Neurodiversity & Work-Integrated Learning Specialist - Academic Program Support, Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning

Description

The Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning is currently seeking 2 Full-time Limited Term Neurodiversity & Work-Integrated Learning Specialist - Academic Program Support for approximately 12 months.

The Work-Integrated Learning for Neurodiverse Students Initiative is hiring 2 Neurodiversity & WIL Specialists - Academic Program Support to work as a team to systemically change work-integrated learning programming to be neuroinclusive and leaders in neuro-affirming practices. The Work-Integrated Learning community at the University of Calgary is large and located throughout faculties and programming areas on campus. WIL opportunities are incorporated in several degree programs, in the form of internships, co-ops, field placements and practicum positions. These programs are facilitated by a network of academic and non-academic staff across UCalgary's faculties and schools. WIL activities and processes vary across campus accounting for differences across professions, accreditation requirements and history of WIL in the field. Working with WIL partners on campus and externally, the Specialist will build on the existing ecosystems of WIL practitioners and leaders at UCalgary and working with campus partners, build out industry and professional connections to help build awareness, readiness, and capacity to support neurodivergent students in the workplace. 

The Specialist plays a key role in the implementation of the Initiative's Impact Framework:

• Improving knowledge, awareness and understanding of neurodiversity at UCalgary
• Increasing communication, sharing and collaboration with the WIL ecosystem at UCalgary
• Creating, improving, and sustaining new pathways for neurodivergent students to access and complete WIL
• Enhanced ability of industry and community partners to support neurodivergent student thriving in WIL 
• Increased WIL opportunities taken by neurodivergent students
   

This is accomplished by providing training and workshops or one-on-one coaching to assist a WIL practitioner or industry partner's ability to successfully mentor and support students in a WIL program.

Flexibility will be required as student, WIL partner, and employer needs are assessed throughout the project lifecycle. The Specialist will work with the goal in mind to broadly support the university community in understanding the needs of neurodivergent students.  

The Specialist will also play a key role in implementing the program's overall framework by supervising teams of student staff throughout the project who will be engaging in work related to employer engagement events and outreach, WIL experiences, research projects, group facilitation projects, or other administrative work related to the initiative. The Specialist will be a mentor and coach to students throughout the program and often the first point of contact within the TI for students connected to this program.  

This position is based in Calgary on the Main Campus and may occasionally require irregular work hours during peak periods and events and some travel within Calgary and will report to the Associate Director, WIL Initiative. 

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

ACADEMIC PROGRAM SUPPORT

• Partners with academic units to design or redesign work-integrated learning programs.
• Act as a key resource for academic programs, employers and community partners providing support, training, and coaching for students and managers to create successful WIL opportunities
• Build relationships with on campus academic programs and employers within the university WIL community and beyond and help prepare the employment environment for neurodiverse students
• Work with the Student & Alumni Working Group and Employer Engagement Working Group acting as a key resource and connection to the WIL & Neurodiversity Initiative team
• Assist WIL practitioners and industry partners with understanding informal and formal accommodations re:questions in WIL experiences and assisting with referrals to other campus or community supports in an integrated and supportive way
• Facilitate an environment of respect, inclusion, confidentiality, and professionalism by providing a high level of service to all students seeking out support through the Initiative 
• Facilitate and deliver programming for students, staff, faculty, and external partners in an accessible and inclusive manner

PROGRAM COORDINATION

• In collaboration with the Associate Director, initiate, develop, and implement processes and procedures to support academic programs, employers and industry partners
• Responsible for coordinating and managing the collection of data related to the Initiative for reporting purposes and to support strategic planning needs 
• Responsible for supporting WIL placements for Taylor Institute supported courses including offering pre-course workshops and resources grounded in Universal Design for Learning, innovating new placement options for neurodivergent students, working with external partners to pilot new pathways of access, and evaluate new offerings for effectiveness and applicability in other programming 
• Work with our Communications team and Knowledge Translation Specialist on website and other media content development
• Participate as a contributing member on required committees and working groups in the Office of Signature Learning Experiences and campus-wide
• Partner and leverage Taylor Institute resources including Academic Leads, Educational Consultants, and other OSLE experts on the team to develop training and resources for a variety of audiences including students, staff, faculty, and/or external partners
• Provide leadership, direction, guidance, and expertise to others within the University community on neurodiversity 
• Recommend and facilitate programming related to working with and supporting neurodivergent students

STUDENT SUPERVISION                                

• Provide in-scope supervision to a team of students supporting the Initiative in a variety of roles. This may include task delegation, providing on-the-job training, and liaising with management on project updates and day-to-day workloads of students
• Act as a role model, mentor, resource, and coach to students working in positions supporting the WIL & Neurodiverse Students Initiative dealing effectively with complex tasks using expertise, judgement, and professionalism 

Qualifications / Requirements

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field required, a master's degree would be an asset
• Minimum of 2 years experience in Work-Integrated Learning, Career Development, or academic advising in a postsecondary context including working with employers and students
• Experience working with neurodiverse youth or young adults in an advisory/support capacity
• Demonstrated experience networking within a wide range of organizations in the public and private sector 
• Knowledge of neurodiversity especially within the workplace, including knowledge of and experience with formal and informal accommodations in the workplace to facilitate a positive work experience for neurodivergent employees and their employers 
• Knowledge of and ability to communicate about and integrate principles of Universal Design for Learning
• Experience developing training program and skilled in group facilitation
• Highly developed organizational skills and ability to anticipate needs, plan, organize, coordinate and perform work with little or no direction
• Strong attention to detail, sense of initiative and problem-solving skills 

Assets:

• Knowledge of university business systems: Microsoft office, PeopleSoft, Qualtrics, Zoom and other web-based applications; experience with Microsoft SharePoint
• Knowledge of university culture, context, and strategic plans 
• Professional and/or lived experience working with people who experience multiple barriers to employment and training, specifically neurodivergent students and/or adults 
• Experience working with intersecting identities such as Indigenous, BIPOC, LGBTQ2IAS+ and non-traditional student populations 

Application Deadline:  May 19, 2025

Please apply with Cover Letter and Resume

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 3.

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 Institutional Commitments ([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.