Advisor/Accommodation Specialist

Primary Purpose: The Student Advisor/Accommodation Specialist works directly with students, instructors, programs and colleges from all University of Saskatchewan campuses to coordinate the requests for, and assist in the provision of, academic accommodations; and provide advice and assistance regarding issues in adherence with related policies and provincial/federal Human Rights legislation.  

Nature of Work: Reporting directly to the Manager of Access & Equity Services (AES), the Student Advisor/Accommodation Specialist is one of a team responsible for determination and facilitation of services, and accommodations to U of S students who qualify for reasonable accommodations and supports as outlined in Saskatchewan Human Rights legislation.  This position will work directly with students beginning at the point of reviewing documentation and approving academic accommodation recommendations when registering a student with AES, to providing assistance and advice to students regarding available options for redress wherever students have complaints related to academic or non-academic matters. This person is required to work with instructors, programs and colleges to ensure that efforts are made to reasonably accommodate a student while monitoring the student’s ability to fulfill the essential requirements of a course/program.

This is a high volume position in a fast-paced environment with high traffic and frequent interruptions. Unexpected situations and problems occur frequently and must be resolved on the spot using specialized knowledge of disability issues, U of S Policies and Procedures and Human Rights Legislation.

There is frequent interaction with students who have complex physical, psychological, permanent and temporary disabilities. Considerable discretion is required as the position works with highly confidential medical information and all situations must be handled in accordance to the Health Information Privacy Act.

This position is expected to work closely with community partners both on and off campus, requiring a strong knowledge base in community services which support persons of protected categories. 

Accountabilities:

Identifies accessibility-related needs; determination, facilitation and case management of reasonable accommodations that address impacts of a wide range of disabilities (physical disabilities, sensory disabilities, chronic medical conditions, neurological and mental health-related disabilities and multiple co-occurring disabilities

Approve appropriate academic accommodations for each individual student registered with AES, taking into consideration the accommodations specified by the protected grounds pertaining to the student as outlined in Saskatchewan Human Rights legislation, including religious observances, family status and gender identity

Coordinate the requests for, and assist in the provision of, academic and clinical accommodations; and provide advice and assistance regarding human rights issues

Counsel registered students on how to access services and programs, encouraging self-reliance and self-advocacy.  Facilitates students' achievement by encouraging consideration of options and requirements for additional or modified reasonable accommodations

Initiate referrals for specialized assessments to a variety of professionals to assist in identifying impacts of specific disabilities and providing documentation of disability

May also include other duties as assigned

Qualifications
Education:

The ideal candidate will have a post-secondary degree in a related field; equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered

Experience:

Five to ten years’ experience working with individuals with disabilities and other protected categories with a preference to those with working experience in a disability or human rights setting in a post-secondary institution.  A strong understanding of human rights legislation and protected categories.  An excellent working knowledge in a wide variety of adult disability related issues (including academic issues) and a sound working knowledge of the post-secondary setting ; Experience working in settings that may require dealing with upset and agitated individuals and individuals with communication difficulties is required

Skills:

Must have highly effective interpersonal skills and well- demonstrated problem solving and conflict resolution skills; Demonstrated ability to understand differential diagnosis related to learning and mental health disabilities, and their impact on learning at the post-secondary level;  must possess an understanding of and sensitivity to the needs of students with disabilities; efficient, productive and innovative work in a dynamic and fast passed working environment; demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse group of individuals while demonstrating tact, diplomacy and professionalism; demonstrated ability to develop and nurture relationships with students; creative thinking skills; demonstrated expertise in student management,; highly-effective computer skills.; high level of proficiency with computers and software applications including word processing, Blackboard Learn 9, Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Office Applications (Word, Excel)  and an openness to training on new systems

A commitment to the objective of empowerment, integration and inclusion and the capacity to work in a constantly evolving area

Must have excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to exercise patience, tact, good judgment, diplomacy, and the ability to negotiate complex situations in a calm and persuasive manner

Must have exceptional analytical and team building skills with demonstrated ability to work both collaboratively and independently, displaying flexibility, sensitivity, creativity, a high degree of initiative and foster a cooperative work environment

Certification in VTRA Level 1 and Mental Health First Aid for Adults who interact with Youth would be considered an asset

The incumbent must possess a strong working knowledge of the following:

-Human Rights Legislation

-The Health Information Protection Act

- The Local Authority Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act

This position is in scope of the Administrative and Supervisory Personnel Association.

There is a strong internal candidate for this position

Be sure to apply online as emailed applications will not be accepted.

Department: Vice-Provost TLSE
Status: Term 14 months with the possibility of extension
Employment Group: ASPA
Shift: Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $66,030.00 - 103,174.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 2
Posted Date: 3/13/2024
Closing Date: 3/20/2024 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where 'Yes' is indicated below. Further information is available at: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.php

Criminal Record Check: Not Applicable
Driver's License and Abstract Check: Not Applicable
Education/Credential Verification: Not Applicable
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable