Special Needs Officer

Canadian University Dubai invites applications for the position of Special Needs Officer within the Student Affairs Department. The successful candidate will play a central role in supporting students of determination by promoting equitable access to academic and campus resources while fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Position Summary

The Special Needs Officer supports the academic success and holistic development of students of determination by coordinating accessibility services and individualized accommodations. Working collaboratively with students, faculty, and staff, the role aims to ensure that every student receives the support needed to participate fully in the university experience. The Officer will provide ongoing case management, advocacy, and outreach while contributing to a culture of inclusion across the campus community.

Key Responsibilities

Student Support and Case Management
Support in conducting intake assessments and gathering documentation to understand student needs, assist with developing and implementing accommodations such as adaptive technologies or extended exam time, serve as a point of contact for students seeking guidance, and provide ongoing mentorship to support students in navigating academic and personal challenges.

Faculty and Staff Collaboration
Work closely with faculty to communicate approved accommodations and support their implementation during classes and exams, provide resources and guidance on inclusive teaching practices, and facilitate communication between students and instructors to address accessibility related matters.

Campus Accessibility and Policy Development
Collaborate with relevant units to review and recommend improvements to campus facilities and technologies, support the development of inclusive policies for students of determination, and coordinate with ICT and facilities management to ensure accessibility and adaptive technologies are available and functional.

Program Development and Outreach
Partner with the Student Success Center to ensure students with special needs receive academic tutoring support, collaborate with Student Life and student societies to deliver awareness programs and workshops led by internal or external experts, establish peer mentoring or support groups, and maintain a resource library on adaptive technologies and related support materials.

Advocacy and Compliance
Advocate for the rights and needs of students with special needs within the university community and serve as a liaison with external organizations that provide relevant support services.

Record Keeping and Reporting
Maintain confidential records of student cases, accommodations, and services provided, prepare reports on service utilization and program effectiveness, and assess accommodation outcomes for continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in education, counseling, psychology, social work, or a related discipline with specialization or experience in special needs preferred.
• Minimum of one to two years of experience in special education or a related field, 
• Preferably experience in higher education or academic support roles, familiarity with inclusive teaching practices, and certification in special needs or related areas.

Skills and Knowledge

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with diverse populations, 
• Knowledge of assistive technologies and accessibility tools such as screen readers and text to speech software, 
• Strong organizational abilities to manage multiple cases in a dynamic environment.
• Empathy, patience, and a genuine commitment to supporting students with special needs, 
• Strong problem solving skills, and a collaborative mindset dedicated to fostering an inclusive university community.

Why Join Canadian University Dubai?

At Canadian University Dubai (CUD), we offer more than just a job, we offer a mission. As one of the UAE’s leading higher education institutions, we combine Canadian academic excellence with a vibrant, inclusive, and innovative campus experience. Here’s why you’ll love working with us:

• A culturally diverse and collaborative academic environment
• A mission-driven institution focused on empowering future leaders
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth
• Strong ties to Canada and international education standards

Established in 2006, CUD is one of the most promising universities in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asian region, QS Ranked in the top 2% of Universities in the World, the #1 University in Dubai, and 21st in the Arab Region according to the QS Arab Region Rankings 2025.

Our expanded City Walk campus hosts state-of-the-art amenities with a focus on entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity. Combining all the essential elements of technology, the avant-garde campus brings a new experience to students, featuring: laboratories, research facilities, media studios, high-tech classrooms, a multipurpose theatre, gymnasium, student centre, plenty of dining and entertainment options, and many more!

With the world’s fastest growing population, Dubai is home to an exciting, diverse, multi-cultural blend of young, dynamic, professionals, all drawn to the Emirate for its unrivalled lifestyle and the outstanding employment prospects.