Advisor, Assistive Services and Technology

Description

Student Accessibility Services in Student Experience and Support is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Advisor.

This position reports directly to the Director, Student Accessibility Services. As a member of the Student Accessibility Services (SAS), the Advisor, Assistive Services and Technology works to increase access for students with disabilities by coordinating assistive services and identifying and training students to use a variety of assistive technologies. The Advisor operates in a highly stressful environment and will be responsible for managing a large caseload of students with highly complex learning needs.

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Arrange for students to receive the necessary assistive services each semester.
• Work collaboratively with Access Advisors to identify appropriate assistive services to support students with disabilities.
• Recruit & assign assistive service providers (ie. Scribes, sign language interpreters, academic aides, etc.) to work with students.
• Prepare detailed cost estimates for services provided each semester and monitor use of allocated funds.
• Monitor students use of assistive services and work proactively to resolve difficulties.
• Compile detailed statistics and information for reporting as needed.
• Maintain electronic and paper file systems with complete and accurate information about service providers, ensuring confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Work with publishers, libraries and external agencies to fulfill student requests for materials in alternate formats.
• Assist student to complete government funding applications for assistive services and technologies.
• Advise SAS students on the range of assistive technology options available to support academic courses.
• Work collaboratively with Access Advisors to identify appropriate  assistive  technologies to support students with disabilities, including identifying and recommending technologies for use as academic accommodations.
• Plan and undertake individual and group orientation and training sessions on various assistive technologies.
• Advise the Director, Student Accessibility Services, on best practices with the field of assistive technology.
• Collaborate with the Manager, Accessibility Testing on  software adaptive options for exam center services (e.g. Text-to-Speech, Speech-to-Text, and Magnification).
• Work with the Director, Student Accessibility Services, to develop and implement a comprehensive University wide policy on the use of assistive services on campus.
• Conduct individual assessments of students to determine their need for assistive technology.
• Provides front-line support to troubleshoot assistive technology issues during exams.
• Assist in the on-going maintenance of the SAS exam center technology, including developing and monitoring  technology renewal plans.
• Liaise with other post-secondary institutions, external agencies, and government funders to review best practices and strategies to enhance the provision of assistive services and technologies.
• Assist with the development, production and revision of department information and promotional materials.
• Maintain SAS  website and communication media related to students with disabilities.
• Ensure departmental communication / promotional materials are accessible and available in alternate format where appropriate.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Undergraduate Degree in Education, Educational Technology, Community Rehabilitation or related discipline required.
• 3 -5 years of student service experience or experience coordinating services for persons with disabilities.
• Experience with assistive technologies, including experience assessing individual needs related to assistive technology.
• Experience providing one-to-one and small group training.
• Teaching experience will be considered an asset.
• Strong understand of the Learning Management Systems, such as D2L.
• Understanding of database management, including query writing, Experience with Clockwork software preferred.
• Ability to work all of the following platforms: Windows, MacIntosh, IOS and Android.
• Experience with Speech-to-text, Text-to-Speech, and Magnification software is required.
• Strong ability to research and evaluate new products and services for students with disabilities.
• Outstanding interpersonal communication skills, including written, oral, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions from phones, staff and students.
• Strong critical thinking, judgment and decision making skills.
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to set prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Experience working with federal and provincial funding agencies is an asset.

Application Deadline:  October 17, 2024

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist/Advisor Job Family, Phase 2.

For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website. 

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ([email protected]).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role. 

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.