Disability Consultant

Date Posted: 11/12/2024
Req ID: 40649
Faculty/Division: UofT Scarborough
Department: UTSC:AccessAbility Services
Campus: University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC)
Position Number: 00056574

Description:

About us:

The University of Toronto Scarborough is a place of energy, enthusiasm and passion. Our commitment to inclusive excellence attracts the brightest learners, scholars and employees from around the globe. Our success has been made possible by the opportunity given to us by our Indigenous hosts to operate on their territory, and we cherish our continuing partnerships with these communities. The University of Toronto Scarborough is an exciting campus with unlimited potential. Join us on our journey.

AccessAbility Services provides and coordinates services and programs that empower students with disabilities to maximize their educational potential and ensure that all students with disabilities can freely and actively participate in all facets of University life. We value diverse abilities as a source of strength and knowledge and are committed to promoting a culture of inclusion. The department works to increase awareness of inclusive values among all members of the University community while building strong student success.

This search aligns with the University’s commitment to strategically and proactively promote diversity among our community members (Statement on Equity, Diversity & Excellence). Recognizing that Black, Indigenous, and other Racialized communities have experienced inequities that have developed historically and are ongoing, we strongly welcome and encourage candidates from those communities to apply.

Your opportunity:

Using a holistic approach, you will work with an ethno-culturally and academically diverse student population performing an assessment of students' needs primarily related to ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities and mental health with co-morbid conditions, including acquired brain injuries; ensuring that appropriate documentation has been received; reviewing and assessing confidential medical/psychological documentation; assessing, planning, implementing, evaluating and adapting accommodations based on students' individual disability-related needs and strengths; assisting students in self-monitoring the effectiveness of their accommodations and making referrals to internal and external supports as appropriate. In addition, you will facilitate students' knowledge about their disability by addressing the strengths and challenges the disability and environmental factors brings to their academic pursuits and daily life activities; determining if assistive technology would assist students, referring when required; assessing, recommending, and providing appropriate documentation to support the use of funding for disability-related expenses.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Applying the established Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) Guidelines on Accessible Education to determine reasonable accommodations
• Researching and recommending alternative approaches and possible accommodation solutions as part of the duty to accommodate
• Developing accommodation plans for students based on their learning profile and documentation (e.g. reviewing and interpreting psychoeducational and neuropsychological assessments, medical documentation, etc.)
• Determining the reasonability of an accommodation in relation to a student's disability
• Screening (for learning disabilities and ADD/ADHD) and making referrals to appropriate resources and services
• Assessing and making recommendations on student funding applications and the appropriate disbursement of funds
• Providing case management support to students requiring the coordination of multiple services
• Counselling students on health issues related to their learning and the effects of their disability (as well as teaching students learning strategies based on their learning profile)

Essential Qualifications:

• Master's degree in a discipline relevant to disability studies such as social work, psychology, rehabilitation services, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum of four (4) years of related experience, including an understanding of assessing disability-related needs and implementing accommodations and support plans for adult students
• Demonstrated experience with disability case management; developing, implementing and monitoring accommodation plans for adult students with ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities, and mental health disabilities with co-morbid conditions
• Demonstrated experience interpreting psycho-educational assessments, screening for ADD/ADHD and learning disabilities, including a knowledge of diagnostic battery of tests for ADD/ADHD and learning disabilities
• Must be committed to the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion with a demonstrated understanding of the strengths and challenges of adults with disabilities and knowledge of cultural views of disabilities as they relate to students' success at university
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to clearly communicate professionally and effectively (both in writing and orally)
• Must have superior organizational skills to effectively and efficiently monitor, track and document student case files
• Must have the ability to: navigate complex situations with sensitivity, actively listen to diverse perspectives, be adaptable to evolving/changing situations, be solution-focused and exercise good judgment on when to refer and/or escalate issues
• Must have the ability to synthesize knowledge, exercise sound judgement, utilize creative problem-solving skills, have great attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy and respond calmly and efficiently with persons that may be in emotional distress, crisis or conflict
• Must have the ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment with strict deadlines
• Computer proficiency with the Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and data management systems
• Ability to offer study skills strategies one-on-one and/or in workshops
• Ability to work effectively both independently and within an inter-disciplinary team
• Applicants are expected to show evidence of a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment

Assets (Nonessential):

• Experience with peer and support groups

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Adaptable
• Approachable
• Communicator
• Organized
• Problem solver
• Resourceful
• Team player

Notes:

• Please note this is a 1 year term opportunity
• The working hours for this position is Mon, Tues, Thurs 8:45AM - 5PM; Wed 10:30AM  - 7PM; Fri 8:45AM - 4:45PM
• A copy of the full job description is available upon request from the UTSC HR Office.

Closing Date: 11/24/2024, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: USW 
Appointment Type: Budget - Term 
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:  
USW Pay Band 13 -- $84,813. with an annual step progression to a maximum of $108,463. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol. 
Job Category: Health & Wellbeing

Lived Experience Statement
Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the posted position.