Director of Disability Services

About Us

We are a district of three distinct colleges-North Seattle College, Seattle Central College, and South Seattle College-and five specialty training centers. Which makes us the largest and most diverse community college district in the state of Washington, we are leaders in change and innovation.

Seattle Colleges is committed to recruiting dedicated faculty and employees who together create a welcoming academic climate that reflects the diverse backgrounds of our community, including ethnicity, national origin, religion, race, gender, gender identity, age, status as a veteran or disabled veteran, disability, political status, and sexual orientation.

As a Seattle Colleges employee, you will gain access to a great benefits package including:

* Competitive Pay Rates
* Promotional Opportunities
* Great Medical, Dental, and Retirement plans
* Paid Sick and Vacation Leave
* Transportation benefits
* Tuition Waivers
* PEBB Wellness Plan
* Washington State Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)

Seattle Colleges staff and faculty also enjoy professional development opportunities and enrichment experiences in areas of their choice, including committee, workgroup, and affinity group opportunities.

Seattle Colleges is looking to hire an Advancement Associate in the Office of Advancement.

Salary Range for this position is $89,147 (DOE)

Position open until filled/Initial review of application materials will begin on Monday, 4/15/2024.

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of the Dean of Student Success, the Director of Disability Services will be responsible for designing, developing, and implementing comprehensive program services as they apply to student access to instruction, services, programs, and activities. This position is responsible for ensuring North Seattle College meets the needs of students with disabilities within the framework of federal regulation, the College's mission, and available resources.

This position is typically scheduled to work Monday through Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm. The schedule may vary depending on program needs. May be required to work evenings and weekends as needed.

This position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement with representation by Pro-Staff Exempt (AFT-SPS) union.

Application Procedures:

* Attached current Resume
* Attached cover letter addressing how your background intersects with the job
* Required application materials must be completed and submitted online

Required application materials must be completed and submitted online.

Notice to Applicants:

Please note that Seattle Colleges has moved to holding interviews virtually using video conference options such as Zoom or Teams. As such, if you are selected for an interview, please be prepared to hold your interview virtually.

What you will be working on:

* Provide leadership regarding program content, policies and procedures, and compliance for NSC Disability Services and Disability Services accommodated testing.
* Work closely with division staff to direct, plan and provide DS services and accommodations to students with disabilities to enable them to benefit from college instructional programs, services and student activities.
* Conduct intake interviews (access planning meetings) with prospective, new, and currently enrolled students who are interested in obtaining accommodations for a disability; provide orientation, referrals and on-going case management.
* Evaluate disability documentation from qualified professionals. Manage disabilities records with attention to the protection of confidentiality of all student records and in accordance with Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) regulations.
* Interpret federal (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Americans with Disabilities Act), state, and District regulations pertaining to the rights of students with disabilities and develops procedures and practices to assure compliance.
* Supervise, direct, and train assigned Disability Services staff.
* Develop, maintain, and supervise appropriate student data, accommodation documentation and resource information; maintain and utilize systems to inform and communicate with current and prospective students.
* Administer DS Office continual program improvement efforts; including program evaluation, assessment and revision.
* Advise the Dean on matters pertaining to disability support services while ensuring compliance with ADA regulations.
* Participate and be an active member of North Seattle College's CARE (Campus Assessment, Response and Evaluation) Team to monitor student behavior, develop appropriate intervention plans and coordinate services for students who may pose a threat of self-harm or a threat to the community.
* Ensure accountability of the DS Office through preparation and maintenance of administrative records and reports.
* Regularly review and revise campus practice to stay current with evolving laws and technology in disability service provision. Work in conjunction with IT in coordinating the purchase of adaptive technology to support student learning.
* Serve as a consultant for faculty regarding implementation of student accommodations.
* Collaborate with appropriate college departments and staff to coordinate and implement admission, testing, orientation, advising, and registration of students with disabilities.
* Create, develop, and implement workshops and other training opportunities for faculty and staff on Disability accommodations; disseminate disability information to assure compliance with ADA and Section 504.
* Collaborate with the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Community around issues/topics related to students with disabilities and District e-Learning around accessible technology.
* Manage budget and monitor expenditures and monthly financial data; including SBCTC disability funding.
* Make recommendations on expenditures to ensure program functions efficiently and students are provided appropriate and reasonable accommodations.
* Seek out and apply for appropriate grant opportunities to support services and programming for students with disabilities.
* Work with the district contract office to establish annual service provider contracts for accessibility services (i.e. ASL interpreting, braille conversion).
* Maintain an ongoing relationship with students with disabilities as needed to provide appropriate interventions and support.
* Participate in outreach/recruitment activities.
* Represent DS Office and serve as liaison to college departments/divisions, campus committees, educational partners, community agencies/associations, regional/state organizations and at workshops and events.
* Participate in professional organization and professional development to stay current with literature and best practices pertaining to accommodations for students with disabilities in post-secondary education.
* Communicate and work respectfully and effectively with people from diverse backgrounds such as racial, ethnic, religious, linguistic, gender, age, sexual orientation, socio-economic and with diverse physical and learning disabilities.

