Assistant Director, Student Accessibility and Support

Whitworth University is a residential campus shaped by learning, curiosity, and community life. This role is based on campus and requires consistent, in-person engagement.

Position Summary

The Assistant Director of Educational Support Services provides leadership in the implementation and coordination of disability accommodations and accessibility services for Whitworth students. Working closely with the Director of Student Success, the Assistant Director oversees key operational functions of the ESS office, determines eligibility for disability-related accommodations, and partners with faculty and campus departments to remove barriers to student learning and participation.

This role provides institutional guidance on ADA and Section 504 compliance within the student academic experience, coordinates accommodation services across campus, and contributes to campus-wide initiatives that promote accessibility and Universal Design for Learning. The Assistant Director plays a central role in helping students develop self-advocacy skills while supporting faculty and staff in creating equitable learning environments consistent with Whitworth’s mission.

Core Responsibilities

Disability Access & Accommodation Coordination | 50%

• Provide leadership in the review and determination of student disability accommodation requests in accordance with ADA, Section 504, and applicable federal and state regulations.
• Serve as a primary institutional resource for students, faculty, and staff regarding disability accommodations within academic and co-curricular environments.
• Review disability documentation, determine eligibility for services, and develop individualized accommodation plans that support student access while maintaining essential academic and program standards.
• Coordinate accommodation implementation across campus partners including faculty, academic departments, testing services, housing, and student support offices.
• Facilitate testing accommodations and exam proctoring processes including coordination with faculty regarding exam materials, instructions, academic integrity procedures, and accessible testing formats.
• Coordinate disability-related support services including assistive technology, alternative format materials, interpreters, and other accessibility resources through internal and external partners.
• Identify and proactively address barriers to access through consultation with students and campus partners.
• Support student learning and development by coaching students in effective communication and self-advocacy regarding their accommodations.
• Partner with the Director of Student Success and Associate Dean for Student Success & Equity in responding to disability-related concerns or complaints as needed.
• Serve as chair or coordinator of the Whitworth ADA Grievance Committee as assigned.

Program Operations & Accessibility Strategy | 25%

• Support the Director of Student Success in the continuous improvement of ESS processes, policies, and service delivery.
• Analyze accommodation trends, service utilization, and emerging student needs to inform operational improvements and training priorities.
• Maintain documentation, records, and reports related to disability services and accommodation implementation.
• Monitor accessibility service expenditures and support responsible stewardship of ESS operational resources.
• Coordinate communication resources related to disability services including ESS website content, informational materials, and accessibility resources for students and campus partners.
• Contribute to campus accessibility initiatives including promotion of Universal Design for Learning and inclusive instructional practices.

Supervision & Staff Coordination | 10%

• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise student support staff assisting with ESS operations including testing facilitation and accessibility services.
• Provide guidance and training to student staff regarding confidentiality, documentation procedures, and disability service standards.
• Support effective coordination of ESS team communication and workflow.

Campus Collaboration & Professional Engagement | 10%

• Serve as a member of Whitworth’s Educational Review Board (ERB).
• Provide training and consultation to faculty and campus partners on disability accommodations, inclusive teaching practices, and accessibility strategies.
• Participate in professional development opportunities to remain current in disability services, accessibility standards, and regulatory changes.
• Contribute to campus initiatives that strengthen Whitworth’s commitment to accessibility, student belonging, and inclusive educational practices.

Other Duties | 5%

• Participate in departmental initiatives, division meetings, and institutional projects supporting Student Success.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Core Competencies

• Associate’s degree required. Whitworth considers candidates with a wide range of educational backgrounds and values the knowledge and skills candidates bring through diverse educational and professional pathways.
• Two to three years of professional experience in higher education, preferably in disability services, accessibility services, academic support, or student success programming.
• Demonstrated knowledge of ADA, Section 504, and disability-related compliance requirements within higher education.
• Experience reviewing disability documentation and coordinating accommodation plans for students with disabilities.
• Experience working collaboratively with faculty and campus partners to support student success.
• Personal commitment to the Christian faith and integration of faith and learning.
• Commitment to Whitworth University’s mission as a Christian liberal arts institution dedicated to mind and heart education.
• Relevant training or certification in mental health response, crisis response, or student support services preferred.

• Bachelor’s degree in education, counseling, psychology, disability studies, or a related field.
• Experience providing disability services or accessibility coordination in a college or university setting.
• Experience supervising student employees or coordinating program operations.
• Professional development or training related to Universal Design for Learning, accessibility services, or disability compliance.

• Applies strong working knowledge of ADA, Section 504, and higher education accessibility practices to evaluate documentation, determine accommodations, and provide guidance to campus partners.
• Builds effective relationships with faculty, staff, and students to address accessibility needs and facilitate successful accommodation implementation across academic and co-curricular settings.
• Supports students in understanding their rights and responsibilities while developing confidence in communicating their accommodation needs and navigating university systems.
• Analyzes complex student situations and institutional requirements to develop thoughtful accommodation strategies that balance access with academic standards.
• Communicates accessibility requirements clearly and provides educational programming that helps campus partners build inclusive learning environments.
• Maintains organized systems, documentation practices, and service workflows that ensure consistent and timely accommodation support for students.

Other Details

Schedule
Full-time (1.0FTE) | 12 months | 40 hours per week
Whitworth office hours are 8 AM to 4:30 PM Monday – Friday

Whitworth University is a Christian liberal arts university. Our shared mission is to provide our diverse students with an education of mind and heart, equipping them to honor God, follow Christ, and serve humanity. We seek candidates who are willing to engage with the university’s mission and integrate their Christian faith into their work.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, faith statement, and contact information for at least three professional references. A background check and sexual misconduct check will be required of the successful candidate.

You are on this webpage because a position at Whitworth sparked your curiosity. If you find yourself questioning hitting the apply button because you might not meet 100% of the qualifications, we think you should do it! When you click apply and submit an application, your application is reviewed by a committee of real, living, and breathing human beings who want to understand your background, experience and skills to find ways you relate to the key competencies needed for success in the position.

Whitworth complies with all federal, state, and local nondiscrimination laws that are applicable to religious nonprofit institutions and does not engage in unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, sex, or disability. With our Christ-centered commitment to building a diverse and inclusive community, the university encourages applications from populations underrepresented at Whitworth including members of racial/ethnic communities, women, and persons with disabilities.

Online applications are stored on a secure site. Only authorized employees and hiring authorities have access to the information submitted.

It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

At Whitworth University, we are committed to supporting the well-being of our faculty, staff, and their families by offering an extensive benefits package. Eligible employees can enjoy a variety of benefits, including:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Employer-matched 403 (b) retirement plan
• Tuition remission programs available for employees, their spouses, and dependents
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Accrued vacation and sick leave based on full-time equivalency (FTE). All staff accrue 8 hours of sick leave per month and 10 to 20 days of vacation per year, depending on employee category.
• 2 days of Floating Holiday leave based on full-time equivalency (FTE)
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program
• Resources for Christian vocation and calling
• No cost access to the University Recreation Center (UREC) and the Megan E. Thompson Aquatic Center
• 15 paid holidays throughout the year