Senior Disability Access Services Specialist - Whitman College

Another Source•Walla Walla, WA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Whitman College is seeking a Senior Disability Access Services Specialist to advance an accessible, inclusive, and supportive learning environment for students with disabilities. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Wellness, this role combines direct student support with leadership of the day-to-day operations of Disability Access Services (DAS). The specialist serves as a resource for students, faculty, and staff; coordinates accommodations; and helps students navigate the academic environment with confidence. The position also supports campus accessibility practices, partnerships, and ongoing improvements to disability services. The work is divided among student accommodations and individualized support (60%), campus collaboration and disability advocacy (20%), operational leadership and continuous improvement (10%), and professional growth and evolving priorities (10%). Responsibilities may shift during the academic year as student needs and college priorities change. This is a full-time, nonexempt onsite position in Walla Walla, Washington. Relocation assistance is available. The anticipated compensation is $26.82–$29.80 per hour (approximately $55,800–$62,000 annually), based on qualifications and experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in higher education, counseling, student personnel, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of relevant education, training, and experience.
Three years of experience providing direct academic support, advising, or disability-related services to students from diverse backgrounds.
Experience supporting and mentoring college students in an educational setting; experience in a rigorous higher education environment is described as ideal.
Working knowledge of Section 504, the ADA/ADAAA, and applicable accessibility laws and regulations in higher education.
Experience reviewing disability documentation, evaluating accommodation requests, and coordinating appropriate academic supports.
Familiarity with assistive technology, accessible learning materials, and alternative-format textbooks.
Strong interpersonal, listening, and communication skills, including the ability to approach sensitive situations with empathy, professionalism, and sound judgment.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and navigate complex student situations with discretion.
Collaborative approach to building productive relationships with faculty, staff, students, and campus partners.
Demonstrated commitment to equity, accessibility, inclusion, and fostering an environment where people with diverse experiences and perspectives can thrive.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in higher education, counseling, student personnel, or a related field.
Experience supporting individuals with concussions or related accommodation needs.
Familiarity with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles.
Background or experience in mental health support.
Experience supporting neurodiverse students, or a strong interest in doing so.

Responsibilities

Guide students through the interactive process of requesting, renewing, and modifying academic accommodations.
Review disability documentation, conduct student intake meetings, and determine appropriate accommodations for equitable access to academic programs and resources.
Build supportive relationships with current and prospective students and their families, explaining services and the accommodation process.
Ensure accommodation decisions and practices align with Section 504, the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), and institutional policies.
Coordinate accessible course materials, alternative-format textbooks, and assistive technology.
Partner with the Director of Disability Access Services to maintain and improve assistive technology resources, train students, and explore emerging accessibility solutions.
Maintain accurate and confidential student records and accommodation documentation using the Accommodate system.
Address accommodation concerns with sound judgment and identify when consultation or escalation is appropriate.
Serve as an approachable resource and advisor for students, faculty, and staff navigating disability accommodations.
Collaborate with academic departments, student support services, and campus partners to strengthen accessibility across programs and services.
Consult on complex accommodation cases and coordinate collaborative solutions.
Develop and deliver educational programming and professional development for faculty and staff on disability awareness, accommodations, and inclusive practices.
Represent Disability Access Services on campus committees and collaborative teams, including the CARE Team, Campus Accessibility Committee, and Housing and Dietary Accommodations Team, as requested.
Support accommodated testing in partnership with the Testing Coordinator while balancing student access and academic integrity.
Provide individualized academic coaching and mentoring, particularly for first-year students transitioning to college.
Lead daily Disability Access Services operations and ensure responsive, consistent, student-centered service.
Evaluate policies, procedures, and practices and identify opportunities to improve accessibility, effectiveness, and the student experience.
Use research-informed approaches and assessment findings to strengthen disability services and operational efficiency.
Help cultivate a campus culture that treats accessibility and disability inclusion as shared institutional priorities.
Contribute to emerging DAS initiatives and special projects as student needs and institutional priorities evolve.
Stay current on disability services best practices, assistive technologies, ADA and Section 504 requirements, and inclusive approaches to higher education, and apply new knowledge to improve services and outcomes.