Advisor/accommodation Specialist

**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 the requests for, and assist in the provision of, academic 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 Manager of Access & Equity Services (AES), 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 directly with students beginning at the point of reviewing documentation and approving academic accommodation recommendations when registering a student with AES, to providing 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 to 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 which support persons of protected categories.

**Accountabilities**:
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

Approve appropriate academic accommodations for each individual student registered with AES, taking into consideration 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

Coordinate the requests for, and assist in the provision of, academic and clinical accommodations; and provide advice and assistance regarding human rights issues

Counsel registered students on how to access services and programs, encouraging self-reliance and self-advocacy. Facilitates students' achievement by encouraging consideration of options and requirements for additional or modified reasonable accommodations

Initiate referrals for specialized assessments to a variety of professionals to assist in identifying impacts of specific disabilities and providing documentation of disability

May also include other duties as assigned***

**Qualifications**
**Education**:
**Experience**:
Five to ten years’ experience working with individuals with disabilities and other protected categories with a preference to 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 in 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

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