Director of Disabilities Services

Position Summary

Disability Services Specialist – overseeing day‑to‑day operations, ensuring compliance with Section 504 and the ADA, and providing leadership and support to students with disabilities.

• Leadership and Operations Supervision (35%)
  • Oversee day‑to‑day functioning of Disability Services and ensure legal compliance with state and federal law.
  • Set priorities, short‑ and long‑term campus accessibility goals based on program assessments.
  • Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate staff.
  • Develop and monitor budget, including direct accommodations such as interpreting, CART, alternative format materials, and captioning.
  • Ensure operations align with best practices, Council for the Advancement of Standards (CAS) recommendations, and current legal guidance.
• Campus Compliance and Disability Education (40%)
  • Orient faculty and staff to the accommodation process and disability law.
  • Train and consult with associate deans on classroom and program adjustments.
  • Initiate programs and services in collaboration with academic units and student affairs to provide accessible experiences.
  • Assess barriers and assist units with proactive accommodation provisions.
  • Review accommodation requests, documentation, and implementation.
• Review of Accommodation Requests (20%)
  • Conduct access‑planning meetings to determine accommodations and review documentation for eligibility.
  • Engage in interactive process to approve reasonable accommodations.
  • Orient students to services and assist their transition to college.
  • Act as liaison between students and faculty, facilitating understanding of diverse needs.
  • Make referrals to on‑ and off‑campus resources as needed.
  • Maintain accurate and confidential records in compliance with institutional and legal requirements.
• Professional Partnerships (5%)
  • Serve on campus committees including the Student Success Leadership Council, CLSA Leadership Team, and CARE Team.
  • Partner with Student Government accessibility senators.
  • Participate in the Washington Association on Post‑secondary Education and Disability (WAPED).

• Master’s degree required in social work, education, student development, rehabilitation, counseling, special education, or related field.
• Three to five years of experience working with students with disabilities in higher education.
• Three to five years of supervisory experience in higher education.
• Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills, including presentation and organizational abilities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of disabilities, disability issues, Section
  504, and the ADA.
• Ability to interact positively with students in challenging situations.
• Commitment to diversity and alignment with the university’s mission, vision, and values.

• Ph.D. in social work, education, student development, rehabilitation, counseling, or related field.
• Certification or training in disability services, higher education, or related field.
• Excellent judgment in complex situations and ability to manage competing values and needs.

• Salary range: $92,500–$96,500.
• Hybrid work eligible after an introductory period of 3–6months (subject to review).
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life and short‑/long‑term disability coverage.
• Retirement contributions up to 10% employer match (5% nonelective plus dollar‑for‑dollar match).
• 100% paid tuition benefits for employee and dependents.
• Subsidized transportation benefit.
• Wellness program with access to on‑site fitness facility.
• Generous holiday schedule, paid vacation, sick leave, and community‑service leave.

Seattle University is an equal opportunity employer. The university is committed to creating a diverse community of students, faculty, and staff that is dedicated to equal opportunity and treatment in education and employment regardless of age, color, disability, gender identity, national origin, political ideology, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. The university encourages applications from individuals who will further enrich the diversity of its educational community.