Job Title:

Accessibility Advisor 

Staff Bargaining Unit

Position Status: 

Temporary, Full-Time (35 hrs/week) - One (1) year contract
Monday to Friday - 8:30am to 4:30pm 
OSSTF

Department:

Student Success & Wellbeing 

Supervision Received:

Associate Vice-President, Student Affairs

Supervision Exercised: 

Location:

Number of Positions:

Student Assistants, Note-takers, Proctors 

Brampton, ON 

1

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS:

A.

Accessibility Services and Accommodations Advising 

60%

B.

Learning Centre Coordination 

35%

C.

Outreach 

5%

TOTAL

100%

Algoma University has an existing vacancy in the position of Accessibility Advisor. Reporting to the Associate Vice-President, Student Affairs, the Accessibility Advisor will be the primary advisor/case manager for all students with disabilities at Algoma University. This position is responsible for assessing students’ disability-related needs, evaluating supporting documentation, and assessing and interpreting confidential medical/psychological documents. They will develop, implement and support individualized academic accommodation plans for students with disabilities and will coordinate and implement the required support services. The focus on these services will support retention efforts and improve academic success. Non- regular hours may be needed on occasion to accommodate service to students, exams, events, etc. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Accessibility & Accommodative Advising  (60%)

• Provides documentation requirements to incoming students and conducts intake to register new students with Accessibility Services. 

• Reviews/assesses all professional documentation to determine eligibility requirements for accessibility services and academic accommodation.

• Coordinates with partners in Accessibility Services at all campus sites to ensure the accommodation needs of Algoma students are being met. 

• Evaluates and interprets medical, psycho-educational assessment and other related documentation in support of a student’s need for academic accommodation. 

• Conducts preliminary screening of students suspected of having a learning disability, ADHD, or Autism Spectrum Disorder. 

• Conducts screening for potential mental health disabilities, interprets results, and makes referrals to appropriate resources. 

• Coordinates referrals for students to the Northern Ontario Assessment and Resource Centre for further testing. Compiles students’ prior documentation and participates in feedback sessions with Registered Psychologists upon assessment completion. 

• Meets individually with students to assess, review and discuss academic needs and functional limitations. 

• Determines, develops and institutes appropriate academic accommodation plans that mitigate the student’s functional limitations while preserving dignity and academic integrity. 

• Liaises regularly with faculty on behalf of students, resolving accommodation or accessibility questions, complications, concerns and/or any disagreements that may arise regarding the accommodation plan.

• Advocates for students with disabilities in multiple contexts and with various internal departments (Office of the Registrar, Student Accounts, Academic programmes)

• Participates in the hiring and training of note-takers, readers/scribes, and proctors. Preparation and submission of all required timesheets.

• Determines student need for, and facilitates the loan of adaptive or technological equipment. 

• Assists with the development, writing, implementation and maintenance of

policies related to academic accommodation and Accessibility Services.

• Provides new and prospective students with information regarding policies and procedures of Accessibility Services.  

• Provides referrals to on- and off-campus supports where appropriate, including Student Success. Wellness Services, Writing Lab, Learning Centre resources, etc.

• When needed, responds to immediate mental health concerns to de-escalate and provide appropriate referrals. 

• Researches, prepares and submits student applications for disability - required services or equipment through the Bursary for Students with Disabilities (BSWD) program. 

• Reviews student documentation to determine preliminary eligibility for equipment/services through the BSWD program and interviews students to determine their needs.

• Makes recommendations for equipment/services to support students’ disability-related needs while at post-secondary. 

• Sources required equipment and technology and assists students with making approved purchases. 

• Promotes goals of the accessibility services office through representation on various committees, workshops, attendance at conferences, promotional events and other activities. 

