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Position Number: ACA21-377

College of the Canyons
Santa Clarita Community College District

announces an employment opportunity for

 Director, Academic Accommodations

 An Educational Administration Position

Review Date: February 3, 2022

This position is a high priority for our District for the 2021-2022 year and is contingent upon continued available district, grant and state funding.

The Santa Clarita Community College District/College of the Canyons is seeking a full-time Educational Administrator in the Academic Accommodations Resource Center.  The ideal candidate will share our college’s commitment to educating the more than 32,000 racially and socioeconomically diverse students we enroll each year.  Currently, our student body is approximately 45.4% Latinx/Hispanic, 32.2% White, 6.3% Asian, 5.5% African-American, 4.5% Pacific Islander, 2% multi-ethnic, and less than 1% Native American. The college was designated a Hispanic Serving Institution in 2015, reflecting our focus on enhancing the educational attainment and economic well-being of the community we proudly serve.  As one of 20 community colleges in the state selected for the California Guided Pathways Project, we are focused on enhancing equity and implementing policies and practices that help all students achieve successful academic outcomes.

Who We are

The Santa Clarita Community District is committed to achieving educational equity for all students. As presented in our District Strategic Plan, which focuses on Access, Engagement, and Success, “Equity, inclusion, and diversity are not goals in themselves, but ideologies embedded in all actions and planning across all departments and functions of our college and its two campuses.” These areas of focus demonstrate a resolve to focus on student success and confirm that we are at the forefront of change with integrated planning efforts that both evolve and anticipate the needs of our students. We provide students with a rich and dynamic learning experience that embraces differences — fostering healthy inclusion through inquiry, shared dialogue and reflection to ensure that we promote a sense of community, collegiality and cooperation. When you join our team at the Santa Clarita Community College District, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, creative, flexible, innovative and equity-focused community that engages students, each other, and the community in scholarly inquiry, creative partnerships, and the application of knowledge and success.

The College and the District

College of the Canyons is part of the Santa Clarita Community College District and is designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), enrolling approximately 32,000 students each academic year. College of the Canyons has a diverse student population that reflects our focus on enhancing the educational attainment and economic well-being of the community we proudly serve. Detailed information about our student population, including data related to student success, can be found on the College of Canyons Office of Institutional Research, Planning and Institutional Effectiveness (IRPIE) website. Additionally, College of the Canyons, was recently honored as a 2021 Bellwether College Consortium award winner, was honored in 2018 and 2019 with the Champion of Higher Education award, was ranked #1 in Los Angeles County during 2019 as the best two-year college for adult learners, and is rated #1 in Los Angeles County for completion rates by college-prepared students. It is distinguished as one of the top transfer institutions in Los Angeles County. 

Who We Want

We value the ability to serve students from a broad range of cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. Therefore, we prioritize applicants who demonstrate they understand the benefits diversity brings to a professional educational community. The successful candidate must be an equity-minded individual committed to collaborating with faculty, classified staff, administration, students and community partners who share our commitment to closing equity gaps. The Santa Clarita Community College District seeks leaders possessing a strong grounding in academic and student services programs and a thorough understanding of the primary mission of the community college. We seek employees that value mentorship and working in a collegial, collaborative environment, who are conscientious risk takers and transformational leaders guided by a commitment to helping all students achieve their educational goals.

"BIG PICTURE" RESPONSIBILITY:

Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Student Services, the Director, Academic Accommodations (formerly titled Director, Disabled Students Programs and Services) is responsible for the day-to-day management, supervision and coordination of all programs and services provided to students served by the Academic Accommodations Center (AAC) and all related records and reports and other duties that may be assigned including counseling, educational peer advising, financial, tutoring, program application, technology services; coordinates and directs communications, services, resources, and information to meet student needs and ensure smooth and efficient program activities; coordinates assigned activities with other District divisions and departments, officials, and outside agencies; provides highly responsible and complex professional assistance to the Associate Vice President, Student Services in areas of expertise; and performs related work as required.

