Director, Disabled Student Programs and Services

Saddleback College

Mission Viejo, CA

ID: 7115779 (Ref.No. REQ10630)
Posted: November 9, 2022
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Job Description

Job Description:

South Orange County Community College District

District Management Team Salary Schedule - RANGE 15

Application materials must be received by 11:59 pm on November 29, 2022

This position is categorically funded. Employment in this position is contingent upon funding by Disabled Students Programs and Services.

Specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the position. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY DEFINITION

The Director is responsible for the administration, quality, and coordination of Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSPS). The incumbent will provide leadership in the development and provision of appropriate educational and support services to students with disabilities to ensure compliance with state and federal laws and regulations applicable to educational opportunities and accessibility for students with disabilities.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Director will implement, administer, and evaluate programs and services for DSPS while adhering to state and federal regulations and will prepare for state and federal compliance audits, program review, and reporting required by the California State Chancellor’s Office. The Director will develop and maintain a welcoming and professional environment within DSPS while also fostering cooperative working relationships with college employees, community members, local legislative leaders, and partner organizations while maintaining professional and appropriate boundaries with students.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives supervision from the College President or designee.

Supervise DSPS office staff to include faculty, classified staff, hourly staff, and student assistants and assist categorical counseling staff as needed.

Management and supervision of program faculty and staff, including participating in the program hiring, evaluation, performance intervention and retention of faculty and staff members in areas of supervision.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties and responsibilities are typical for this position. Incumbents may not perform all the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

LEADERSHIP

Directly oversees the operations of the Disabled Student Programs and Services office and providers.

Provide leadership in 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.

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.

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

Provide leadership in the administration, organization, and development of college support services for students with disabilities.

Evaluate and ensure consistency of objectives, policies, and procedures related to DSPS.

Oversee, verify, and determine student eligibility to receive support services.

Develop and implement plans and policies to facilitate and improve DSPS.

Develop and prepare annual preliminary budget for assigned programs.

Monitor and control budget expenditures and seek alternative funding through grants and contracts.

Ensure compliance with state and federal laws and regulations applicable to educational opportunities and accessibility for students with disabilities.

Direct the preparation and maintenance of detailed and comprehensive reports, records, and files regarding personnel, facilities, programs, operations, and activities.

Complete and submit all required California State Chancellor’s Office reports on behalf of the college.

Develop and implement goals and objectives for the DSPS program in alignment with the District’s strategic goals.

Coordinate programs and services as appropriate with other District and college personnel.

COUNSELING

Provide available DSPS resources to students with disabilities in support of wellness, academic success, and retention. Such services may include personal, group and/or family counseling services.

Respond to crisis events impacting the learning environment and provide crisis intervention to students as needed

Research and provide referral services to students in need of additional educational support resources beyond those offered on campus.

RELATIONSHIPS

Maintain communication with District and college staff and various agencies to coordinate program services, exchange information, and refer students with disabilities.

Train, supervise, evaluate, and direct the work of personnel as assigned.

Participate in recruitment, selection, and hiring processes; develop and provide orientation for new employees.

Plan, organize, and arrange appropriate staff development programs and activities for faculty and staff.

Organize, attend, or chair a variety of administrative and staff meetings as required.

Serve on committees and special projects as assigned.

Maintain communication with local community resources, legislative leaders, and organizations.

Serve as a resource for faculty, staff, and students working with or needing DSPS services and/or resources.

Perform other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position and the District's mission and philosophy.

