Director of Disability Services and Student Success

Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences•Yakima, WA

just now•$77,200 - $123,500•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Dean of Students, the Director of Disability Services and Student Success provides strategic leadership, administration, and oversight for student accessibility, accommodation, and academic support initiatives that advance equitable access, persistence, retention, and academic achievement within rigorous graduate health sciences programs. The Director develops and administers comprehensive student support initiatives including academic coaching, learning support, tutoring, board examination preparation support, and early intervention programming. The position also supervises professional staff and student employees, manages unit operations and budgets, conducts assessment and reporting activities, and contributes to institutional planning and accreditation efforts related to student success and accessibility. The Director supervises the Learning Skill Specialists (LSS), providing guidance, training, and support in planning, setting goals, implementing student support efforts, and assessing effectiveness of those efforts. The Director will oversee the work of the Learning Skills Specialist team, including recruitment, training of student tutors and recitation leaders, and meticulous reconciliation of student timecards at the end of pay periods.

Requirements

Master’s Degree in Education, Higher Education, Rehabilitation Counseling, Psychology, Counseling, Social Work or Related Field
4-5 years of experience with a minimum of 3 years of experience interpreting and implementing accommodation under ADA and Section 504 within a postsecondary environment
Advanced knowledge of ADA, ADAAA, Section 504, FERPA, and higher education accessibility standard
Knowledge of disability accommodation practices within academic and clinical learning environments
Knowledge of student development, adult learning theory, and academic coaching strategies
Skilled in strong leadership, organization, project management, and strategic planning
Skills in written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation communication
Ability to exercise independent judgment and maintain confidentiality in sensitive and complex situations
Ability to collaborate effectively across academic and administrative units
Ability to analyze data, prepare reports, assess outcomes, and implement continuous improvement initiatives
Demonstrated supervisory and program management experience
Demonstrated experience managing sensitive high risk student situations with professionalism and discretion
Knowledge of assistive technologies, digital accessibility standards, and universal design for learning principles
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and for the duration of their employment with PNWU.

Nice To Haves

Doctoral Degree in Education, Higher Education, Rehabilitation Counseling, Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, or related field
Demonstrated experience with non-traditional student populations
Prior experience advising students in graduate healthcare professions education programs
Familiarity with accommodation and accessibility considerations related to licensure and board examinations

Responsibilities

Leads and administers university disability and accessibility services in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, FERPA, and related federal and state regulations
Reviews and evaluates disability documentation and determines eligibility for accommodations in academic, testing, clinical, and experiential learning environments
Conducts intake and access meetings with students and engages in the interactive process to determine reasonable accommodation and support services
Develops, maintains, and periodically revises policies, procedures, and operational practices related to accessibility and student accommodations
Maintain confidential student records and documentation in accordance with institutional and legal requirements
Provides leadership for comprehensive student success initiatives designed to support academic achievement, persistence, progression, graduation, and licensure readiness for all students
Develops essential policies around tutoring services/ recitation, academic coaching, learning strategy instruction, and study skills development
Oversee academic support services including peer tutoring and recitation, academic coaching, learning strategy instruction, and study skills development
Supports students experiencing academic difficulty through individualized intervention planning and referral coordination
Supervises Learning Skills Specialists, including hiring, onboarding, training, evaluation, coaching, and professional development
Develops and manages unit budgets related to accessibility services, academic support programming, assistive technologies, and student employees
Coordinates unit operations to ensure effective, equitable, and responsive service delivery
Utilizes assessment data, utilization metrics, retention outcomes, and student feedback to evaluate program effectiveness and guide continuous improvement efforts
Serves on institutional committees related to student progress, retention, accessibility, wellness, and accreditation
Collaborates with institutional partners to support accessible and inclusive educational environments
Assist with institutional strategic planning, accreditation reporting, and compliance initiatives related to student support and accessibility
Advocate for systemic improvements that enhance accessibility, student experience, and educational equity
Performs other related duties as assigned and based on departmental need
Performs job duties in accordance with safety, legal, and regulatory requirements; University policy and procedures; and accepted business practices
Acts with the highest level of professional ethical standards in all aspects of job performance, in accordance with the mission and values of PNWU
Understands and adheres to accreditation standards and expectations specific to the department