This position supports the University's commitment to high standards of academic excellence by working to provide accommodations for students with disabilities, while maintaining the integrity and standards of academic programs. The work of the Assistant Director contributes to the University's efforts to build a community devoted to treating every person with respect and compassion with notable inclusion for disabled students. This position furthers the work of the Executive Director in providing disability framework, administration, and direction for the Office of Student Accessibility. This role is specifically responsible for directing the accommodation processes.

Duties

• Review, evaluate, and interpret disability documentation submitted by students from all six schools of Pepperdine, both online and on ground, requesting accommodations. Determine appropriate accommodations for individual students per documentation review and student interview. Confer with staff, associate deans, medical director, and program managers as needed. Send timely, accurate, and appropriate written communication to confirm accommodations and outline next steps for implementation thereof. Explain reasoning when accommodations are denied. Provide advising, referrals, and other support for students with disabilities.
• Responsible for developing, monitoring, and controlling internal processes for student accommodations. This includes, but is not limited to, managing Accommodate software user interface for accessibility specialists, determining appropriate design and content for letter templates, coordinating information and strategy with administrators and proctors (both on ground and online) at the six schools, and supervising the overall workflow of accommodation approvals. Review internal systems and processes on an ongoing basis to ensure efficiencies in workflow. Update templates, procedures, and website as needed. Support the exam process as needed.
• On a daily basis, consult with faculty, staff, and associate deans on the implementation of accommodations. Serve as the liaison between OSA and the College of Health Science, keeping current on accommodations and legal issues in the health science sphere. Develop in-service training for faculty, staff, and the greater Pepperdine community regarding accommodations for students with disabilities and universal design. Collaborate with the Executive Director in conducting regular assessment of services and learning outcomes for students with disabilities.
• Provide information regarding access related services of Pepperdine to prospective and current students, parents, and high school personnel.
• Discuss HIPAA protected information with medical personal as needed to determine appropriate accommodatinos. Maintain timely, confidential, and detailed files in Accommodate for students with disabilities.
• Handle administrative duties during the Executive Director's absence. Serve as backup coordinator for interpreting and captioning as needed.
• Perform duties as assigned. 
• Uphold University mission through work performed.

The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Skills and Qualifications

Required:

• Four years of experience in a higher education setting.
• Master's degree in Disability Studies, Higher Education, Counseling, Psychology or a related field.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills. Demonstrated compassion for students in crisis.
• Excellent capacity for written and oral communication.
• Impeccible organizational skills.
• Experience with presentation and facilitation, both scripted and spontaneous.
• Understanding of disability theory.
• Capacity and eagerness to expand knowledge and skill set. Facility with computers and adaptability in learning new technologies

Preferred:

• Five years of experience in a higher education setting.
• Experience providing disability-related academic accommodations in higher education; related program-development/assessment experience and skills are ideal.
• Pepperdine experience.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation/regulations; experience implementing accommodations in a classroom setting.
• Familiarity with the use of and applicability of assistive technology for individuals with disabilities.

Qualified individuals should be able to show respect for workplace differences, and have the ability to work effectively with individuals from different backgrounds.

Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal, education, and employment screening. The University conducts such screenings in compliance with applicable laws and with the objectives of evaluating risk and supporting a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and guests; safeguarding key University assets including people, property, information, and the University’s reputation; and providing comprehensive job-related information to University leaders to enable them to make prudent hiring decisions. Qualified individuals with criminal histories will be considered for employment in compliance with applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.

This is a Regular, Exempt, 40 hour per week position.

Expected Pay Range: $68,640 - $70,000 per year 

The above pay range reflects what Pepperdine University reasonably expects to pay for this position at time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on relevant factors such as work experience, market conditions, education/training, and skill level. In addition to base pay, Pepperdine offers a robust and highly competitive benefits package.

Pepperdine is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.