Director, Disability Support Services

WHITMAN COLLEGE

Located in the historic community of Walla Walla, Whitman’s vibrant and beautiful tree-lined campus is home to an intellectually diverse, dynamic, welcoming and supportive community of some 500 staff and faculty serving approximately 1,500 students from the local region and across the globe. With exceptional students, accomplished faculty and staff, and a fiercely loyal and growing number of engaged alumni, Whitman College continues to build on its national reputation for academic excellence as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country.  

Whitman College is cultivating a community built on inclusion and belonging. We recognize the value of those who can offer historically underrepresented perspectives and encourage applications from those whose background, knowledge, and insights from lived experience can add to the college’s working and learning environment. Whitman College is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer (EEO).

POSITION PURPOSE

The Director, Disability Support Services (DSS), is responsible for supporting the academic mission of Whitman College by providing access for students with disabilities. Reporting to the Provost and Dean of the Faculty, the Director works to ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to all the learning opportunities and resources offered by the College. The Director collaborates with students, faculty, staff and other constituents in the provision of disability accommodations while providing support to the DSS Specialist in all aspects of DSS operations to ensure administrative, programmatic, and day-to-day services are provided to campus constituents. The Director provides strategic leadership on disability inclusion for the College, with the goal of upholding the College's commitment to excellence in diversity. This position supervises two professional employees.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Student Support & Services (50%)

• Meet with students requesting accommodations in collaboration with Disability Support Specialist. Determine eligibility and accommodations required for individual students with disabilities with varying degrees of functional limitations.


• Generate notifications of letters of accommodation.


• Oversee the Testing Coordinator’s facilitation of the test proctoring process, staffing, and resources, providing support to the Coordinator and proctors as needed. 


• Maintain student case records, including supporting documentation, according to College policies and applicable state and federal laws governing maintenance and disclosure of student records, protection of students' right to privacy, and the disclosure of personal student information.


• Resolve conflicts between students, parents, staff, and faculty regarding disability-related concerns.


• Meet with prospective students and provide orientation services to incoming students.


• Assist with programs for prospective and current students, faculty and staff regarding student disability awareness, access and services.


• Participate in weekly CARE team meetings.

Program Oversight & Compliance: (20%)

• Lead campus-wide accessibility compliance initiatives


• Oversee daily operations and monitor disability support services program and workflow.


• Interpret medical, psychological, and/or educational documentation to determine appropriate accommodation eligibility.


• Determine necessary accommodations to ensure that students with disabilities receive equal access to curricular and co-curricular opportunities in the College community, in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act of 2008.


• Understand responsibilities with respect to Title IX, Clery and other compliance requirements. Assist with the review of current policies, establishment of new policies and department procedures.


• Compile statistical, program, and budget information as requested.

Supervision & Collaboration (15%)

• Supervise Disability Support Specialist and Testing Coordinator. Evaluate employee performance, define development goals, and identify professional development opportunities.


• Communicate regularly with the Director of Academic Support Services and bring to attention difficult issues relating to resource levels, scheduling conflicts, and corrective action issues.


• Collaborate with disability support staff regarding accommodations and assign appropriate staff as needed to provide note-taking and alternative text accommodations.


• Collaborate with campus stakeholders to ensure accessibility of programs and services for students.


• Plan and implement disability and accommodation training sessions for incoming faculty.

Technology & Communication (10%)

• Utilize appropriate technical skills, including the ability to use computer software (e.g., Accommodate, campus administrative systems, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, etc.) to enhance effectiveness. Coordinate, maintain, and troubleshoot the inventory of assistive technology available for students with disabilities.


• Maintain and update DSS website on a regular basis.

Evolving Responsibilities (5%)

• Contribute to additional DSS projects and initiatives as needed, adapting to evolving priorities and organizational needs. 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Must be able to explain and/or demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to safely perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. Specifically,

• Knowledge and awareness of key concepts related to a variety of disabilities (learning, psychological, physical, and medical), including the appropriate accommodations pertinent to higher education.


• Knowledge and understanding of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the ADA, and other pertinent federal and state laws that provide for an accessible higher education experience for disabled students.


• Understanding of the accommodation process within a rigorous higher education environment.


• Understanding of assistive technologies and digital accessibility.


• Knowledge and ability to review and process disability-related documentation, including analyzing psycho-educational reports.


• Proven ability to stay current with federal, state, and local laws and best practices related to accessibility, accommodations, and disability services.


• Experience working with students with disabilities.


• Ability to function independently, prioritize, maintain a high level of productivity, and handle confidential matters with discretion.


• Ability to creatively problem-solve and demonstrate adaptability in both independent and team settings.


• Ability to work effectively in a diverse, multicultural environment and actively contribute to the College’s core values of diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism, and access.


• Strong written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills, including active listening, clear speaking, and thoughtful writing.


• Demonstrated proficiency in managing data systems and maintaining accurate records.


• Ability to direct and supervise employees while fostering teamwork and collaboration.


• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic, constantly evolving environment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in a field relating to higher education administration, special education, counseling, rehabilitation counseling, psychology, social work, disability services, or a closely related area. 


• 3+ years of full-time, professional experience in postsecondary disability resources and accessibility.


• OR a combination of relevant education, training, and experience.

Whitman College values diverse pathways to acquiring skills and knowledge and encourages applicants to demonstrate how their background aligns with the role.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 3+ years of leadership experience in a rigorous academic environment at the college or university level.


• 5+ years of full-time, professional experience in postsecondary disability resources and accessibility, including direct student-facing disability support services.


• Familiarity with, or ability to perform, document remediation to meet accessibility standards.

Please note that while the description details both required and preferred qualifications, we want applicants to be aware that they do not need to have all of the preferred qualifications to be considered for this position. If you meet the minimum qualifications and have passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply.

BENEFITS 

Whitman College offers a competitive benefits program that is designed to attract qualified candidates and retain talented employees. Full-time employees enjoy the following benefits:

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurances.

Basic life, accidental death and dismemberment and long term disability insurances with the capability to elect additional voluntary coverage.

403(b) Defined Contribution Retirement Plan with a 10% matching contribution after eligibility requirements are met.

Paid Time Off: 20 accrued vacation days, 12 accrued sick days, 13 paid holidays.

Tuition Remission – Dependent Children

Employee tuition waiver for two Whitman courses per semester.

Employee Assistance Program

Relocation assistance for eligible employees. 

Learn more about benefits eligibility here. 

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR JOB CANDIDATES

Contact Human Resources regarding requests for disability accommodation in the employment application process.

APPLICATION REVIEW

Application review will begin on May 5, 2025 and continue until the position is filled. 

START DATE

August 1, 2025