Coordinator, Accessibility Community Outreach

**Job Posting**

Aligning with the Nova Scotia Accessibility Act and Access by Design plan, Halifax Regional Council passed the Accessibility Strategy in May 2021 to support the municipality’s work on improving accessibility within HRM. The municipality is committed to the recommendations outlined in the Accessibility Strategy. Under the direction of the CAO, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion/ANSAIO formed the Accessibility Strategy Task Force. This Task Force is comprised of municipal staff representing all business units, and the goal of the Task Force is to oversee the implementation of the Accessibility Strategy action items.

Reporting to the Accessibility Advisor, the Coordinator, Accessibility Community Outreach and Research provides expertise to all HRM business units in the development, implementation and support of community engagement initiatives with equity-seeking groups impacted by barriers to accessibility as well as initiatives to improve accessibility within HRM. The position will promote innovative community engagement programs by working with business units to identify opportunities for improved participation and outreach strategies the identified communities. The position is the lead in community outreach and collaboration efforts of the Accessibility Services section of the Office of Diversity & Inclusion/ANSAIO. In addition to providing expertise in community outreach, the Coordinator will also lead ongoing analytical and research initiatives to support the ongoing implementation of Accessibility Strategy and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion framework and strategies.

**DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Maintain a current knowledge of the diversity and inclusion environment in Halifax with an emphasis on communities impacted by accessibility.
- Maintain a current knowledge of organizations/agencies that support individuals with disabilities
- Supports the Accessibility Advisor to assist business units to identify opportunities for improved participation and outreach strategies in the communities impacted by accessibility.
- Supports the Accessibility Advisor to assist in planning and carrying out events by and/or for the community.
- Support the development and delivery of inclusive public consultation, participation and engagement processes in communities impacted by accessibility.
- Supports the Accessibility Advisor to assist HRM Business Units in addressing the recommendations that were approved in the Accessibility Strategy.
- Under the guidance of the Accessibility Advisor, support partnerships with community leaders, public/private agencies/non-profit organizations and other levels of government to support Indigenous services in HRM.
- Provide support in the implementation and review of the Accessibility Strategy.
- Under the direction of the Accessibility Advisor, conduct jurisdictional scan on key issues and trends pertaining to the disability community and diverse communities at large.
- Provide assistance with the roll out of Accessibility Training modules for HRM municipal staff.
- Promote and encourage employment opportunities to members of the disability community within HRM.
- Contribute to the promotion, implementation and ongoing review of an organization-wide Diversity and Inclusion framework.
- Assist in the production of a range of deliverables including reports, presentations and workshops.
- Clearly understand the municipality’s role with respect to diversity and inclusion, distinguish between HRM responsibilities relative to its internal operations, processes and priorities and those of partners, other levels of government and the private sector.
- May perform other related duties as assigned.

**QUALIFICATIONS**:
**Education and Experience**:

- Undergraduate Degree (preferably in Disability Studies, behavioral sciences, human resources management, social sciences, education, communication, human relations, education, or other relevant discipline) with a minimum of two (2) years of directly related experience working with the disability community.
- Knowledge and understanding of the disability community social, educational and municipal issues, resources, and community with an emphasis on accessibility.
- Strong organizational, written and verbal communications skills, research and problem-solving ability and teamwork.
- Facilitation training an asset.
- Experience in the field of equity, inclusion and diversity.
- Experience in dealing with significant organizational change.
- Experience in developing constructive working relationships with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, including those associated with race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, socioeconomic status, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, and/or other aspects of human diversity.
- Ability to work within a fast-paced environment with all levels of management and staff and multitask.
- Experience working in a diverse and decentralized organization, ideally in the public