Student Advisor/Accommodation Specialist

Student Advisor/Accommodation Specialist

Primary Purpose: The Student Advisor/Accommodation Specialist works directly with students, instructors, programs, and colleges from all University of Saskatchewan campuses to coordinate requests for, and assist in the provision of, academic and clinical accommodations; and provide advice and assistance regarding issues in adherence with related policies and provincial/federal Human Rights legislation.

Nature of Work: Reporting directly to the Director of Access & Equity Services (AES) and the Lead Advisor & Accommodation Specialist, the Student Advisor/Accommodation Specialist is one of a team responsible for determination and facilitation of services and accommodations to U of S students who qualify for reasonable accommodations and supports as outlined in Saskatchewan Human Rights legislation. This position will work primarily with students registered in the College of Nursing, beginning at the point of reviewing documentation and approving academic accommodation recommendations to working with an Accommodation Planning Committee to determine and implement clinical accommodation plans. This role also provides assistance and advice to students regarding available options for redress wherever students have complaints related to academic or non-academic matters. This person is required to work with instructors, programs, and colleges to ensure that efforts are made to reasonably accommodate a student while monitoring the student’s ability to fulfill the essential requirements of a course/program.

This is a high-volume position in a fast-paced environment with high traffic and frequent interruptions. Unexpected situations and problems occur frequently and must be resolved on the spot using specialized knowledge of disability issues, U of S Policies and Procedures, and Human Rights Legislation.

There is frequent interaction with students who have complex physical, psychological, permanent, and temporary disabilities. Considerable discretion is required as the position works with highly confidential medical information, and all situations must be handled in accordance with the Health Information Privacy Act.

This position is expected to work closely with community partners both on and off campus, requiring a strong knowledge base in community services that support persons of protected categories.

Accountabilities:

1. Identifies accessibility-related needs; determination, facilitation, and case management of reasonable accommodations that address impacts of a wide range of disabilities (physical disabilities, sensory disabilities, chronic medical conditions, neurological and mental health-related disabilities, and multiple co-occurring disabilities).
2. Approve appropriate academic accommodations for each individual student registered with AES, considering the accommodations specified by the protected grounds pertaining to the student as outlined in Saskatchewan Human Rights legislation, including religious observances, family status, and gender identity.
3. Coordinate requests for, and assist in the provision of, academic and clinical accommodations; and provide advice and assistance regarding human rights issues.
4. Counsel registered students on how to access services and programs, encouraging self-reliance and self-advocacy. Facilitate students' achievement by encouraging consideration of options and requirements for additional or modified reasonable accommodations.
5. Initiate referrals for specialized assessments to a variety of professionals to assist in identifying impacts of specific disabilities and providing documentation of disability.
6. Work with regional colleges and distributed sites which have University of Saskatchewan College of Nursing Programs.
7. May also include other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education: The ideal candidate will have a post-secondary degree in a related field; equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Experience: Five to ten years’ experience working with individuals with disabilities and other protected categories, with a preference for those with working experience in a disability or human rights setting in a post-secondary institution. A strong understanding of human rights legislation and protected categories. An excellent working knowledge of a wide variety of adult disability-related issues (including academic issues) and a sound working knowledge of the post-secondary setting; experience working in settings that may require dealing with upset and agitated individuals and individuals with communication difficulties is required.

Skills:

Must have highly effective interpersonal skills and well-demonstrated problem-solving and conflict resolution skills; demonstrated ability to understand differential diagnosis related to learning and mental health disabilities and their impact on learning at the post-secondary level; must possess an understanding of and sensitivity to the needs of students with disabilities; efficient, productive, and innovative work in a dynamic and fast-paced working environment; demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse group of individuals while demonstrating tact, diplomacy, and professionalism; demonstrated ability to develop and nurture relationships with students; creative thinking skills; demonstrated expertise in student management; highly-effective computer skills; high level of proficiency with computers and software applications including word processing, Blackboard Learn 9, Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Office Applications (Word, Excel), and an openness to training on new systems.

A commitment to the objective of empowerment, integration, and inclusion and the capacity to work in a constantly evolving area.

Must have excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to exercise patience, tact, good judgment, diplomacy, and the ability to negotiate complex situations in a calm and persuasive manner.

Must have exceptional analytical and team-building skills with demonstrated ability to work both collaboratively and independently, displaying flexibility, sensitivity, creativity, a high degree of initiative, and foster a cooperative work environment.

Certification in VTRA Level 1 and Mental Health First Aid for Adults who interact with Youth would be considered an asset.

The incumbent must possess a strong working knowledge of the following:

- Human Rights Legislation
- The Health Information Protection Act
- The Local Authority Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act

This position is in scope of the Administrative and Supervisory Personnel Association.

Be sure to apply online as emailed applications will not be accepted.

Department: Access and Equity Services

Status: Term 1 year with the possibility of extension or becoming permanent

Employment Group: ASPA

Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0

Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $67,681.00 - 105,753.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional

Salary Phase/Band: Phase 2

Posted Date: 2/13/2025

Closing Date: 2/20/2025 at 6:00 pm CST

Number of Openings: 1

Work Location: On Campus

The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and is proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation. The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.

#J-18808-Ljbffr