Canyons Hall

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Is provided administrative direction and leadership by the Associate Vice President of Student Services. Manages, supervises, coordinates, and leads the professional, technical, and administrative support staff of AAC programs.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Plans, organizes, and implements programs and services for students with disabilities, and the goals, objectives, and program policies, procedures and work standards for AAC. Facilitates communications about departmental activities, events, deadlines, and timelines.
  2. Manages, supervises and coordinates day-to-day operations of all AAC programs, services, and activities, including recruitment and outreach, orientation, assessment, counseling and advisement, tutorials and special workshops, transfer assistance, educational plans, assistive technology, supplies, priority registration, letters of recommendation, scholarships, crisis intervention, case management, and recognition ceremonies.
  3. Advocates strategies and solutions for barriers to access and success for students with disabilities, including policy, program, and facility modifications, and provides awareness through multiple modes of communication, marketing, training and in-service.
  4. Interprets federal (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 508 of 1998, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990), state (AB 77, Title V), and district regulations pertaining to the rights of students with disabilities and develops procedures and practices to ensure compliance.
  5. Complies with Federal, State, County, and District regulations and policies as they pertain to the AAC programs and other grant programs. Maintains a working knowledge of changing practices and legislation, regulations, and technology that may affect District or departmental operations; implements policy and procedural changes as required. Promotes understanding and awareness of programs, needs and innovative services in the field of disability services.
  6. Interprets and implements regulations, guidelines, and reporting requirements of funding agencies and is responsible for timely and accurate preparation, submission and coordination of all categorical and grant reports for AAC consistent with the State Chancellors Office, other funders, and District policies, and is responsible for seeking additional and alternative funding for AAC programs and activities.
  7. Determines appropriate accommodations for students and works with faculty and departments to implement those accommodations in an instructional setting.
  8. Supervises program components including learning disabilities assessment, assistive technology, alternative media, and services for deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) students. Plans, develops, implements, and maintains a variety of efficient and effective support services for students with disabilities, including services to deaf and hard of hearing students, the High Tech Center, alternate media, counseling and advising, and accommodations services.
  9. Develops, prepares, manages and monitors annual programmatic budgets and related grants; develops annual proposals for ongoing and one-time funding processes; directs the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; reviews and coordinates the development, preparation and administrative oversight of all departmental contracts for external services; researches the possibility for grants from outside organizations to provide additional resources to persons with disabilities.
  10. Participates in interviews and the selection of, and coordinates the onboarding, training, and evaluating of, all AAC personnel, including certificated and classified staff, temporary staff (including interpreters) and college assistants, according to established policies and procedures.
  11. Provides leadership in the development and achievements of annual goals and objectives for AAC programs by developing, reviewing, and implementing systems, standards, programs, policies and procedures to meet legal requirements and District needs; continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors the distribution of work, support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs the implementation of change.
  12. Maintains currency of knowledge in the field of disability services and engages in professional development activities through attendance and participation at workshops and conferences.
  13. Works closely with college programs including, but not limited to Tutoring, Career Services, Transfer Center, Counseling, Admissions, EOPS in the development and implementation of a networked system of support and services for educational effectiveness and operational efficiency; ensures the enhancement of student access to AAC services, including coordinating and directing the intake, eligibility, and student application functions; plans and supervises the AAC spring/summer orientation programs.
  14. Oversees and schedules noncredit tutoring labs within the Acacemic Accommocations Center.
  15. Maintains and encourages effective communication with AAC staff by holding regular staff meetings; provides information to staff about issues, programs and practices affecting the College and the programs.
  16. Directs and participates in the preparation and maintenance of a variety of narrative and statistical reports, records, and files related to departmental services, students, projects, programs, personnel, financial activities, and assigned duties; ensures mandated reports are submitted to appropriated governmental agencies according to established timelines.
  17. Represents the College and AAC at various local, regional and statewide organizations and committees including required monthly, quarterly or annual meetings for AAC at the State and Region VI level, and various District committees, advisory groups, and regular meetings of the Student Services division and managers. Maintains liaison with community agencies and groups related to disability issues.
  18. Coordinates communications, programs, services, activities, and information between and among students, faculty, administrators, service providers, outside organizations, the public and various local, State, and federal agencies. Maintains liaison with local high schools, colleges, and universities.
  19. Provides academic and personal guidance to students on matters pertaining to academics, employment, accommodations, and services to further student success.
  20. Responsible for handling student personal, program and staff related complaints and resolving conflicts regarding student eligibility, acceptance, and utilizations of programs.
  21. Conducts and reviews exit processes for students who are no longer eligible for services.
  22. Oversees and insures the accuracy of MIS and other state reports including all year end summaries of AAC and other grants program accomplishments.
  23. Ensures that student success is recognized and celebrated.
  24. Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

