Provides leadership in the administration, organization and development of college support services for students with disabilities (physical, communicative, learning, psychological, acquired brain injured); assures consistency of objectives, policies and procedures with those of the college and the District.

Provides for diagnostic assessment of students with disabilities and determination of eligibility for support services; develops and implements plans and policies to facilitate and improve disabled students services and programs; assures compliance with state and federal laws and regulations applicable to educational opportunities and accessibility for students with disabilities.

Supervises the planning, development and recommendation of new courses; reviews standing courses and recommends the deletion of courses no longer appropriate to the curriculum; maintains current course outlines to accurately reflect the instructional program.

Plans and coordinates services and course offerings; develops and prepares faculty schedules and room assignments; assists in the preparation of the catalogue and class schedules.

Develops and prepares the annual preliminary budget for assigned programs; monitors and controls budget expenditures; directs the preparation and maintenance of detailed and comprehensive reports, records and files regarding personnel, facilities, programs, operations, and activities.

Determines appropriate equipment and supplies for assigned programs in accordance with established policies; submits textbook lists and requests for supplementary materials, audiovisual and other resources; monitors and controls inventories.

Maintains communication with District and college staff and various agencies to coordinate program services, exchange information, and refer students with disabilities; maintains current knowledge of legislation and technology related to disabled students programs and services.

Trains, supervises, evaluates and directs the work of personnel as assigned; participates in selection and hiring processes.

Plans, organizes and arranges appropriate staff development programs and activities for faculty and staff; provides orientation for new employees.

Organizes, attends, or chairs a variety of administrative and staff meetings as required; serves on committees and special projects as assigned; coordinates programs and services as appropriate with other District and college personnel.

Maintains current knowledge of diagnostic and instructional methods and new technologies pertinent to assigned programs; learns and applies emerging technologies and advances (e.g., computer software applications) as necessary to perform duties in an efficient, organized, and timely manner.

Sensitivity to and understanding of the disabilities and diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds of students.

Provide leadership in District/College efforts to increase the diversity of faculty and staff, to address student achievement gaps, and in the creation of a welcoming and inclusive work and educational environment.

Assist and promote the growth and success of a diverse population of students and employees through the development of interculturally competent and equity minded management and leadership abilities. The ideal candidate should have experience in this area with African Americans, Latinx, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders and other disproportionately impacted students and employees.

Performs related duties as assigned.

In addition to the essential functions, the Director of Disability Support Services may participate in the development and administration of supplemental grants related to assigned programs.

Under the direction of a college vice president or designee, this position is responsible for performing a variety of administrative and supervisory duties related to the development and provision of appropriate educational and support services to students with disabilities and assuring compliance with state and federal laws and regulations applicable to educational opportunities and accessibility for students with disabilities.

The Director of Disability Support Services maintains frequent contact with students, with various college and District personnel, and with representatives and service providers from the community and governmental agencies.

Knowledge of District organization, operations, policies and objectives

Knowledge of state education code and Title 5 requirements

Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations related to students with disabilities

Knowledge of research project policies, procedures and practices, including data collection and analysis

Knowledge of correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary

Knowledge of record keeping procedures

Knowledge of budget preparation and maintenance

Knowledge of appropriate software and databases

Ability to interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures

Ability to assess, analyze, implement and evaluate research project activities

Ability to analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action

Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work

Ability to meet schedules and time lines

Ability to work independently with little direction

Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions

Ability to communicate efficiently both orally and in writing

Ability to supervise, train and provide work direction to others

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others

The award of all degrees must be verifiable on a legible transcript. If degree award date is not posted on transcript your application will be deemed incomplete and removed from consideration. All degrees and course work used to satisfy the required minimum qualifications must be from accredited post-secondary institutions. If selected as a finalist and/or given an offer of employment for this position, you will be required to provide a transcript (may be unofficial). Human Resources will contact the finalist to obtain this required documentation at that phase of the recruitment.

Possession of a masters degree from a regionally accredited institution and at least one year of formal training, internship, or leadership experience reasonably related to the assignment.

In addition, the Director serves as the designated DSPS Coordinator and must meet the minimum qualifications for a DSPS counselor or instructor set forth in Section 53414 (a) through (d) OR meet the minimum qualifications for an educational administrator set forth in Section 53420 AND in addition, have two (2) years full-time experience or the equivalent within the last four (4) years in one or more of the following fields:

1. Instruction or counseling or both in a higher education program for students with disabilities;

2. Administration of a program for students with disabilities in an institution of higher education;

3. Teaching, counseling or administration in secondary education, working predominantly or exclusively in programs for students with disabilities;

4. Administrative or supervisory experience in industry, government, public agencies, the military, or private social welfare organizations, in which the responsibilities of the position were predominantly or exclusively related to persons with disabilities.

Click here to review the Minimum Qualifications for Faculty and Administrators in California Community Colleges,Section 53414 (a) through (d), and Section 53420.

Commitment to diversity. All applicants must have demonstrated sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, faculty and staff. The applicant must be able to demonstrate how their experience with these factors relates to successfully achieving the goals of the position.

Commitment to ongoing learning and growth in diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti-racism to adapt to evolving needs and promote a welcoming and affirming environment for students with disabilities.

Experience in teaching or counseling students with disabilities, preferably in a higher education environment.

Experience working with and supporting students of different cultural backgrounds, with an understanding of intersectionality and how it pertains to DSS.

Increasingly responsible supervisory experience in the development and administration of programs for students with disabilities.

Comprehensive understanding of state data reporting and how it directly impacts disability services.

Understanding of a college Care Team and its role in supporting distressed students. Familiarity with their processes, interventions, and collaboration with campus stakeholders.

Proficient with categorical budgets and understanding their implications for resource allocation within higher education settings.

Interest in innovating collaborative perspectives on DSS and higher education.

Prior experience in approaching work and interactions with colleagues and/or students in an equity minded manner. Ability to provide an inclusive and welcoming work/educational environment.

Office environment; subject to constant interruptions and frequent interaction with others; sitting for long periods at a time (up to 2-3 hours); may require some off-site duties and activities.