Neurodiversity Support Advisor, Student Wellness Centre, Student and Enrolment Services

Position Overview

The Student Wellness Centre is currently seeking a Full-time Temporary Relief Neurodiversity Support Advisor for approximately 1 year.

The Neurodiversity Support Advisor (the Support Advisor) reports to the Manager, Student Wellness Support and will sustain a student outreach and case management portfolio for neurodivergent students to help support their academic and personal success and contribute to a positive student experience. The University of Calgary is committed to helping neurodivergent students build connections within the university to assist them in achieving academic, social and career success. The advisor works with other members of the Student Support and Case Management team within Student Wellness Services.

This Support Advisor position requires a high level of independent judgment and initiative, in addition to tact, diplomacy and ethical decision making in dealing with students, staff members and external agencies. There is a high volume of work, multiple (and sometimes competing) demands and priorities, diverse stakeholder requests and complex and severe presenting needs. The ability to work in a team environment is essential as well as the ability to interact with others in a courteous, patient and helpful manner.

This position provides coordinated care support for the general student body and works in collaboration with the Mental Health and Student Accessibility Services teams. Referral of students and ethical decision making within professional codes and guidelines of the multi-disciplinary team within Student Wellness Services will be practiced. This position will also serve as a consultant, resource, and point of contact for staff and faculty who are concerned about neurodivergent students who are transitioning to university, experiencing transition issues or are isolated within their own communities, as well as possibly displaying at-risk behavior. Students will be supported through face-to-face meetings, online meetings, telephone appointments and email.

Position Description

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

• Demonstrate a high standard of performance in provision of a welcoming first point of contact for students
• Meet 1-1 with students in the pursuit for individual wellbeing and support
• Connect students to internal and external resources
• Deliver programs for this student population, considering issues such as access of service, location, hours
• Maintains client files according to protocol and ensures files are updated in a timely, thorough and ethical manner
• Ensure all analysis and reporting efforts are compliant with university processes, FOIP and the Health Information Act
• Provide leadership, direction, guidance and expertise to others within the University community on neurodiversity
• Work to support the broader university community to understand the needs of neurodivergent students
• Recommend programming and training in regards to working with and supporting neurodivergent students
• Establish collaborative relationships with Residence, Student and Enrolment Services units, faculties and external referral sources to support students
• Manages own time to effectively accomplish tasks and to ensure deadlines are met
• Exercises sound judgment and decision making following outlined procedures and guidelines

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in social work or related field. Master's degree preferred
• 2 years experience working in supporting young adults in an advisory/support capacity
• Experience with supporting neurodivergent students
• Maintenance of professional registration is required (RSW or RPsych)
• Current Vulnerable Sector Check (issued within the last six months)
• Experience with program delivery and implementation
• Experience with outreach and collaborative programs
• Strong leadership and organizational skills
• Demonstrated strong regard for issues of confidentiality and dealing with highly sensitive material
• Proven ability to work effectively with multiple departments, organizations and people in sensitive and complex situations
• Effective communication skills and the ability to model these skills to students and staff
• Strong presentation and group facilitation skills

Application Deadline:  December 15, 2021

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.

Additional Information

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

To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Management and Staff Careers website. 

About the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is Canada’s leading next-generation university – a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation’s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy in line with the foundational goals of Eyes High, 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.

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 professional success while they are here. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.