, costs and maintenance of devices.
- Contributes modules on complex rehab technology to academic coursework offered by the department.
- Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications Required:
- Current licensure as a Physical Therapist in Illinois from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation at time of employment
- Three (3) years (36 months) of professional clinical experience with a minimum of two years in their clinical specialty area
- Possession of a current/valid American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support CPR Certification.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Minimum of 2 years experience in Assistive Technology
- Education in assistive technology, seating and wheeled mobility, and home modifications
- Assistive Technology Professional (RESNA ATP Certification)
To Apply: For fullest consideration click on the Apply Now button, please fully complete all sections of the online application including adding your full work history with specific details of your duties & responsibilities for each position held. Fully complete the education, licensure, certification and language sections. You may upload a resume, cover letter, certifications, licensures, transcripts and diplomas within the application.
Please note that once you have submitted your application you will not be able to make any changes. In order to revise your application you must withdraw and reapply. You will not be able to reapply after the posting close date. Please ensure the application is fully completed and all supporting documents have been uploaded before the posting close date. Illinois Residency is required within 180 days of employment.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
Physical Therapy Specialist - Disability and Human Development, College of Applied Health Sciences
Hiring Department: Disability & Human Development
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID: 1042860
FTE: 1
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Shift: Days
# of Positions: 1
Workplace Type: Hybrid
Salary Range (commensurate with experience): $83,570.00 - 90,000.00 / Annual Salary
About the University of Illinois Chicago
UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has nearly 260,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
Provides direct physical therapy services to individuals with disabilities (clients), working with family, caregivers, nursing home staff, community agency professionals, school professionals, and health insurance case managers as necessary to address the need for complex rehab technology. Manages cases with external partners to achieve successful outcomes. Leads the Assistive Technology Unit's Seating and Wheeled Mobility Group and participates in assessing home modifications and recommending transfer lift equipment. Designs and implements community-based services offered at the ATU and at remote locations (e.g., client homes, Seating Clinic at 55th & Pulaski). Provides direct physical therapy services to individuals with disabilities through the ATU's Home Services Program by evaluating the need for home modifications to ensure safety and ability to age in place in clients' home environments including accessing complex rehab technology and transfer lift equipment and systems.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Designs and implements Seating and Mobility Clinic service structure for clients served under 4 contracts from the Illinois Department of Human Services (Home Services Program, Vocational Rehabilitation, Accessible Housing and Assistive Technology (AHAT) Colbert and AHAT Williams).
- Assesses and evaluates client physical abilities in home, school, and worksite environments, regarding complex rehab technology, specialized seating, lightweight manual mobility bases, powered mobility bases with custom controllers (e.g., head movement, puff-and-sip) and transfer equipment (e.g. ceiling-mounted and floor-based powered transfer lifts, tilt-in-space shower chairs).
- Identifies durable medical equipment and assistive technology needed to address these two areas.
- Provides documentation to request funding from third-party payers for the specified wheelchair and lift equipment.
- Produces letters of justification for review and approval by client’s primary care physician.
- Identifies essential accessibility features which are needed in the client’s home to live independently and safely including but not limited to chair lift and transfer lift systems.
- Investigates, analyzes, and determines the most appropriate combination of complex rehab technology (CRT) related to seating and wheeled mobility and options which will enable the client to maximize their independence and safety.
- Maintains current product information regarding seating and wheeled mobility systems and funding procedures.
- Conducts background research to identify appropriate third-party payers (e.g., State of Illinois – Department of Human
- Services program officers, State of Illinois consent decree-related funding, Medicaid, and/or Medicaid Managed Care) and documents the recommended seating and wheeled mobility system being submitted for prior approval before acquisition or reimbursement after issuance.
- Communicates with third-party payers in response to inquiries.
- Assists with preparation materials and content for presentations and demonstrations give to clients, families, caregivers,
- State of Illinois Department of Human Services project officers, UIC faculty/staff/students on topics such as current research and best practices of seating and wheeled mobility systems, transfer lift equipment, access methods, funding policies, costs and maintenance of devices.
- Contributes modules on complex rehab technology to academic coursework offered by the department.
- Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications Required:
- Current licensure as a Physical Therapist in Illinois from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation at time of employment
- Three (3) years (36 months) of professional clinical experience with a minimum of two years in their clinical specialty area
- Possession of a current/valid American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support CPR Certification.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Minimum of 2 years experience in Assistive Technology
- Education in assistive technology, seating and wheeled mobility, and home modifications
- Assistive Technology Professional (RESNA ATP Certification)
To Apply: For fullest consideration click on the Apply Now button, please fully complete all sections of the online application including adding your full work history with specific details of your duties & responsibilities for each position held. Fully complete the education, licensure, certification and language sections. You may upload a resume, cover letter, certifications, licensures, transcripts and diplomas within the application.
Please note that once you have submitted your application you will not be able to make any changes. In order to revise your application you must withdraw and reapply. You will not be able to reapply after the posting close date. Please ensure the application is fully completed and all supporting documents have been uploaded before the posting close date. Illinois Residency is required within 180 days of employment.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
Disability Specialist Jobs by Experience Level
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Find Disability Specialist JobsDisability Specialist Job Market
Who's Hiring
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in disability specialist jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in rehabilitation counseling, social work, psychology, or a related human services field
- Knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 compliance requirements
- Experience conducting functional assessments and developing individualized service or accommodation plans
- Certified Rehabilitation Counselor credential or eligibility to obtain certification within a specified timeframe
- Proficiency with case management software and electronic documentation systems
- Experience coordinating with employers, medical providers, or educational institutions on behalf of clients
Tips for Your Disability Specialist Job Search
Tailor your resume to each sector
Government disability specialist roles emphasize ADA compliance and documentation, while nonprofits prioritize direct client outcomes and community partnerships. Read each job posting carefully and mirror its language so your resume speaks directly to what that employer values most.
List every relevant certification clearly
Certifications like Certified Rehabilitation Counselor or Certified Disability Management Specialist carry real weight in screening. Put them in a dedicated credentials section near the top of your resume so hiring managers and applicant tracking systems catch them before reading further.
Target roles by funding source
Positions funded through state vocational rehabilitation agencies follow different hiring timelines and requirements than those inside private insurers or school districts. Knowing the funding source of a role helps you frame your experience in terms the hiring team already cares about.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists disability specialist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Prepare for scenario-based interview questions
Interviewers for disability specialist roles typically ask how you handled a specific accommodation request or resolved a disagreement between an employer and a client. Prepare two or three concrete examples that show your process from intake through resolution, not just the outcome.
Negotiate by referencing comparable classifications
Many disability specialist positions sit within a pay band tied to a job classification like Social Services Specialist or Rehabilitation Counselor. Before negotiating, check the published pay schedule for that classification so you can anchor your ask to a defensible benchmark.
Disability Specialist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most disability specialists?
The most active employers for disability specialists right now are MetLife, Sedgwick, and CARES of Washington, and the most openings are in California, Pennsylvania, and Maine, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. State vocational rehabilitation agencies and large nonprofit service providers tend to post the most consistently throughout the year.
How many disability specialist jobs are remote?
About 100% of disability specialist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with remote availability concentrated in benefits counseling, accommodations consulting, and case management roles that rely on phone and video contact rather than in-person client visits. Positions requiring direct intake assessments or workplace site visits are almost always on-site.
How do you become a disability specialist?
Start by earning a bachelor's degree in rehabilitation counseling, social work, or a closely related field, since most employers treat this as a baseline requirement. From there, gain direct experience through internships or entry-level case aide roles with disability services organizations or vocational rehabilitation programs. Pursuing a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor credential strengthens your competitiveness, and some senior roles expect a master's degree in rehabilitation or counseling.
Can you get hired as a disability specialist with limited experience?
Yes, entry-level disability specialist roles do exist, particularly within state agencies and large nonprofits that hire candidates with a qualifying degree and are willing to train on specific caseload and documentation procedures. Volunteering with disability advocacy organizations, completing a practicum in a rehabilitation setting, or holding a job coach or benefits navigator role first gives you concrete examples to discuss in interviews and sets you apart from other new graduates.
What does the disability specialist interview process look like?
Most disability specialist interviews involve an initial screening call with HR followed by a panel interview with the hiring supervisor and one or two colleagues from the team. Expect scenario-based questions about how you would handle a contested accommodation request, manage a high caseload, or communicate a denial decision to a client. Some employers, particularly those in school districts or government agencies, require a brief written exercise or case study as part of the process.
Where can I find and apply to disability specialist jobs?
You can find and apply to disability specialist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the United States. The listings cover roles in government agencies, nonprofits, school systems, and private sector organizations at a range of experience levels. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to each listing.
See All 25 Disability Specialist Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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