Senior Disability Access Services Specialist - Whitman College

Another Source's client, Whitman College, is recruiting a Senior Disability Access Services Specialist to join their team in Walla Walla, Washington. This is an on-site opportunity with relocation assistance available.

Located in the heart of Walla Walla, Washington, Whitman College is a nationally recognized liberal arts institution known for academic excellence, personalized education, and a deeply collaborative campus culture. With a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of just 16, Whitman creates an environment where meaningful relationships, individualized support, and student success are central to the college experience.

Whitman is also investing significantly in educational access and affordability. With an endowment approaching $850 million, the College has introduced innovative initiatives, including its 10% Promise, which caps tuition at 10% of family income for eligible families. Beginning in fall 2026, Whitman meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students. These commitments reflect an institution dedicated to removing barriers and expanding opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds.

Beyond academics, Whitman offers a distinctive sense of community and place. Its beautiful campus is within walking distance of downtown Walla Walla, a vibrant destination known for its culinary scene, wineries, and outdoor recreation. The College's collaborative culture, commitment to individual growth, and strong student outcomes make it a compelling place to build a meaningful career in higher education.

The Senior Disability Access Services Specialist plays a critical role in advancing Whitman College's commitment to creating an accessible, inclusive, and supportive learning environment for students with disabilities. Initially reporting to the Associate Vice President for Wellness, this position will transition to reporting to an Assistant Dean within Academic Affairs. The role combines direct student engagement with day-to-day operational leadership of Disability Access Services (DAS), without formal supervisory responsibilities.

This is an opportunity for a student-centered professional who enjoys building relationships, navigating complex accommodation needs, and developing practical solutions that remove barriers to academic success. You'll work closely with students to understand their individual experiences, coordinate accommodations, and empower them to navigate a rigorous academic environment with confidence.

Beyond direct student support, you'll have the opportunity to influence campus accessibility practices, strengthen faculty and staff partnerships, and contribute to continuous improvements in disability services. Your work will directly and meaningfully impact students' ability to fully participate in the Whitman experience.

Learn more about Disability Access Services: https://www.whitman.edu/academics/disability-access-services

Student Accommodations & Individualized Support (60%)

Serve as a primary resource for students with disabilities, guiding them through the interactive process of requesting, renewing, and modifying academic accommodations.

• Review disability documentation, conduct student intake meetings, and determine appropriate accommodations that support equitable access to academic programs and resources.

• Build supportive, trusting relationships with current and prospective students and their families, helping them understand available services and navigate the accommodation process.

• Ensure accommodation decisions and practices align with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), and applicable institutional policies.

• Coordinate accessible course materials, alternative-format textbooks, and assistive technology to meet individual student needs.

• Collaborate with Disability Access Services colleagues and campus partners to maintain and improve assistive technology resources, provide student training, and explore emerging accessibility solutions.

• Maintain accurate, confidential student records and accommodation documentation using the Accommodate system.

• Exercise sound judgment in addressing accommodation concerns, identifying when additional consultation or escalation is appropriate.

Campus Collaboration & Disability Advocacy (20%)

• Serve as a visible, approachable campus resource and trusted 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.

• Facilitate consultation on complex student 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 practices in partnership with the Testing Coordinator, balancing student access with academic integrity.

• Provide individualized academic coaching and mentoring, particularly for first-year students navigating the transition to college.

Operational Leadership & Continuous Improvement (10%)

• Lead the daily operations of Disability Access Services, ensuring responsive, consistent, and student-centered service delivery.

• Evaluate existing policies, procedures, and practices to identify opportunities to improve accessibility, effectiveness, and the student experience.

• Apply research-informed approaches and assessment findings to strengthen disability services and operational efficiency.

• Help cultivate a campus culture where accessibility and disability inclusion are shared institutional priorities.

Professional Growth & Evolving Priorities (10%)

• 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.

• Apply new knowledge and professional development experiences to enhance services, strengthen partnerships, and improve student outcomes.

Responsibilities and priorities may shift throughout the academic year in response to student needs and the College's operational calendar.

• 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, including a minimum of two years of direct higher education experience conducting the interactive accommodation process and determining appropriate accommodations.

• Experience supporting and mentoring college students in an educational setting, ideally within a rigorous higher education environment.

• Working knowledge of Section 504, the ADA/ADAAA, and applicable laws and regulations governing accessibility 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.

• Experience working with, or a strong interest in supporting, neurodiverse students.

• Strong interpersonal, listening, and communication skills, with the ability to approach sensitive situations with empathy, professionalism, and sound judgment.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and navigate complex student situations with discretion.

• A collaborative approach to building productive relationships with faculty, staff, students, and campus partners.

• A demonstrated commitment to equity, accessibility, inclusion, and creating an environment where individuals with diverse experiences and perspectives can thrive.

• 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.

Whitman College values diverse pathways to developing professional knowledge and expertise and encourages candidates to demonstrate how their unique experiences and backgrounds align with this opportunity.

Whitman College offers the opportunity to build a rewarding career at a highly regarded liberal arts institution where individualized student support, collaboration, and accessibility are central to the educational experience.

The anticipated compensation range for this position is $26.82-$29.80 per hour (approximately $55,800-$62,000 annually). This is a full-time, nonexempt position, with compensation based on qualifications and experience.

Relocation assistance is available.

Whitman College offers an employee benefits program designed to support the health, well-being, and financial security of its employees.

Explore Whitman College's employee benefits: https://www.whitman.edu/human-resources/benefits

Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis. We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us.