DEMONSTRATED KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

  • Current Education Code, Title V, Federal, State, and County regulations as they pertain to working with students with disabilities in an educational setting. Other grant procedures and requirements as assigned.
  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 508 as amended in 1998 and the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990.
  • Accommodations and support services typically provided to students with disabilities in higher education.
  • Special equipment and materials available for persons with disabilities and willingness to explore new technologies that would benefit the program.
  • Budget development, fiscal reporting, administrative principles and practices, and organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of projects, programs, policies, procedures, and operational needs.
  • Student recruitment, retention, orientation, and summer bridge programs that serve traditionally underrepresented students and educationally under prepared student with language and economic disadvantages.
  • Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.
  • Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
  • Principles, practices, theories, and methods of planning, organizing, and directing programs, services, operations, and activities for students with disabilities.
  • Technical practices, procedures, and techniques involved in the processing and verification of student applications and determination of student eligibility.
  • Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to student life programs, services, and operations.
  • Methods and techniques for the development of presentations, business correspondence, and information distribution; research and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
  • Principles and procedures of record keeping, technical report writing, and preparation of correspondence and presentations.
  • Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications.
  • Oral and written communication skills including English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.
  • Techniques for effectively representing the District in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
  • Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, students, and District staff, including individuals of various ages, various socioeconomic and ethnic groups.

Abilities:

  • Demonstrated ability to effectively interact with persons of diverse socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds.
  • Work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues in an environment that promotes innovation, teaching, learning and service to a diverse student population.
  • Effectively work with students with a wide range of skills, motivations, academic and vocational goals.
  • Develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards, and internal controls for the department and assigned program areas.
  • Provide administrative and professional leadership and direction for the department and the District; establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationship with others.
  • Participate in recruitment and articulation activities with local schools, colleges and universities.
  • Work with community agencies that serve people with disabilities.
  • Prepare and administer large and complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost effective manner.
  • Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
  • Apply legal and policy provisions to various problems consistently and correctly.
  • Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of professional and technical personnel; delegate authority and responsibility.
  • Select, train, motivate, and evaluate the work of staff and train staff in work procedures.
  • Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
  • Effectively administer a variety of disability related programs, services, and activities.
  • Effectively represent the District and the department in meetings with various educational, business, professional, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
  • Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
  • Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.
  • Effectively work with, advise, and counsel college students of a diverse academic, socioeconomic cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds.
  • Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems.
  • Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; work independently to organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
  • Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
  • Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
  • Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
  • Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

 honor grove

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES:

Every administrator with the College is expected to be:

  • A creative, innovative, energetic instructional leader; a technologically sophisticated professional who is skilled in various technology applications;
  • A leader who possesses interpersonal skills and qualities, including a can-do optimistic attitude, creativity, ambition, sensitivity, honesty, integrity, fairness, flexibility, a sense of humor, an entrepreneurial nature and a tolerance for ambiguity;
  • An experienced academic committed to continued improvement; a visible, accessible and collaborative educator who encourages and acknowledges the contributions of others, who is willing to be a risk taker and create an environment that is open to new ideas;
  • A supporter of consistent and on-going professional development initiatives, in pursuit of the college’s strategic goals;
  • An excellent communicator, an initiator, and anticipator;
  • A fair-minded, ethical, and honest leader with excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the courage and integrity to lead and accept responsibility;
  • A leader knowledgeable of and able to apply management theories and practices, learning theories and practices, and community college finance;
  • A capable planner who can systematically allocate resources to further institutional goals, evaluate the results of the allocations, and develop strategies for continued development; and
  • A skilled leader adept in planning for the emerging needs of the District and successful in resource generation and partnership development.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

The Director 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:

  • In general, the minimum qualifications for a DSPS counselor or instructor are met by having a Master’s degree in the category of disability or a related field, and 15 semester units of upper division or graduate study in an area of disability.
  • The minimum qualifications for an educational administrator are a Master’s degree and one year of formal training, internship, or leadership experience reasonably related to the assignment.

