Position Summary

The mission of Pierce College is to create quality educational opportunities for a diverse community of learners to thrive in an evolving world.

Recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the top 10 community colleges in the nation (2021), Pierce College is an innovative, mission-driven, data-informed, and equity minded community college dedicated to helping all students achieve their academic and professional goals, with a focus on racial and social equity and justice.

The Access & Disability Services (ADS) Program Coordinator is positioned within Student Services EDI CARES (Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, College Access, Retention and Engagement Services) that focuses on increasing access, persistence, degree completion, and college/university enrollment for prospective and enrolled students from minoritized and marginalized background s. Their role is critical to supporting students with disabilities and creating an equitable academic environment.

About the District - Pierce College enjoys a strong presence in the community and participates in innumerable partnerships with business, community, government, and educational organizations. Want a feel for our District. Take a peek with aerial campus views!

Pierce College Fort Steilacoom - Located on a beautiful 140-acre site adjacent to a 340-acre community, recreational park, and Waughop Lake.

Pierce College Puyallup - Located on an expansive site with 125-acres of wooded land with beautiful hideaways.

Pierce College at JBLM - Located at the Joint Base Lewis-McChord military sites, serving many of our military and active-duty families that are serving our country.

Essential Functions

The Program Coordinator will be responsible for the following, but not limited to:

Departmental Support:

• Create a brave, empowering, and inclusive environment that centers on anti-racism and equity for students, staff, and the college community.
• Provide Access and Disability Services Director with recommendations for process improvements, identifying possible efficiencies, and improving work flow.
• Identify, report, and participate in removal of systemic barriers to accessing ADS services by Black and Brown, single parents, economically disenfranchised and all marginalized student populations.
• Provide problem-solving, advocacy, and mediation for students with disabilities on lower-level concerns/issues. Work in collaboration with ADS staff and consult with the Director regarding higher-level concerns/issues.
• Understand and appropriately apply, interpret, and explain ADS and college policies and procedures, state and federal rules, regulations, and laws. Initiate corrective action with approval from Director as needed or required.
• Maintain current knowledge and awareness of local, regional and national trends. Build and maintain good working relationships with off-campus disability community/service agencies.
• Interpret, and implement policies/procedures regarding ADS services, processes, and requirements to students, staff, faculty, administrators, and the public.
• Maintain accurate and detailed student records, accommodation/service program records, and employee records in accordance with office and college policies and procedures.
• Prepare reports that explain historical data, current data, and future projections for the department.
• Prepare budget reports outlining current costs, and projected costs related to implementing accommodation plans. Propose improvements in efficiency and cost saving measures to the Director.
• Collaborate in the development and implementation of assessment tools for the office to obtain feedback on the quality and effectiveness of service provision to students, faculty, and staff.
• Actively participate in department activities and serve on college committees as assigned.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Implement accommodation plans:

• Responsible for implementing Director approved accommodation plans to include, but not be limited to tests with accommodations, and note taking services.
• Collaborate with and provide support to the District Assistive Technology and Accessibility Specialist and the Support Supervisor on the implementation of accommodation plans including, but not limited to educational materials in alternate format, alternate furniture, assistive technology training, equipment check-out, and communication access services.
• Prepare and complete required employment documentation following college policy and procedures for the implementation of approved accommodation plans (i.e. work-study, student workers, notetakers, readers, and scribes).

Program and clerical support:

• Organize and lead daily administrative operations of the ADS Office to ensure daily operations are smooth and services to students are timely and seamless.
• Direct supervision of student and work-study employees.
• Create, maintain, and manage student records electronically and in paper format as appropriate following FERPA, records retention requirements, and departmental processes.
• Collaborate with the District Assistive Technology and Accessibility Specialist to assess inventory status, condition of equipment, and request replacement or new equipment.
• Coordinate the enrollment, referrals, and engagement of eligible ADS students to EDI CARES and workforce equity programs.

Qualifications

Education Required:

• 
  Associate's Degree degree from an accredited college or university in Social/Behavioral Science, Vocational Rehabilitation, Special Education, or related field.

Experience Required:

• Minimum of 2 years of experience working with people with disabilities.
• Understanding and application of equity, diversity, and inclusion as it relates to people with disabilities.

Required Competencies:

• Demonstrated knowledge of current federal and state disability law, college policies, and other applicable state, local, and federal laws and regulations as they apply to student access.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of student, staff, and faculty records, and sensitive communications
• Adhere to high standards of integrity, confidentiality, and honesty.
• Ability to work effectively and positively with individuals of diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds and educationally diverse populations.
• Ability to apply problem solving techniques and professional judgment in complex, confidential, and sensitive situations.
• Ability to manage change in a way that reduces the concern experienced by others.
• Demonstrated effective time management and organizational skills.
• Computer skills – competent with Microsoft Suite and database systems.
• Ability to provide customer service that consistently meets or exceeds the needs of students, colleagues, and the public.
• Ability to function in a consultative and collaborative manner for case management, decision making, and problem solving.
• Ability to work collaboratively, build effective working relationships, be a team-oriented leader, and employ critical thinking skills.
• Ability to resolve confrontations, disagreements, and complaints in a constructive manner.
• Ability to create, foster, and maintain collaborative working relationships with faculty, staff, administration, and students.