This description is not intended to cover every aspect of this job, we are a team that works together to meet the needs of those we serve, and every member of the team is expected to contribute, even beyond the specific responsibilities listed in this description.

What you bring as a candidate: (Any Equivalent Combination of Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education and Experience)

* Bachelor's degree in special education, social/behavioral science, vocational rehabilitation, psychology, or related field.
* Extensive knowledge of and ability to interpret and comply with the American Disabilities Act, Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable state, local and federal laws/regulations.
* Expertise and competence in understanding and articulating a broad variety of disabilities (e.g. physical, mental learning, psychological).
* Demonstrated success in developing and implementing programs to support student with disabilities.
* Ability to function in a consultative and collaborative manner, applying problem solving techniques and using professional judgment to make decisions, particularly in complex and sensitive situations.
* Progressively responsible professional experience providing support services to individuals with disabilities.
* Proven leadership and progressively responsible administrative experience and skills.
* Knowledge of and experience accessing wide network of local, county and state resources that serve individuals with disabilities.
* Knowledge of accessibility technologies.
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and ability to communication with individuals in stressful situations.
* Experience working with individuals in a post-secondary setting.
* Computer skills; proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel.

Physical Requirements:

¿¿The Position

* ¿Typically works in an office environment and uses a computer, telephone and other office equipment as needed to perform duties. The noise level in the work environment is typical of that of an office.
* ¿Encounters frequent interruptions throughout the workday.
* ¿Is regularly required to provide 1:1 support, present to small groups, and work at a computer exercising repetitive hand motion with or without reasonable accommodation.

Disability Accommodation

Persons with disabilities have the right to reasonable accommodation in all aspects of employment with Seattle Colleges. This includes, but is not limited to, recruitment, application, interviewing, hiring, training, termination, conditions of employment, and any other employer-supported activities. Applicants requesting accommodation should contact Human Resources.¿

Notice of Non-Discrimination Statement

Seattle Colleges is committed to the concept and practice of equal opportunity for all its students, employees, and applicants in education, employment, services and contracts, and does not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity, color, age, national origin, religion, creed, marital status, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, status as an honorably discharged veteran or disabled veteran or military status, political affiliation or belief, citizenship/status as a lawfully admitted immigrant authorized to work in the United States, or presence of any physical, sensory, or mental disability. In addition, reasonable accommodation will be made for known physical or mental limitations for all otherwise qualified persons with disabilities. Further, the Seattle Colleges is committed to ensure that all employees and students work and learn in an environment that fosters mutual respect and professionalism, free from all forms of "bullying" behaviors, including "cyberbullying"¿.

Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the Director of Legal Compliance.

Background Check Statement

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position. In addition to the background check, candidates will complete Sexual Misconduct Disclosure Form WA HB2327 as required.