Educational Specialist

**Purpose**:
The Educational Specialist works primarily within Student Accessibility Services to assist Accessibility Counsellors and students through developing, implementing and coordinating supports so that all stakeholders have access to appropriate psychoeducational information that can inform the accommodation process. Reporting to the Manger, Intake, Transitions and Programming, the Educational Specialist plans psycho-educational workshops and training for staff and students, oversees the development and implementation of the MSW/BSW Coaching program, the Peer Tutoring Program and does outreach to the campus community on how the nature of a student's disability can impact their academic and social functioning on the campus as well as the ways that Accessibility Services can support them. The incumbent will provide expert advice, taking an evidence-based approach to develop programming, policy (where appropriate), guidance and resources on how to effectively support students with various academic accommodations taking an approach which is strength based and psycho-educationally informed. The Educational Specialist will manage and conduct learning assessments for students, coordinate the screening process for students who may need psychoeducational assessments for learning disabilities and/or assessments for mental health or other disabilities. The Educational Specialist will also be responsible for delivering and creating outreach sessions for both prospective and current students as well as Faculty and Staff about the accommodation process.

**Education**:
University Masters Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Education, or other relevant program of study which allows for the supervision of MSW and BWD students. Specialization in educational and/or psychological assessment preferred.

**Experience**:
Minimum of 4 years' experience in the following:
Setting academic accommodations
Coaching/tutoring adolescents and adults with disabilities
Educational/diagnostic testing

**Skills**:
Knowledge
Excellent command of contemporary accessibility/disability concepts, paradigms and issues
Knowledge in current trends, legislation, and regulations in Human Rights in the context of higher education
Thorough understanding of the key processes needed in developing academic accommodations at the post-secondary level
Ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds
Thorough understanding of principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion (preferably through lived experience) Skills
Skills in diagnostic assessment related to disabilities.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Excellent time management skills.
Computer skills and sound Knowledge of assistive technology.
Understanding of impact of disabilities on academic performance and social interaction.
Research and analytical skills and excel at serving as an internal resource and consultant, working collaboratively with multiple stakeholders in sensitive contexts.
Proven ability to handle highly sensitive issues that require sound judgement, strict discretion and confidentiality. Ability to manage difficult and emotionally charged interactions, and cross organizational and cultural boundaries with ease.
Highest levels of personal and professional ethics and integrity.
Ability to work independently with mínimal guidance and/or supervision.
Ability to design, develop and successfully implement programs and practices which address equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Ability to use and interpret data from multiple sources to generate reports appropriate to a variety of audiences and to guide evidence-based decisions

**Additional Notes**:
Diverse, complex, fast paced, frequently shifting environment
Sometimes provides information/explanation that may not be well received by the recipients
- **Compensation**:
York's CPM Compensation Framework has a salary grid consisting of 6 or 8 steps (depending on job grade) which is reviewed annually with possible adjustments, and a lump sum Performance Based Recognition Award. Employees will receive the grid adjustment and depending on performance, eligible permanent employees may move to the next step of the grid and may receive a lump sum Performance Based Recognition Award.Visit the CPM Compensation page on the HR Website to find out more about York's CPM Compensation Program.

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**York University offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment processes. If you are contacted by York University regarding a job opportunity or testing, please advise if you require accommodation.**
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**We are committed to enhancing our environmentally and socially responsible practices for the benefit of all members of the York community. Our long term perspective recognizes our responsibility to be innovators and to continually work as a community to reduce our ecological impact.**
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**PLEASE NOTE: Applications must be received by 11:55