Director of Accessibility Services

This is a NON-CLASSIFIED employment opportunity. Visit the State of Colorado for Classified employment opportunities.

The Director of Accessibility Services is a key leadership role responsible for advancing and overseeing the development, implementation, and management of comprehensive accessibility services within the institution. This position ensures the regulatory compliance in accordance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations. The Director is responsible for the development, provision, and coordination of procedural guidelines, policies, and services that ensure all programs, services, and facilities of the College are accessible to students with disabilities. The Director will collaborate with various departments to establish and maintain policies and practices that promote accessibility and compliance with relevant regulations. The Director is responsible for maintaining a supportive environment to enhance the persistence and retention of our students through strategic planning and partnerships throughout the institution.

Reports To: Associate Vice President of Student Services

Minimum Qualifications

* Completed Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Education, Special Education, Counseling, Vocational Rehabilitation, Sociology, Psychology, Social Work, Human Services, or closely related field.
* Two years of experience in a leadership position; supervising professional staff and managing department operations.
* Two years of professional level experience working with and providing support for persons with disabilities.
* Two years of experience in assessment, program review, developing and managing a departmental budget.
* Demonstrated knowledge of disability laws, regulations, and the accommodations process in post-secondary education.
* Knowledge of assistive technology.

Professional level experience is defined by the Colorado Division of Human Resources: A position that involves the exercise of discretion, analytical skill, judgment, personal accountability, and responsibility for creating, developing, integrating, applying, or sharing an organized body of knowledge. Colorado revised statute (C.R.S. 24-50-135(1) allows colleges to exempt positions from the State Personnel Classified System that are determined to be professional level work.

Preferred Qualifications

* Completed Master's degree from an accredited institution in Education, Special Education, Counseling, Vocational Rehabilitation, Sociology, Psychology, Social Work, Human Services, or closely related field.
* Three or more years of professional level experience working with persons with disabilities with demonstrated application of disability laws, regulations, and best practices for determining and implementing accommodations in a post-secondary educational environment.
* Three or more years of professional level experience in assessment, program review, developing and managing a departmental budget.
* Bilingual in English and Spanish.
* Demonstrated ability to communicate in sign language.

For full consideration, all application materials must be received by 4:00 p.m. on March 27, 2024. Applications accepted until position is filled.

Must be a State of Colorado resident or able to relocate to Colorado prior to first date of employment.

Application Instructions: Application must be submitted online. Incomplete applications may not receive full consideration. A complete application will include:

* Cover letter - Address the minimum and preferred qualifications in the order listed on the job announcement.
* Resume - Reflect experience, education, knowledge, skills, and abilities.
* Unofficial Transcripts - Unofficial transcripts for all degrees conferred. Official transcripts are required if hired for the position.
* Professional References - Provide names and contact information for three recent professional references who can address your expertise and background for this position.

This position may be eligible for a variety of employee benefits. Pikes Peak State College participates in the Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA) contribution rates.

Note: Prior submission of application materials will not be considered.

Essential Functions

Leadership, Policy Development, and Compliance

* Develop and implement a strategic vision for accessibility services aligned with the institution's mission and values.
* Collaborate with senior leadership to integrate accessibility considerations into organizational planning and decision-making processes.
* Design, implement, and manage accessibility services and process.
* Develop, update, and implement procedural guidelines related to accessibility in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.
* Monitor and ensure ongoing compliance with local, state, and federal regulations related to accessibility in the Higher Education realm. (i.e., ADA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act).

Retention

* Establish a culture of continuous improvement in retention strategies based on ongoing assessment and feedback.
* Improve Accommodation processes for requesting, implementing, and the delivery of accommodations.
* Enhance awareness and outreach among students with disabilities about available support services.
* Foster an inclusive campus culture that embraces diversity, including students with disabilities.
* Create partnerships to develop activities to support the inclusivity and belonging of students with disabilities among the entire student body.
* Establish, facilitate, and provide transition services for students with disabilities entering college, including orientation programs and workshops. Provide resources and training to help students navigate the academic environment independently.

Supervision, Program Development, and Engagement

* Provide direct supervision, and mentorship of professional technical and classified personnel.
* Evaluate staff performance and develop and conduct staff development programs and activities.
* Collaborate with various departments, committees, and external stakeholders to promote accessibility initiatives, disability support awareness, and institutional processes to include the alignment of PPSC retention strategies.
* Develop and provide training, education, guidance and support to ensure that accessibility is considered in the design and development of programs and services within the college.
* Advocate for accessibility and inclusivity within the institution and in the broader community.
* Represent the organization in relevant accessibility forums and initiatives.
* Foster a culture of inclusion and diversity through initiatives and retention strategies that support student success.

Resource Allocation, Budgeting, Data Collection and Analysis

* Develop, and manage the budget for the Accessibility Services department, ensuring effective allocation of resources to achieve operational goals.
* Establish mechanisms for collecting and analyzing data related to accessibility metrics and student data.
* Prepare regular reports on the status of Accessibility Services program review and progress toward goals.

General Duties, Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

* Cultural competence and demonstrated evidence, understanding, and commitment to the concepts of diversity, multiculturalism, and their application in the workplace.
* Ability to interpret and adhere to college procedures and guidelines, Board Polices and System Procedures, and all applicable State and Federal laws and regulations.
* Ability to travel to multiple campuses to support department needs.
* Maintain confidentiality while working effectively with all constituents.

As part of the State of Colorado, PPSC offers a competitive benefits package:

* PERA retirement benefits.
* Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage.
* Life and Disability Coverage.
* Flexible Spending Accounts.
* Paid Holidays.
* Tuition Reimbursement.
* Accrued Annual and Sick Leave.
* Some positions may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

This job description reflects Pikes Peak State College's best effort to describe the essential duties and qualifications of the job. It is not an exhaustive statement of all the duties, responsibilities or qualifications of the job. This document is not intended to exclude an opportunity for modifications consistent with providing reasonable accommodation.

EEO Statement: Pikes Peak State College is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Americans with Disabilities Act institution. We value diversity, strive for a more unified campus where all people are valued, treated fairly, and possess a sense of belonging. Pikes Peak State College encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.