• Works closely with Recruitment, Student Life and Faculty divisions on promoting Accessibility Services and the Learning Centre
  
  

1. Learning Centre Coordination  (35%)

• Coordinate the administration of tests and exams for students with accommodations,

            ensuring appropriate test/exam invigilation and proctoring practices are maintained;

            ensuring integrity of the testing process and security of testing materials; identify and

            resolve student/faculty issues.

• Determine and plan the testing-related academic accommodations for students with disabilities, consulting with faculty when necessary.

• Work closely with the Learning Strategist/Assistive Technologist in developing and implementing programs and services that support students. Support the application of hardware and software in the use of assistive technology. Refer students to LS/AT positions who would be eligible to receive Enhanced Services as per assessment results.

• Liaise with and coordinate supports for students with accommodations with Algoma University contractors, e.g. Campus Doctor, Campus Counselling/Wellness Services.

• Organize events, workshops, and awareness initiatives that enhance support for disability inclusion, Accessibility Services, and the Learning Centre. 

1. Outreach (5%)

• Coordinate with Students, Faculty and Community (Outreach).

• Act as a resource to faculty, staff, Algoma University and high schools 

• Present to secondary schools, parents, teachers and school officials as required (irregular)

• Provide training and resources to faculty and staff regarding disability awareness and inclusive practices 

• Other duties, as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

Physical Effort 

Minimal: 
Some lifting/physical effort is required for transportation of materials and setup/take down of events.

Physical Environment

Minimal: 
Minimal exposure to unpleasant/disagreeable conditions.

Sensory Attention

Considerable :
Moderate need for detailed/precise work to be completed while accommodating regular interruptions.

Mental Stress 

Considerable 
Work activities are performed in an environment with occasional exposure to one or more mental pressures. The mental stress would not be noticeably disruptive to the work, nor would the unpleasant reaction be too

strong or persistent. Occasional requirement for non-regular work hours.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Undergraduate degree (Master's is considered an asset)  in Accessibility Studies, Special Education, Psychology, Social Work, Counselling, or a related field, and a minimum of three (3) years of work experience in academic accommodation planning for accessibility needs in a post-secondary education setting, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, is required.

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience dealing with persons in crisis, conflict, or emotional distress is required.

• Experience working with students with diverse disabilities, including but not limited to physical, mental, neurodevelopmental, sensory, and learning disabilities, and applied knowledge of providing academic accommodations based on recommendations from psychoeducational, medical, and other assessments is required.

• Strong working knowledge of laws pertinent to accessibility services, including the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC), is required.

• Knowledge of PHIPA and FIPPA is required.

• One certification in Mental Health response training (Non-violent crisis intervention training, ASIST, MHFA, SafeTalk, or equivalent) is required.

• Experience providing case management support to students, requiring the coordination of multiple services.

• Ability to plan, lead, deliver, and evaluate workshops and programming to provide accessibility education.  

• Coaching, training, and advocacy skills.

• Knowledge of functional impairments and ability to assess those in an academic context. 

• Must have an understanding of disability and social equity issues in a post-secondary environment

• Able to lead new programming development and evaluation in student well-being services

• Excellent oral and written skills, with attention to detail and excellent organizational skills

• Ability to exercise good judgment, maintain confidentiality, and assist students in an empathetic, dignified manner

• Able to work independently

• An understanding of assistive technology is an asset.

• Excellent use of technology for collaboration; strong computer skills, including Microsoft applications; G Suite preferred

• Demonstrated ability to assess student needs (social, emotional, academic) 

• Commitment to supporting Algoma University’s Special Mission and the Seven Grandfather Teachings

• Understanding of the importance of abiding by Confidentiality terms

• Excellent written, presentation and communication skills

• Familiarity with G-Suite and student records systems

• Excellent interpersonal and relational skills

• Excellent organizational and prioritization skills

• Commitment to work both as a team member and independently

• Commitment to meet deadlines and manage time efficiently

• Ability to multitask in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with multiple interruptions 

• Willingness to travel as required to all campuses as needed  

• Vulnerable Police sector check is required