Report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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 as listed under education and experience.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

DSPS Counselor Minimum Qualifications

The minimum qualifications for service as a community college counselor of students with disabilities shall be satisfied by meeting one of the following requirements:

(1) Possession of a master’s degree, or equivalent foreign degree, in rehabilitation counseling, or

(2) Possession of a master’s degree, or equivalent foreign degree, in counseling, guidance counseling, student personnel, clinical or counseling psychology, education counseling, social work, career development, marriage and family therapy, marriage, family and child counseling, or

(3) Possession of a bachelor’s degree, or equivalent foreign degree, in marriage and family therapy or in marriage, family and child counseling and possession of a license as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT); and either fifteen or more semester units in upper division or graduate level course work specifically related to people with disabilities, or completion of six semester units, or the equivalent of a graduate-level counseling practicum or counseling field work courses, in a post-secondary Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) Program or in a program dealing predominantly or exclusively with people with disabilities, or two years of full-time experience, or the equivalent, in one or more of the following; (A) Counseling for students with disabilities; or (B) Counseling in industry, government, public agencies, military or private social welfare organizations in which the responsibilities of the position were predominantly or exclusively for persons with disabilities, or the equivalent.

DSPS Instructor Minimum Qualifications

The minimum qualifications for service as a community college instructor of students with disabilities shall be satisfied by meeting the following requirement:

(1) Possession of a master’s degree, or equivalent foreign degree, in the category of disability, special education, education, psychology, educational psychology, or rehabilitation counseling; and (2) Fifteen semester units of upper division or graduate study in the area of disability, to include, but not be limited to: (A) Learning disabilities; (B) Developmental disabilities; (C) Deaf and hearing impaired; (D) Physical disabilities; or (E) Adapted computer technology.

Educational Administrator Minimum Qualifications

Possession of a master’s degree and one year of formal training, internship, or leadership experience reasonably related to the administrator’s assignment.

AND

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; or

(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.

Demonstrate sensitivity to and an understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, including those with physical and/or learning disabilities.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience in managing Title 5 requirements related to students with disabilities.

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

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

Experience in managing categorical budgets and grants.

Prior experience in approaching interactions with colleagues and students in an equity minded manner.

Experience in providing an inclusive work/educational environment to faculty, staff, and students.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

A valid California driver's license.

Knowledge of:

State of California Disabled Student Programs and Services.

District policies, rules and procedures; laws and ordinances pertaining to the specific responsibilities of the position.

Federal and state laws as they pertain to working with students with disabilities.

Federal and state statutes and regulations governing accommodation provisions and program accessibility in higher education.

Effects of disabilities, education limitations, and reasonable accommodations in higher education.

Psycho-educational and neuro-psychological assessments.

Principles of supervision, training, and practices of managing staff.

Accounting, budgeting, and fiscal reporting.

Supervisory and managerial concepts and principles.

Financial aid resources for DSPS students.

Modern office management methods and technology, including computers and a variety of software programs; website maintenance; use of social media.

Preparation and administration of budgets.

Organizational development and administration; staff and program management.

Educational Code.

Matriculation rules and regulations.

Database management and spreadsheets software applications.

Information processing techniques and computer literacy.

Ability to:

Provide available resources to students on an individual basis.

Develop innovative programs that strengthen the quality of services provided to students with disabilities.

Provide short-term personal and crisis counseling/interventions to students with disabilities.

Maintain confidential and comprehensive files and records.

Communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

Fairly and effectively manage personnel.

Apply District and departmental policies, procedures, and regulations.

Ensure compliance with all laws, regulations and policies through effective office supervision and leadership.

Plan and coordinate the most effective use of staff, facilities, and resources to achieve program goals.

Comprehend and stay current with laws, regulations, and guidelines for DSPS administration.

Maintain departmental website that promote programs and inform program participants through the use of social media.

Communicate professionally in confrontational situations.

Work effectively with diverse populations.

Exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive and complex issues and situations.

Perform duties in a timely manner despite interruptions; meet established deadlines.

Utilize keyboarding skills commensurate with the required functions for this position. 

Compose reports and correspondence; analyze administrative problems and prepare comprehensive, clear and concise reports and recommendations.

Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Manage categorical budgets and grants.

Compile, organize and use various financial information necessary in the preparation of the budget(s).

Demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work environment and physical demands described here represent those required by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment:

Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting. Duties are typically performed at a desk or computer terminal; subject to noise from office equipment operation; frequent interruptions and contact in person and on the telephone with academic and classified staff and others. At least minimal environmental controls are in place to assure health and comfort.

Physical Demands

Must frequently sit for long periods; use hands and fingers to handle keyboard or other objects; reach with hands and arms. Must speak clearly and distinctly to ask questions and provide information; hear and understand voices over the telephone and in person; and respond quickly and effectively to campus emergencies. Must see and hear adequately to perform accurate mental assessments of students or others. Lift, carry, and/or move objects weighing up to 10 pounds.

SPECIAL COVID-19 NOTICE:

Interviews may be held in-person (following all necessary precautions) or in a virtual format. Employees must reside in California while employed with the South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD), even during remote work. Thank you for your continued interest in working at the SOCCCD.

The SOCCCD is committed to protecting the health and wellbeing of students, faculty, staff, administrators, and the communities it serves. Beginning January 8, 2022, all employees and volunteers must be fully vaccinated (as defined by the Centers for Disease Control) against COVID-19 unless approved as exempt due to a verified disability/medical condition or sincerely held religious belief (as defined in federal or state laws and regulations). More information can be found on our District website by visiting https://www.socccd.edu/about/about_covid-19.html.

NOTICE TO ALL CANDIDATES FOR EMPLOYMENT:

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, requires that employers obtain documentation from every new employee which authorizes that individual to accept employment in this country.

PLEASE NOTE:

A California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) retiree may not accept employment until after the first 180 days of retirement. Anyone retired from CalPERS accepting permanent employment with this District will be required to reinstate as an active CalPERS member. Please contact CalPERS for additional information regarding your retirement status.

Any active vested member of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), who accepts employment with the District to perform service that requires membership in CalPERS, is eligible to elect to continue retirement system coverage under CalSTRS

DISABILITY ACCOMODATIONS:

If you require special accommodations in the application and/or selection process, please notify District Human Resources at least two (2) business days prior to the Job Close Date/Initial Screening Date, by either calling (949) 582-4850 or sending an e-mail to hrinfodesk@socccd.edu.

ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENT:

Report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job.

CAMPUS CRIME AND SAFETY AWARENESS:

Information regarding campus crime and safety awareness can be found at www.saddleback.edu or www.ivc.edu. Paper copies are available in the District Human Resources office upon request.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO):

The South Orange County Community College District is committed to creating an academic and work environment that fosters diversity, equity and inclusion and equal opportunity for all, and ensures that students, faculty, management and staff of all backgrounds feel welcome, included, supported, and safe. Our culture of belonging, openness, and inclusion, makes our district a unique and special place for individuals of all backgrounds.

Our District and our colleges are looking for equity and inclusion-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to the understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present within our community. When you join our District, you can expect to be part of an exciting, thriving, equity-focused, and inclusive community that approaches higher education with the lens of social justice and collaboration among students, faculty, staff, administration, and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position with our District, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with our District’s mission and goals for EEO, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

SOCCCD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Important: You must make sure that you have completed your application for a posting by 11:59 p.m., Pacific Time, on the posting's Job Close Date, along with any required documents, in order to be considered for the position.

Applicants must complete all fields/sections on the application. Do not type "See Resume" or leave any fields blank. Applicants must enter their work experience, education, etc. on the District application. Applications reflecting "See Resume" will be considered incomplete and will not be considered for recruitment.



At the South Orange County Community College District, our goal as an academic community is to sustain a working environment that fosters and celebrates diversity, promotes and rewards excellence, and is welcoming to all. An exemplary academic community promotes an inclusive environment that best prepares our faculty, staff, and students to live, work, and contribute in a global society. The Plan reflects the District's commitment to equal employment opportunity and outlines the active steps that ensure nondiscriminatory practices.