Accessibility Counsellor / Educator

at  York University

EDUCATION:

MSW, MA, or M.Ed. in Education, Counselling Psychology, Rehabilitation Sciences

EXPERIENCE:

Minimum of 3 years’ experience in counselling adolescents and adults with disabilities. Familiarity with Psycho Educational Assessments, Cognitive and Personality Assessments an asset.

SKILLS:

Knowledge and understanding of psychoeducational testing and assessment instruments. Knowledge of a variety of mental health disabilities to ensure appropriate referrals and coordination of services. Coaching, training, advocacy skills. Excellent oral and written communication skills required to write support letters and other documents to advocate for students. Excellent empathic, advising and counselling skills to counsel students in distress and mediate and advocate for clientele. Promote initiatives to maintain positive client RelationsFamiliarity with disability related issues (e.g., legal, educational, financial) in a postsecondary educational environment. Familiarity with medical/ psychological reports and DSM diagnoses. Ability to develop academic accommodation plans based on knowledge of restrictions and limitations due to the nature of specific disabilities. Ability to plan and facilitate workshops and speak to large groups of people. Knowledge of the mental health system and community resources. Familiarity with a variety of individual clinical counselling approaches. Excellent skills as a group facilitator.Basic computer skills (word-processing and knowledge of specialized technology such as speech-to-text programs). High level of multi-tasking required in job requires excellent organizational ability to manage competing priorities under time restraints.

In advancing the Division of Students’ vision as ‘Partners in Student Success’, the Student Accessibility Services Department develops and implements individualized academic accommodation plans for students with disabilities, based on individual assessments. The incumbent assesses medical documentation and psycho-educational assessments and works closely with students registered with Student Accessibility Services, to explore how the disability or disabling condition affects access to learning and the learning environment. The incumbent uses this information, in combination with Ministry requirements, provincial law, industry standards, and clinical judgement to design and facilitate an individualized accommodation plan that ensures that York University is fulfilling its legal duty to accommodate. The Accessibility Counsellor/Educator works closely with faculty to ensure academic accommodations are implemented, and to ensure accommodations uphold academic integrity and the essential requirements of a specific courses and/or program. Collaboration with other campus partners, including faculty, Academic Advisors, Career Advisors, Counselling Services, Learning Skills Services and the Writing Centre is critical to providing holistic support to students. The position requires a service-focused professional who treats members of the community with respect, values their time, strives for personal best, and, collaborates to improve service experiences for all.