In addition, The Director must have two (2) years full-time experience or the equivalent within the last four (4) years in one or more of the following fields:

  • Instruction or counseling or both in a higher education program for students with disabilities;
  • Administration of a program for students with disabilities in an institution of higher education;
  • Teaching, counseling or administration in secondary education, working predominantly or exclusively in programs for students with disabilities; or
  • 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.

Education

In addition to the above, possession of a Master’s degree from an accredited college/university, preferably in rehabilitation counseling, or related field with coursework and experience in counseling people with disabilities.

Experience

In addition to the above, two (2) years full-time equivalent experience of successful leadership supervising a student support services program at an institution of higher education. 

Certain combinations of education, experience, and other accomplishments in the field may be judged as equal to the stated minimum qualifications for this position. Candidates who feel they possess such equivalent qualifications must submit collegiate transcripts and a complete description of work experience along with a separate letter substantiating their equivalency.

Demonstrated sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic, and disability backgrounds of community college students and employees

SALARY PLACEMENT

This twelve (12) month per year position will be on an individual contract.  Salary placement will be Range 15 of the Administrative Salary Schedule.  Initial salary placement will be based on education and experience. An excellent benefit package, including medical, vision, dental, life and Section 125 is offered.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Sedentary position requires use of a computer and related equipment for extended periods of time; frequently exerting 10 to 20 pounds of force to move objects; communicating and providing information to others; work outside on all parts of the campus and in varying weather conditions. Travel from site-to-site. In the event of an emergency, employees will be relied upon to serve as emergency service workers.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

  • Successful completion of background fingerprint clearance, pre-employment physical examination (disabilities not related to the physical job will not affect the application process) and TB screening. 
  • Proof of eligibility to work in the United States and signing of loyalty oath per government codes 3100-3109.
  • Meeting applicable eligibility requirements under CalPERS or CalSTRS if you are a current or former member.
  • Board of Trustees approval.
  • Official, sealed transcripts are required upon offer of employment.
  • Position is contingent upon funding and is subject to change.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The Santa Clarita Community College District is committed to employing qualified administrators/managers, faculty, and staff members who are dedicated to student learning and success. The Board recognizes that diversity in the academic environment fosters awareness, promotes mutual understanding and respect, and provides suitable role models for all students.  The Board is committed to hiring and staff development processes that support the goals of equal opportunity and diversity, and provide equal consideration for all qualified candidates. The District does not discriminate on the basis of race, religious creed, color, ethnic or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniformed service member status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, pregnancy, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected basis under the law.

Applicants who have disabilities may request that accommodations be made in order to complete the selection process by contacting the Human Resources office directly at (661) 362-3427.

Students

ABOUT THE DISTRICT

Innovative. Collaborative. Entrepreneurial. These characteristics not only define College of the Canyons, they are embodied by the faculty, staff and administrators who make this college unique among the 116 California Community Colleges.

Established in 1969, College of the Canyons is among the fastest-growing colleges in California and the nation. It is widely recognized as a model community college for enhancing student access, success and equity. Its completion rates rank among the highest in the state. The college has established a well-deserved reputation for bolstering economic development and offering innovative career technical education responsive to industry needs.

Guided by visionary leadership, the college serves a 367-square-mile area of northern Los Angeles County that includes the dynamic, growing Santa Clarita Valley. A steady influx of new residents and businesses creates a spirit of possibilities that inspires the college to be flexible, creative and attuned to the community’s evolving needs. The growing diversity of the community is mirrored by the college, which qualifies as a Latino-serving institution.

The college’s influence in the community is best illustrated by the dozens of collaborative partnerships it has forged with local school districts, government entities and service organizations. Examples include the Performing Arts Center’s K-12 Arts Education Outreach initiative, which allows thousands of children to experience the arts each year, and Academy of the Canyons, an early/middle college high school at the Valencia campus that is ranked among the top 10 percent of high schools in the nation.

