On Location Accessibility Advisor: Innis College and University College

Date Posted: 12/16/2024
Req ID: 41137
Faculty/Division: VP & Provost
Department: Accessibility Services
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Position Number: 00051069

Description:

About us:

Student Life connects life to learning. We believe every student should have the opportunity to participate in university life actively and find connection and community while discovering new ways of thinking and being in the world. We provide resources, support and engagement opportunities that are inclusive and accessible, ensuring every student can build experiences that set them up for a lifetime of success.

Within the Division of Student Life, the cluster of Student Life Programs and Services, supports students as they achieve personal, academic, career and civic goals. We engage students throughout their learning and development with the following units: Academic Success, Accessibility Services, Career Exploration & Education, Centre for Community Partnerships, Clubs & Leadership Development, Housing, Indigenous Student Services, Mentorship & Peer Programs, Multi-faith Centre, Orientation, Student Success, Transition & Engagement and TCard Services. Together with staff, faculty, students, alumni, employers and community partners, we provide an integrated and coherent path to success that reflects our students' diversity.

In support of U of T’s vision, Student Life Programs and Services is committed to creating diverse, accessible, inclusive and welcoming spaces of opportunity that foster deepened engagement, learning, personal growth, and identity development for all students. We are committed to embedding these principles into all the work we do, reducing barriers so that students from all backgrounds and lived experiences can feel a sense of belonging in the communities they find here.

To align with our strategic priorities, we encourage individuals from Black, Indigenous, and racialized communities to apply.

Your opportunity:

Under the general direction of the On Location Accessibility Team Lead, the On Location Accessibility Advisor maintains a caseload of students with disabilities, with the capacity to accommodate other students studying on a full or part time basis in a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. The Advisor works with an ethno- culturally and academically diverse student population to: perform an assessment of students’ needs during a comprehensive interview, ensure that appropriate documentation has been received, review and assess confidential medical/psychological documentation using existing guidelines, follow up with medical professionals for clarification or further information when required; develop, recommend and implement accommodations and strategies based on existing accommodation frameworks to ensure consistency and the individual student’s disability; evaluate and modify existing accommodations and assist the students in self-monitoring the effectiveness of accommodations; make referrals both within and outside the department as appropriate, ensure that appropriate documentation is forwarded as necessary. The incumbent facilitates the student’s knowledge about his/her disability, addresses the strengths and challenges the disability brings to their academic pursuits and their navigation of academic and residential environments. The incumbent is also knowledgeable about the academic programs; modes of teaching and assessment and particular learning challenges the academic program presents.

Other duties include: responding to complex inquiries; facilitating the accommodations process with the student, faculty and staff, promoting awareness and providing information about the Service; assessing, making recommendations and providing appropriate documentation to support the use of funding; and representing Accessibility Services on designated University committees pertaining to students with a disability; maintaining an awareness of current research being conducted around accommodations and their effectiveness; and embracing the Service’s principles of equity and inclusion.

The Accessibility Advisor acts as a consultant on disability issues to faculty and academic and administrative staff in the location(s), as well as students. The advisor is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships of mutual support with academic programs within their location(s).

Your responsibilities will include:

• Researching and recommending alternative approaches and possible accommodation solutions as part of the duty to accommodate
• Advising course instructors and staff on student accommodations issues
• Assessing and making recommendations on student funding applications and the appropriate disbursement of funds
• Writing confidential student accommodation summaries
• Providing case management support to students requiring the coordination of multiple services
• Determining the reasonability of an accommodation in relation to a student's disability

Essential Qualifications:

• Master's Degree completed in a discipline relevant to disability issues such as education, social work, psychology, learning disabilities or an acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum four years related experience, including an understanding of disability and student success issues in the post-secondary environment.
• Must have demonstrated expertise in developing, implementing and monitoring accommodations for academic programs for adults with disabilities with specialization in mental health and chronic health with the requisite counselling skills.
• Must have demonstrated expertise in carrying out accommodation plans for students with a wide range of disabilities knowing when to seek supervisory expertise as is appropriate.
• Must have a commitment to the principles of equity and inclusion and be able to demonstrate an understanding of the implications of specific disabilities as they relate to a student's success at university and ina broader context.
• Must understand the strengths and challenges of adults with disabilities and have knowledge of cultural views of disability.
• Excellent computer skills, e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Internet, email, data management system.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and professionally (both orally and in writing).
• Must have the ability to negotiate complex situations and work in constantly evolving situations.
• Must be able to hold a clear sense of role while listening to diverse perspectives, and exercise good judgment with regard to referral and supervision.
• Tolerance for ambiguity and an ability to adapt to change quickly.
• Demonstrated ability to synthesize knowledge and display sound judgment, problem solving skills, attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy.
• Must demonstrate superior organizational skills, and a proven ability to multi-task and work well under pressure in a fast paced environment with strict deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and within a team environment.
• Flexibility, sensitivity, creativity and commitment to work in this area are essential.
• Ability to advise students in an academic context.

Assets (Nonessential):

• Understanding the academic discipline of the location(s).

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Communicator
• Multi-tasker
• Organized
• Resourceful
• Team player

NOTE: Occasional overtime, with approval of manager.

Closing Date: 01/07/2025, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: USW 
Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing 
Schedule: Full-Time NOTE: Occasional overtime, with approval of manager.
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: Student Services
Recruiter: Blythe Campbell

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.