Application Process

Application Requirements:

To be considered for this position, applicants must:

• Meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement.
• Complete the online application profile at: https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/hr.
• Apply for the specific job opening.
• Upload (attach) a cover letter that addresses how you meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement. (Cover Letter)
• Upload (attach) detailed résumé of all educational and professional experience. (Résumé)
• Transcripts are not required in order to apply for this position; however, if you are selected for an interview, you will be asked to bring copies of unofficial transcripts showing completion of the required level of education. Please upload current copies of your transcripts, if available. Unofficial copies of all college and university transcripts must include degree received and conferral date. International transcripts must include a foreign transcript evaluation. For a list of approved credential evaluation services visit: www.naces.org/members.html (Unofficial transcripts acceptable for application process; official transcripts required upon hire). (Transcripts)
• Upload (attach) a list of at least two professional references with names, addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses. Letters of recommendation will not be accepted. (References)

Provide a response to the following question (Supplemental Question):

• Briefly describe how you have worked in your previous or current positions to advance racial equity, diversity, and inclusion in your organizations and how you would do that in this position?

Special Note: To ensure consideration, application materials should be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date.

All correspondence regarding your application status will be sent to the email address associated with your NeoEd account. Please make sure to check your spam folder periodically, in the case of an automated, incorrect delivery.

Terms of Employment:

This is a full-time (40 hours per week) classified, overtime-eligible position with Pierce College District. This position is permanent after serving a 6-month probationary period. The primary work location will be at the Pierce College Fort Steilacoom campus. Occasional travel to Pierce College campuses or sites may occur. Work hours are between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday with occasional evenings and weekend work, and occasional travel as required. This position may be subject to reassignment between campuses or sites.

Salary & Benefits:

The starting salary of this position is $3,401.00 dependent upon qualifications, with periodic increments up to $4,117.00 monthly. However, your paycheck is just part of the total compensation package. There is an outstanding benefits package which is worth an additional value equivalent to about 30% of your salary. A comprehensive health care benefits package for you and your dependents includes medical, dental and vision insurance. Life and long-term disability insurance plans; vacation, sick and personal leave; reduced tuition; and retirement benefits are also provided. For more information, please visit our Benefits and Leave website at: https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/hr- benefits

Physical Work Environment:

This position is required to work indoors in an open office environment, which requires visual concentration on detail, dexterity, precision, and is subject to frequent noise and interruptions.

Reasonable Accommodation:

Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the application and employment process will be accommodated to the extent reasonably possible. Requests should be made to the District Human Resources Office by calling 253-964-7342. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may dial 711 to place a call through Washington Relay, the state's free telecommunication access service.

Screening & Interview Process:

Only those candidates who have complied with the application process and meet the required qualifications will be considered. Following the review of application materials, the most qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. Check the email account you used for the application process for communication regarding the status of your application. Application materials submitted to Pierce College are the property of the College and will not be returned.

Please note: This is a competitive selection process. Your application materials will be reviewed and evaluated based on the minimum qualifications listed for the position. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the District's needs will be eligible for further consideration.

Conditions of Employment:

Pierce College is a “fully vaccinated campus” under the state’s higher education guidance, which means that COVID-19 vaccination is highly encouraged for all employees and students. This position is represented by the WPEA which requires all bargaining unit members to be fully vaccinated.

Prior to the start of employment, finalist(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check as a condition of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington State Law RCW 28B.112.080.

An offer of employment will not carry with it any responsibility or obligation on the part of the District to sponsor an H-1B visa. In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time of hire.

Pierce College has adopted a Drug Free Workplace policy. As a condition of employment, employees must agree to abide by the requirements established in that policy.

Bargaining Unit:

This position has been designated as a bargaining unit position represented by the Washington Public Employee Association (WPEA).

Equal Opportunity:

The Pierce College District is an equal opportunity employer. The Board of Trustees and Pierce College District are committed to providing equal opportunity and will not discriminate in terms and conditions of employment and personnel practices. Decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal.

For more information about this position or assistance regarding your application, contact Human Resources at: jobs@pierce.ctc.edu

Questions regarding equal employment opportunities or discrimination may be directed to the following:

Sean Cooke - Title IX Coordinator
(253) 840-8472

Tami Jacobs - ADACO/Section 504 Coordinator
(253) 964-6581

Holly Gorski - Vice President for Human Resources
(253) 964-6519

Paula Henson-Williams - District Affirmative Action Officer
(253) 864-3229