With campuses in Valencia and Canyon Country, the college offers 92 associate degree programs, including 23 associate degree for transfer (AD-T) options, as well as 71 certificate programs. Classes are offered during traditional fall and spring semesters, as well as shorter, intensive summer and winter sessions. Additional educational opportunities exist at the University Center, whose four-year colleges and universities offer approximately 30 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs, as well certificate and credential programs.

Because of the college’s commitment to meeting the needs of the community, local voters have approved two bond measures valued at more than $240 million since 2001. The college also secures substantial funds from the state and millions of dollars in grants each year that allow new, cutting-edge programs to be developed and facilities built to accommodate them.

Given its commitment to growth and innovation, College of the Canyons sets a new standard for what a college can achieve. It is a vital cultural, educational and economic force in the region. Join us to discover unexpected possibilities, the freedom to innovate and an opportunity to shape the future.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:

Applicants are encouraged to complete their applications online at https://www.canyons.edu/administration/humanresources/. If you require assistance, please call the Human Resources office at (661) 362-3427 or for the hearing impaired TTY/TDD Line at (661) 362-5178.  Applicants may check the status of their application online and may expect to be notified within approximately 5 weeks following the Review Date as to the status of their application.

All application materials must be uploaded online or received in the Human Resources office by the end of the day on the Review Date in order to assure consideration for this position. Postmark is not acceptable for this purpose. Separate application materials must be submitted for each position applied for. Materials submitted become property of the District and will not be returned, copied, or considered for other openings.  The Human Resources office is located in the University Center, Suite #360 at 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA, 91355.

Your application is not complete until the following required materials have been uploaded online or received by the Human Resources office:

  • A District Academic application.
  • A list of six (6) references with their names, titles, business and home telephone numbers. The list should include two (2) current and two (2) former supervisors, one (1) subordinate, and one (1) community or business representative. All references (except for former supervisors) must be within the last five (5) years. References will not be contacted without the applicant’s knowledge.
  • A current detailed resume, summarizing education and experience.
  • Letter of interest (cover letter). In your letter, please address your qualifications and experience as they pertain to the job duties, the demonstrated knowledge, and the abilities section of this announcement. Provides specific details and examples of your direct leadership in achieving the list of minimum and desirable requirements for this position.
  • Copies of complete and legible college transcripts clearly indicating all college units earned and any degree awarded. Submit unofficial copies of transcripts for application purposes. Copies of diplomas are not acceptable in lieu of college transcripts. Please see our website for the requirements for evaluation of transcripts from foreign colleges or universities.
  • Confidential Recruitment Source Information (Voluntary Survey). This is voluntary and is part of the online applicant profile separate from the application.

Please note:

  • Skills evaluation of candidates for interview may be required.
  • Initial interviews may be held in person on campus.
  • Final interviews will be held in person on campus.
  • Travel and relocation expenses are the responsibility of the applicant.
  • Hiring committees review all complete, qualified application packets. Possession of the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview.
  • A presentation will be required for those candidates selected for an initial interview.
  • Current COC employees who are applying for this position: Please be aware that materials from your personnel file are not included as part of the application file; therefore, please provide the same requested application materials as any other applicant.
  • Should you be considered as a finalist for this position, reference checks will include current supervisor(s).
  • Applicants are encouraged to apply online. If you need assistance with the application process, contact:

Human Resources Office

(661) 362-3427

TTY/TDD (661) 362-5178 or visit our website at

https://www.canyons.edu/administration/humanresources/

 

It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all application materials are fully and correctly submitted. All materials submitted are for this position only and become the property of the District.  Materials will not be returned, copied or considered for other openings. Resumes may not be submitted in lieu of the official application form.

The College is expecting to conduct initial interviews the week of February 21, 2022 or February 28, 2022 and conduct final interviews the week of February 28, 2022 or March 7, 2022. This is an estimated timeline, and is subject to change. Initial interviews may be held in person on campus. Final interviews will be held in person on campus.

Position is offered contingent on funding. We reserve the right to withdraw, extend the filing date, reopen, or delay filling this position. Recruitment may continue until the position is filled.

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