Accessibility Advisor

ABOUT THE ROLE

Responsible for the needs assessment process for students requiring disability-related support services offered at UCW and through Government programs. Advise students on disability-related issues. Liaise with faculty, academic units, other Student Services and external organizations. Manage a portfolio including outreach and promotional activities. Hire, train and supervise clerical staff and student workers.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assess disability support needs of students experiencing a wide range of temporary and permanent disabilities based on an interview with the student and assessment of appropriate official or unofficial documentation. As required, follow up with internal and external professionals to clarify diagnostic information
• Recruit, hire, train and supervise casual employees providing support services for students (sign language interpreters; attendants for students with physical disabilities; academic aids for students with vision impairments; tutors, scribes, invigilators for exams etc.)
• Support for office operations (outreach, front reception assistance, general student advising etc.)
• Advise faculty and appropriate University departments on accommodating students in the classroom environment
• Liaise with other university departments, including Centre for Teaching Excellence (CTE) to promote and embed Universal Design concepts in teaching
• Liaise between students and appropriate provincial funding agencies.
• Facilitate individual applications for provincial funding for services and adaptive equipment.
• Liaise with other University partners and various academic units.
• Plan and implement activities which promote awareness of services offered by the Office for Students with Disabilities to both students and staff across the University.
• Maintain and update current knowledge of disability issues.
• Support student case management as needed
• Support student success data collection as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Student Support

• Meet with students to ascertain the nature and scope of their concern and advise students on how to proceed under university policy
• Provide advice, support, and information in a professional manner to students seeking information and guidance concerning accessibility accommodations
• Proactively respond to student requests, provide recommendations and identify opportunities to enhance student resiliency and problem-solving skills
• Redirect inquiries and refers to other on and off campus services as necessary

Prevention and Awareness

• Develop, plan and deliver inclusive presentations and undertake group and one-on-one advising, in person or via online channels
• Proactively encourage positive student behaviour via outreach efforts
• Plan and conduct educational workshops for staff and students to provide awareness on diversity within disability, accessibility basics and inclusive language
• Collaborate and provide advice to faculty, staff and other administrators in developing and implementing accessible learning strategies or accommodation that meet the needs of students or inclusive learning environment
• Create and assist with workshops and training for university employees authorized to respond to accessibility matters
• Review and provide revision suggestions to annually the student handbook, printed or electronic material, academic calendar, policies, and procedures applying to inclusive campus activities and accessible student learning
• Work in collaboration with other program units and departments on issues involving accessibility and inclusive learning, demonstrate a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to advise faculty and administrators on student disability-related academic issues
• Experience in the disability field with a particular emphasis on current trends in post-secondary disability service provision, including the Social Model, Universal Design and ecological modes of intervention
• Knowledge of post-secondary Universal Design for Learning principles
• Ability to provide support to assist with case management
• Must be self-directed and able to work autonomously and as part of a multi-disciplinary team
• Tact, diplomacy, excellent interpersonal, organizational and communication skills are essential
• Experience leading discussion groups and classes
• Experience working on a one-to-one basis with a potentially high stress, constantly changing clientele
• Experience working in a professional service provider role with people who have disabilities
• Awareness and knowledge of adaptive technology for students with disabilities
• Proven presentation skills, interview skills and supervisory experience
• Experience in recruiting and supervising support workers and personal attendants
• Excellent organizational skills in managing competing tasks and working with minimal supervision
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a diverse group of employees, students, and the general public, and to exercise good judgment, tact, and diplomacy when interacting with students who may require support with mental or physical health, social, economic, or other barriers to success
• Strong communication skills for delivering accurate information in one-on-one and diverse group situations, in both formal and informal settings
• Ability to ensure inclusivity and to develop and cultivate relationships with students, faculty, staff, and members of the external community

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Educational Psychology, Inclusive Education
• 3 years of experience with disability advising or disability assessment

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Educational Psychology, Inclusive Education, or related field, strongly preferred
• Experience advising students in the university environment is preferred

Diversity and Inclusivity Statement

University Canada West is strongly committed to equity, diversity, and inclusivity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons / persons of color, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

The University recognizes that applicants may have had obligations outside of work that have negatively impacted their record of achievements (e.g., parental, elder care, and/or medical). You are not required to disclose these obligations in the hiring process. If you choose to do so, the University will ensure that these obligations do not negatively impact the assessment of your qualifications for the position.

If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact jobs@ucanwest.ca.

Land Acknowledgement

The University acknowledges that the territories on which UCW and its campuses are situated are the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and Səl̓ílwətaʔ

(Selilwitulh) Nations. We thank them for having cared for this land since time immemorial, honor their graciousness to the students who seek knowledge here and iterate our dedication to valuing the ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples and communities.

We greatly appreciate your time and efforts in applying for the position at UCW, however, please note only successful candidates will be contacted.